Overview
Maya is struggling with her college admissions essay. A classmate shows her how an AI tool can generate a polished essay in minutes. Many students are using it, and no one has been caught.
The Choice
Should Maya use AI to write her college essay?
Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades 9-12
- Reading Level
- Level 10.802624680306906
- Word Count
- 391 words
- Published
- Mar 23, 2026
The Dilemma
Maya has rewritten her college admissions essay four times and still feels it is not good enough. Her top-choice university is extremely competitive, and the essay is a major factor. Her classmate Jing shows her an AI tool that can generate a beautifully written essay based on a few prompts. "Half our class is using it," Jing says. "Admissions can't even tell." Maya reads the AI-generated draft and has to admit it sounds more sophisticated than anything she has written. But the essay is supposed to reflect who she is — her voice, her story, her thinking. If she submits something a machine wrote, is it really her application?
Values in Tension
This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:
Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.
Your Options
Write the essay herself, even if it is not as polished.
Use the AI tool to produce a stronger essay.
Questions for Reflection
Take a moment to consider these questions. There are no "right" answers – the goal is to explore different perspectives and develop your own reasoning.
- 1
What does Kant mean by being "worthy" of something versus just obtaining it?
- 2
Is submitting AI-generated writing as your own a form of lying?
- 3
Does the fact that many students use AI change whether it is right?
- 4
How does using AI for a personal essay affect Maya's dignity as a rational agent?
- 5
What would happen if every applicant submitted AI-written essays?
Did you like this dilemma?
Philosophical Perspective
Insights from Immanuel Kant
Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.