When we review your application, our hope is that we get to know you and understand your potential place within the Rhodes community. When you’re drafting your essays, it’s important that we hear from you. Your voice is truly unique. Relying on generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools (such as ChatGPT and/or other large language models) to do the work for you will result in inauthentic, generic writing that doesn’t showcase your attributes.
If you choose to use generative AI in your application process, we expect you to do so ethically. Here are some examples to guide you:
- Permissible uses of AI
- Researching colleges
- Developing your list of colleges
- Feedback on your ideas for essay topics
- Reviewing the grammar and spelling of your completed essays
- Searching for answers to questions you have about the application process, but remember that our team can always provide the most current information and are happy to help!
- Prohibited uses of AI
- Drafting or writing any portion of your application essays or short answer responses
- Producing fraudulent application materials such as a letter of recommendation, a transcript of high school courses, or a certificate for an award
- Copying and pasting directly from an AI generator
- Replacing your unique voice and tone with AI generated content
- Translating an essay written in another language
You may also consider: would it be ethical to have a trusted adult perform the same task you are asking of AI? Would a teacher be able to review your essay for grammatical and spelling errors? Definitely! Would that same teacher write a draft of an essay for you to tweak and then submit? Definitely not. Remember that your application to Rhodes should also comply with the Common Application’s own fraud policy.
Choosing to use AI in an unacceptable manner could result in a denial or reversal of your admission decision.
Rhodes students are guided by the Honor Code, and individual departments and faculty establish specific AI policies for their courses.