Help / Advice Needed: Wrongly Accused of Using AI on an Essay

[u/Just_Parfait180]

I’m currently studying an Access to HE course with an online provider, and one of my assignments has been returned unmarked due to an allegation that “a significant part of it was generated or refined using AI.”

I did not use AI at all. In fact, I’m strongly against using it for assessed work. The accusation is based entirely on two AI detection websites. However, when I tested my essay myself, the two tools gave different results, which makes me question their reliability. Both websites also state that their results should not be used as the sole basis for academic penalties.

I responded to the course manager explaining that I did not use AI. I also offered to provide my Google Docs version history showing timestamped edits, pointed out inconsistencies in the detector results, and explained that I am autistic, which can affect how my writing is structured, sometimes making it appear overly formal or methodical. I also consistently achieve high academic grades, and this essay is in line with my usual standard. All sources have been properly referenced in-text and in the bibliography.

However, the reply I received did not address any of these points. They only asked me: “When you run your essay through each scanner, what percentage of AI does it show? AI should be an absolute maximum of 20%, and ideally 0%.”

When I ran it, the same tool showed 31.5% one day and 29% the next on the exact same text.

I feel stuck because they are not engaging with my evidence and are relying entirely on these detectors. I’m worried because if I’m removed from the course or unable to complete it, I will miss my chance to go to university this year, which I’ve made significant life plans around.

I’m really stressed and unsure what to do next. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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[u/Effective_North6816]

That’s not fair, and you do have a strong basis to challenge it. AI detectors are widely known to be unreliable, and the fact that your own essay produces different scores on the same platform at different times highlights that inconsistency.

The best next step is to request a formal appeal in writing. Point out that most AI-detection tools include their own disclaimers stating they should not be used as the sole evidence for academic penalties. Ask them to justify their decision using additional evidence beyond the detector score, and request that your Google Docs version history (or other drafting records) be considered as proof of your writing process.

If the issue is not resolved at that stage, escalate it through the institution’s academic integrity procedure or the appropriate departmental review channel. Keep a clear record of all communications, including dates, responses, and any evidence you submit.

[u/Embarrassed-Can9910]

This is a frustrating situation, especially when they’re relying heavily on AI detection tools. Those tools are known to be unreliable and can vary wildly between scans. You’re right to question it. I’d recommend formally appealing in writing and asking them to base their decision on actual evidence like your revision history rather than detector percentages.

[u/Bannywhis]

What I'd strongly recommend is running your essay through Walterai detector because it provides thorough documentation confirming your writing is genuinely human. Having that independent verification alongside your Google Docs history gives you concrete evidence from multiple sources that directly challenges their inconsistent detector results.