We recognize that it can be frustrating (and many stronger words) to repeatedly push a student toward more authentic writing only to receive additional drafts with minimal changes. Whenever possible, we will provide at least two rounds of ambitious, engaged feedback that identifies sections of content that flag with multiple content issues that are hallmarks of AI influence. If a student is clearly trying to improve their work—and follows our advice to replace/develop new content—you may continue to provide feedback for further drafts. However, if a student makes minimal changes and continues to flag as being heavily AI influenced, we recommend that you apply a Just Polish approach to the third draft that you review.
It is tricky to track AI-flagged drafts when essays are overflowed or when students are non-exclusive! For this reason, please add a note to the “Editor’s Note” box if you are flagging a draft. For example: “CAPS Draft 2, flagged as AI due to excessively elevated vocabulary, a predictable narrative arc, and lack of personal insights.” This will not only help other coaches if they work on future drafts, but will help you keep track of progress!
Final Checks
If a student’s essay continues to flag as AI on a Final Check review, it can feel awkward to state that it is ready for submission. We do not expect you to write anything that is untrue or hyperbolic. Instead, you can frame your Final Check Blue Notes in that the essay is “ready for submission” because it is within the word count, grammatically polished, and has received your best efforts as an expert Writing Coach. You can highlight any progress in adding specificity and personal insight and also mention the key way that they have effectively answered the prompt.
For example:
Your draft flows well, is polished grammatically, and has a crisp narrative that demonstrates your willingness to step up and lead. Readers will appreciate your ambitious conclusion that looks forward to all of the opportunities you will take advantage of in university!
Counselor Communications
If counselors ask if an essay is “still flagging as AI,” you don’t need to respond directly. When we send AI reports to counselors, we ask them to email the team directly with questions. If you would like to respond with a counselor note, we recommend that you focus on what you’ve done as an educator, not on what the student has done nor on whether the essay is flagging as AI.
For example:
In the last two drafts, I’ve focused on asking questions that dig deeper into X’s motivation for forming a different debate club instead of joining their school’s existing team. I also provided guidance to reflect more deeply and authentically on their leadership when they struggled with commitment to the club. While some of those questions remain unanswered, the student’s engagement with my feedback has added clarity and personality. I’ve shifted my focus to polishing the essay, focusing on edits that will center X’s voice.
APAC & AI
We’ve also offered additional guidance for our APAC coaches on dealing with AI which can be found here.
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