Ethical Use of Al

Your essays are where we hear your voice. Relying on AI, specifically large language models such as ChatGPT or Bard, to craft your essay will dilute your unique expression and perspective. While we know AI tools have become readily accessible over recent months, overuse of AI will diminish your individual, bold, and creative identity as a prospective teacher.

What are some examples of unethical uses of AI in essays?

1. Copying and pasting directly from an AI generator

2. Relying on AI-generated content to outline or draft an essay

3. Replacing your unique voice and tone with AI-generated content

4. Translating an essay written in another language

What are some examples of ethical uses of AI in essays?

1. Use AI tools, like Grammarly or Microsoft Editor, to review the grammar and spelling of your completed essays

2. Generating questions or exercises to help kick-start the brainstorming process

3. Using AI to research the college application process

If you are still wondering whether your use of AI in crafting your application is ethical, ask yourself whether it would be ethical to have a trusted adult perform the same task you are asking of ChatGPT. Would a teacher be able to review your essay for grammatical and spelling errors? Of course! Would that same teacher write a draft of an essay for you to tweak and then submit? Definitely not.

Above all else, remember to be authentic with yourself when writing your essays. Our supplemental questions are designed to spark your curiosity, to make you think deeply about whether you see yourself as a teacher, and to jumpstart your creativity. Don't let a reliance on AI tools take that opportunity from you!