In short
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) says ChatGPT is a tool and is not intended to be the author of a scholarship essay. PTK treats copy-pasted AI-produced work as plagiarism. Applications with discovered plagiarism are removed from consideration. Applicants are now asked to verify on the application that their essays are their own work.
Limits AI. Applicants may use AI for some tasks, and the funder restricts how much of an application AI may write.
For applicants
- ChatGPT is a tool. It is not intended to be the author of a scholarship essay. PTK's applicant tips also tell applicants not to let AI write the whole essay. [1][2]
- PTK counts copy-pasting AI-produced work as plagiarism. If plagiarism is discovered, the application is removed from consideration. [1]
- The application asks applicants to verify that their essays are their own work. [1]
For reviewers
Phi Theta Kappa has published no rules for reviewers.
Sources
Statement on AI/Plagiarism (opens in a new tab)
Please remind your students that ChatGPT is a tool and is not intended to be the author of a student’s essay. We consider copy-paste of AI-produced work plagiarism, and students are now asked to verify on the application that their essays are their own work. When plagiarism is discovered, a student’s application will be removed from consideration.
🧠How to Use AI/ChatGPT on Your Scholarship Application (the Right Way) (opens in a new tab)
Don’t let AI write your whole essay. Judges can easily spot a ChatGPT-written essay. It’s generic, overly formal, and lacks your voice.
This page summarizes what the funder has published and is not legal advice. Policies change, and one solicitation can add its own rules. Confirm against the funding announcement before you apply.