I feel like I’m losing my mind! Am I blowing this out of proportion?
Let me provide some context: my sister, mother, and aunt are all teachers, and I currently work at a high school among other educators.
Right now, I’m enrolled in an online English writing class with a short semester format running from January to March. Initially, everything was going smoothly until I submitted my first essay and received a shocking zero, which plummeted my grade to 45. I scheduled a meeting with my professor to discuss this, and she explained that the zero was due to my essay being flagged as 77% AI-generated. This baffled me since I didn’t use AI at all. After some back and forth, it turned out that using Grammarly to correct a few grammar errors was the issue. I had no idea Grammarly counted as AI; my college even provides it for free. The professor acknowledged this and had sent out an email about Grammarly usage. I took full responsibility, accepted the zero, stopped using Grammarly, sought help from my sister and colleagues, and even uninstalled it from my computer. She did mention that if I needed to improve my grade, I could rewrite the essay.
Fast forward to yesterday: I submitted my final paper and was dismayed to receive another zero! This time, she claimed that my work was flagged for 40% AI content. My grade dropped from 90 to 67, and I was genuinely confused because I knew I hadn’t used AI. I reached out via email to explain that I had the rough draft and outline to support my case. I spent hours crafting this essay while also juggling a psychology assignment. My sister, who teaches English, and several teachers at my school reviewed my work. It just doesn’t add up that I would resort to AI for my final paper, especially when previous submissions hadn’t been flagged.
As a side note: In another class, I had asked my professor how Turnitin detects AI. She shared that she tested it with her own writing and got a 74% AI detection score, emphasizing that such tools shouldn’t solely dictate a student’s grade and that professors should trust their own judgment.
However, my professor seemed to take issue with the tone of my email, pointing out that I hadn’t mentioned my sister’s profession and questioning the authenticity of my essays because she noticed a discrepancy between my email writing style and my essays. She mentioned that AI could distinguish AI-generated text from human writing, and since I previously admitted to using Grammarly, she inferred that this might cast doubt on the validity of my work. She concluded her email by asking if there was anything else she should know, implying that I was hiding information from her.
Still feeling frustrated, I wrote back to express that I didn’t appreciate her insinuation that my sister was writing my essays. I explained that comparing my email writing to essay writing was irrelevant; I genuinely enjoy writing and put significant effort into ensuring my papers are polished. I also clarified that multiple people reviewed my essays—not just my sister, but various teachers at my school and through the free tutoring service we have. I don’t see how getting feedback from my colleagues is different from having the English department look over my work. I’ve never needed anyone or AI to complete my essays, and I haven’t heard back from her yet.
I put a lot of hard work into this essay, even sacrificing sleep to finish it alongside my psychology paper. It’s perplexing to me that the first and last essays were flagged for AI, but my middle submissions were not. I’m not suggesting my professor is out to get me—she hasn’t behaved that way—but this situation doesn’t add up.
Everyone around me is saying I should appeal the grade, but I’m unsure how to proceed. Am I overreacting?
It sounds like you’re going through a really frustrating situation, and it’s completely understandable that you’re feeling this way. Academic integrity is a serious issue, and being accused of something you didn’t do can understandably lead to a lot of stress and confusion.
From what you’ve described, it seems like you’ve taken the right steps after your first essay by acknowledging the confusion around Grammarly and seeking help from your sister and colleagues. If your essays were flagged for AI use while others were not, that inconsistency does raise concerns about the reliability of the AI detection tools being used.
It’s also valid to feel hurt by your professor’s response, especially if you feel she’s questioning your integrity or the work you’ve put into your assignments. Clear communication is essential in these situations, and it sounds like you’ve tried to explain your side thoroughly.
Regarding appealing the grade, it’s worth considering, especially if you truly believe that the AI detection results are inaccurate and that your work was misjudged. Here are a few steps you might take:
Document Everything: Gather the evidence of your drafts, outlines, and any correspondence with your professor regarding the AI issue.
Speak with an Academic Advisor: They can provide guidance on the appeal process and help you understand the best way to present your case.
Follow the Formal Appeal Process: Every institution has procedures for grade appeals. Make sure you understand and follow these guidelines if you decide to proceed.
Keep Communication Professional: If you choose to email or speak with your professor again, try to maintain a calm and professional tone. Focus on your concern about the accuracy of the AI detection and your commitment to academic integrity.
Reflect on the Situation: While it’s essential to advocate for yourself, also consider if there are any lessons to take away from this experience, whether about communication or academic expectations.
Ultimately, it’s about making sure your hard work is recognized and that you’re treated fairly. You’re not overreacting; your feelings are valid, and it’s important to stand up for yourself. Good luck!