Is using an assignment writing service cheating? My journey from guilt to clarity

[RobShein]

Okay, I need to have an honest conversation. When I first considered an assignment writing service, I felt SO guilty. Was I cheating? Was I taking the easy way out? Would I get caught and expelled?

I spent weeks researching, reading university policies, and talking to trusted professors (carefully, without naming names). Here's what I learned that helped me make peace with my decision:

Using a service becomes unethical when:
You submit work that isn't yours at all
You don't understand or learn from the material
You use it to avoid doing the work entirely

Using a service can be ethical when:
You use it for research and structure guidance
You receive drafts and then rewrite in your own words
You treat it as a learning tool, not a shortcut
You maintain ownership of your ideas and voice

This article from OZ Assignments really helped clarify things . They explain that ethical use comes down to intent and transparency—if you're using help to supplement your learning while still doing the intellectual work yourself, that's support, not cheating.

I now use an assignment writing service occasionally for proofreading, structure feedback, and seeing how a professional might approach a topic. But I always write the final version myself, with my own analysis and examples. My grades have improved AND I'm learning more because I see better models.

Would love to hear how others navigate this!

 

[Amelia]

The guilt is real, but so is the ethical path forward.

What universities actually say:

• UB Buffalo is crystal clear: "Paying a service to write a paper or complete an assignment for you" is unacceptable . But asking professors for help, using campus-approved tutors, and watching instructional videos? All good.
• University of Waterloo takes a balanced approach—they encourage using their Writing Centre and even allow professional editing services IF you get written permission from your instructor first .

Your "rewrite in your own words" approach is key. Melbourne Uni notes that ghostwriting detection often flags submissions that "significantly exceed the standard of work previously submitted" . By maintaining your voice and rewriting, you're avoiding that red flag.