Non-Repository vs Repository Turnitin: What's the Difference?
The single most important Turnitin setting most students never touch is 'submit to repository'. Getting it wrong on a draft can trigger a 100% match on your final submission — against yourself.
What repository actually means
When 'submit to repository' is on, your paper is stored in Turnitin's database of student submissions. The next time anyone submits a paper — including you or your university's final check — Turnitin will match it against your stored copy.
The self-match trap
Common scenario: you check a draft with repository on. Two weeks later your final version gets 100% similarity — because Turnitin is matching it against your own stored draft. Instructors often understand this, but it triggers an academic-integrity conversation you should never have to have.
Non-repository: check without storing
Non-repository submission runs the exact same similarity check but nothing is retained. Your draft never enters the database, and your final institutional check is unaffected.
When to use each
Non-repository: any check you do for yourself before final submission. Repository: only when your university requires it for the final graded submission.
FAQ
Is non-repository less accurate?
No — the scan is identical. Only the storage setting differs.
How do I know if a service is non-repository?
Ask before you order. FREKUM WRITES uses non-repository by default.
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