I'm a high school student and I feel pressured to use assignment help like everyone else

[Califa]

I'm in my final year of high school, applying to colleges, and the pressure is insane. Everyone in my class seems to be using some form of assignment help—tutors, online services, AI tools. My friends talk about it openly like it's no big deal. I've never used anything like that, but I'm starting to feel like I'm at a disadvantage. If everyone else is getting help and I'm doing everything myself, am I going to fall behind? My parents can't afford private tutors. I don't know what to do. Is this just what school is now? Should I figure out how to use these tools, or is that cheating? I'm so confused and stressed.

 

[MaryaL]

I felt the same pressure you're feeling. Here's my honest advice:

Don't confuse help with cheating.

• Legitimate help: Office hours, writing centers, study groups, Khan Academy, YouTube tutorials, asking friends to explain concepts
• Cheating: Having someone write your work, using AI to generate essays, copying answers

Your friends might be blurring that line. You don't have to.

The kids who use shortcuts now often struggle later because they never built the foundation. You're building it. It's harder now, but it pays off. I promise.

Also, your teachers WANT to help you. Go to office hours. Ask questions. Show them you're trying. They'll respect you more than any student who turns in AI-generated work.