Corrections Policy

Our commitment to transparency when we get things wrong.

Last updated: September 2024

Guiding Principles

  • Accuracy first: We prioritize getting it right over being first.
  • Transparency: Corrections are clearly labeled and explained.
  • Timeliness: We correct errors as soon as they are verified.
  • Preservation: Original content is preserved with correction notices; we don't silently rewrite history.

Types of Corrections

Corrections

Factual errors that change the meaning or accuracy of the content. Examples:

  • Incorrect statistics, dates, or names
  • Misquoted sources or misattributed statements
  • Mathematical errors in data analysis
  • Incorrect policy descriptions (e.g., wrong deadline, eligibility rule)

Clarifications

Content that is technically accurate but could be misunderstood or lacks important context. Examples:

  • Ambiguous phrasing that could mislead
  • Missing context that changes interpretation
  • Outdated terminology

Updates

Content that was accurate when published but has changed due to new developments. Examples:

  • Policy changes (new legislation, regulation updates)
  • New data releases superseding previous figures
  • Institutional changes (college closures, mergers, leadership changes)

Correction Process

  1. Report received: Error reported via contact form, email to [email protected], or internal review.
  2. Verification: Editorial team verifies the error against primary sources.
  3. Classification: Error classified as Correction, Clarification, or Update.
  4. Correction drafted: Clear, concise correction note written explaining what was wrong and what is correct.
  5. Publication: Correction appended to the article with timestamp and classification.
  6. Notification: For significant corrections, a note may be added to the homepage or newsletter.

How Corrections Appear

Corrections appear at the top of the affected article in a distinct format:

CORRECTION (September 15, 2024)

An earlier version of this article stated that the 2024-25 FAFSA opens on October 1, 2023. In fact, it opened on December 31, 2023. The article has been updated.

Clarifications and updates follow a similar format with appropriate labels.

Significant Corrections Log

Corrections that materially affect the article's conclusions or involve significant factual errors are logged here:

DateArticleErrorCorrection
Sept 2024FAFSA Simplification: What the 2024-25 Changes MeanStated FAFSA opened Oct 1, 2023Corrected to Dec 31, 2023

Reporting an Error

If you believe we've made an error, please contact us:

Please include:

  • Article URL and title
  • Specific error (quote the incorrect passage)
  • Correct information with source if possible
  • Your name and contact information (for verification)

Retractions

In rare cases where an article's core conclusion is fundamentally flawed and cannot be corrected, we may retract the article. Retractions include:

  • Full explanation of why the article was retracted
  • Preservation of the original article with retraction notice
  • Notification to anyone who shared or cited the article (where feasible)