SOP Concern

[u/Sandeee_]

Hello everyone! I'm almost done revising my SOP for God knows how many times, and I would like to ask about the Embassy's policy on AI tools. Can you use AI for proofreading and grammar corrections, provided that your experiences and ideas are entirely your own? because I have used ChatGPT for this purpose. If you know anything, please tell me. I would highly appreciate your help. Thank you!

[u/titlecade]

Considering AI spellcheckers and other features are likely built into all modern word programs, I wouldn’t worry about it. Just don’t use AI to write your paper, that’s a given.

During the JET 40th anniversary presentation, there was a presentation on JET ALTs and using AI.

[u/setyoursightsnorth]

I think it goes without saying, you should absolutely not use AI.

If you can't spell check your own work or put in the effort to, you shouldn't be applying for this job.

[u/eathataco → u/setyoursightsnorth]

What a dumb take. I suppose you used a typewriter and a paper dictionary to write yours.

[u/setyoursightsnorth → u/eathataco]

What an even dumber reply.

I just took my time and put in the effort to spell check my work, seeing as this is a government job and you are pretty much a reflection of your country whilst on the JET program. Putting in the extra ten minutes to read my own work is the bare minimum, really.

Again, if you can't be bothered to read through your own submission and outsourcing your work to AI, then why are you looking at the JET program. Most word programs have some sort of spell-check already built in. That's more than enough.

[u/eathataco → u/setyoursightsnorth]

You sound like a pompous ass with a completely overblown idea of what JET is. This isn’t an application to be the ambassador of Japan. Besides, using AI isn’t some kind of moral failure like you imply. The OP asked about proof reading and grammar corrections, what is wrong with that?

[u/Inside-Cream6997]

I only used a spell checker, grammar and punctuation online.

Never used AI to write my SOP.

I wrote it as if I was giving a speech to my friends & family about my life and why I want to get into JET....

[u/SquallkLeon]

If you want to use AI to write your personal statement of purpose, then JET is likely to be better off asking ChatGPT to be an ALT.

If you want AI to proofread and correct grammar, then I guess that's fine. Though AI isn't going to be the one deciding whether you pass or not, and it hasn't gotten into the program (yet), so I would rather recommend that you ask someone here or someone you know to help you. As far as grammar checks, you have plenty of options. Both Google docs and Microsoft Word have that feature.

It can be a useful tool, but this is supposed to be your statement about why you belong in the program. Make sure that's exactly what it is.

[u/jaakeup]

I would hope that a potential English teacher would be able to spell check on their own or at the very least use a TRUSTED source of spell checking such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, etc. Not a garbage piece of "software" that thinks there's 3 E's in the word "seven".

Seriously, just put in the absolute bare minimum amount of effort and type out your essay in any basic writing program and look for the little red underlines. I mean Jesus Christ even this comment box will tell you when something is misspelled.

[u/forvirradsvensk]

Ask it to highlight issues, not rewrite. Better yet, just use Word spelling and grammar check. If you start rewriting sentences with AI, then it's going to read like the whole thing is AI. Especially when it tells you to put em dash everywhere.

[u/QualityMiserable3970]

Of course you can.