The Ethics of Paid College Application Essay Assistance: A Cautionary Perspective
College applications are a critical phase in a student's academic journey. They lay the foundation for future opportunities, making the essay a central component. However, the question arises: if a student hires an agency for academic support in writing these essays, is it considered plagiarism? This article delves into the ethical and legal implications of such practices.
Understanding the Nature of the Assistance
Before we delve into the ethical considerations, it's crucial to understand that the type of service and the nature of the assistance provided by the agency play a significant role in determining whether the practice is acceptable. While it may not be considered outright plagiarism, it can easily veer into fraudulent territory. This is particularly true when services such as buying research without permission or substituting one's work with that of another are involved.
Legitimate Forms of Assistance
Legitimate forms of assistance, such as thesis bookbinding services, were and still are common. Universities often provide resources and guidance to assist students with their work, which is expected. However, hiring an individual or a company to write your essays falls into a grey area. When a student uses such services, they are essentially submitting someone else's work as their own.
Universities and Anti-Plagiarism Policies
Most universities have strict anti-plagiarism policies that students must adhere to. These policies often require students to sign an agreement stating that they will not submit any form of unoriginal work. When a student uses a paid online service to write their essays, they are in essence agreeing to plagiarize. While such services promise confidentiality, they also provide a trail of evidence that can be easily traced back to the student.
Justifying Delays and Extensions
If a student encounters obstacles in completing their work on time, it's better to communicate these issues early. Delaying submission is generally better than not submitting at all. If the delay is due to legitimate reasons, the university should understand and may even grant an extension. For example, if a student needs to use specific equipment that is in high demand, they should inform the university in advance and seek alternative solutions.
Responsible Academic Behavior
It's crucial to understand the difference between seeking legitimate assistance and submitting someone else's work. Submitting late with your own work is better than submitting plagiarized material. In the professional world, late work can often be acceptable, while submitting someone else's work can lead to severe repercussions, including job loss and blacklisting.
Morality and Professional Neutrality
The industry one chooses to study might be a significant indicator of one's commitment to their work. If a student is too lazy to do their own work and instead relies on paid assistance, they should seriously question their suitability for that field. Universities are designed to help students succeed and are more understanding towards genuine efforts to improve academic performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there may be instances where seeking assistance is necessary, it's crucial to differentiate between legitimate academic help and submitting someone else's work. Students must be responsible and ethical in their academic pursuits, especially when it comes to submitting application essays. Universities have strict policies in place to ensure academic honesty, and students should adhere to these guidelines to maintain integrity and avoid potential penalties.