Schools and universities have very different AI policies, and they're changing quickly. The safest approach is to use AI the way you'd use a tutor, not a ghostwriter.
Usually fine (check your policy)
- Explaining concepts you don't understand
- Quizzing yourself and making flashcards
- Brainstorming topics and questions
- Getting feedback on your own draft
- Checking grammar and spelling
Usually not allowed
- Submitting AI-written essays or answers as your own
- Using AI during closed-book exams
- Generating fake sources or data
- Paraphrasing someone else's work with AI to avoid plagiarism checks
When in doubt
Ask your teacher what's permitted for each assignment. If you use AI, keep notes on how you used it, and disclose it if your school requires.
Why it matters
Beyond the rules, assignments exist to build skills: writing, reasoning and problem solving. If AI does the work, you miss the learning, and that shows up later in exams and jobs.
A good habit
Don't give me the answer. Ask me questions that help me figure it out,
and tell me if my reasoning has gaps.Explore our study prompts.