Phi Theta Kappa AI policy
Limits AIChecked November 9, 2026
In short
For Phi Theta Kappa scholarships, ChatGPT is a tool and is not meant to be the author of your essay. PTK treats copy-pasted AI-produced work as plagiarism, which removes an application from consideration, and asks applicants to verify their essays are their own work.
For applicants
- ChatGPT is a tool and is not intended to be the author of a scholarship essay. PTK's applicant tips also say not to let AI write your whole essay.[1][2]
- PTK considers copy-pasting AI-produced work plagiarism. When plagiarism is discovered, the application is removed from consideration.[1]
- Applicants are asked to verify on the application that their essays are their own work.[1]
Sources
- [1]Statement on AI/Plagiarism
Phi Theta Kappa, December 17, 2025
“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.”
- [2]🧠How to Use AI/ChatGPT on Your Scholarship Application (the Right Way)
Phi Theta Kappa, December 17, 2025
“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 published guidance and is not legal advice. Policies change, and a specific solicitation can add its own rules, so confirm against the funding announcement before you apply. See every funder's AI policy.