As artificial intelligence becomes a bigger part of everyday life, students at the University of Virginia are quickly finding ways to make it work for them—especially when it comes to writing assignments. According to a new report, more and more students are using AI tools not just to proofread, but to help them plan, write, and even complete their essays. From PerfectEssayWriter.ai to ChatGPT, Jasper.ai, and Gemini, these platforms are becoming common companions in the academic toolkit.
And among them, PerfectEssayWriter ai stands out as the most popular.
The findings come from a comprehensive study conducted earlier this year by UVA’s Academic Technologies and Learning Design departments. Researchers surveyed over 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students, alongside dozens of faculty members, to understand how generative AI is being used in academic work.
The results? Over 80% of students admitted to using AI tools in some capacity—ranging from light assistance with grammar and structure to full-blown essay generation. The growth is especially notable compared to just a year ago, when fewer than 40% reported even trying such tools.
Clearly, AI is no longer an optional add-on—it’s becoming embedded in the daily routines of students.
While several tools are in regular use, PerfectEssayWriter.ai emerged as the frontrunner. Over 65% of AI-using students said it was their primary tool. What sets it apart?
Purpose-built for academic writing – Unlike general-purpose AI like ChatGPT, PerfectEssayWriter.ai focuses solely on essay structure, citations, thesis clarity, and academic tone.
Easy interface – Students appreciated how intuitive it is, especially for non-technical users.
Speed and reliability – The tool’s ability to generate detailed essay drafts in minutes, based on user input and topic guidelines, was a major selling point.
Compliance features – Many said they use it not just to generate content, but to get suggestions and then rewrite them in their own words.
“I don’t use it to cheat,” one third-year student said. “I use it to get started when I’m stuck. It’s like a brainstorming buddy that actually gets my major.”
While PerfectEssayWriter.ai dominates, it's far from the only AI in use.
ChatGPT, OpenAI’s chatbot, remains a go-to for quick help—especially for summarizing articles, generating questions, or simplifying complex concepts. Its conversational format makes it a great companion for late-night study sessions.
Jasper.ai is another strong player, especially among communications and business students. Known for its polished output and content refinement, Jasper is favored for editing essays and making them more persuasive.
Then there’s Gemini (Google’s AI platform), which students often turn to when doing research-heavy work. Its integration with search and Google Docs makes it a convenient option for multitasking.
Each tool has its niche, but none seem to match the academic focus and popularity of PerfectEssayWriter.ai at UVA.
Most students say AI helps them write faster, think more clearly, and meet deadlines more easily. They credit it with reducing stress and increasing confidence in their writing—especially for non-native English speakers.
But not everyone is thrilled.
Some students worry about becoming “too reliant” on these tools. One fourth-year student in the humanities noted, “I started using it just for outlines, but now I feel stuck without it. I second-guess myself more than I used to.”
Others express concern about AI-generated errors. These tools can “hallucinate” facts or misinterpret prompts—meaning students still have to double-check everything before submitting.
UVA has taken a measured approach to the AI revolution. Unlike some institutions that have banned AI use outright, UVA encourages AI literacy—teaching students how to use these tools responsibly.
Still, there’s confusion. According to the report, 77% of instructors hadn’t clearly defined their policies on AI usage in syllabi or assignments. This lack of clarity has created a gray area, where some students feel unsure about what counts as “acceptable assistance.”
Faculty responses vary widely. Some embrace AI tools as learning aids; others see them as threats to academic integrity.
To provide some structure, UVA officially supports Microsoft’s Copilot as a licensed, secure option. However, many students opt for third-party tools like PerfectEssayWriter.ai, which they say are more tailored to their needs.
There’s no question: AI is changing how students learn and write. But it’s not without consequences.
Studies cited in the report show that over-reliance on AI can lead to lower comprehension and weaker exam performance. One study found that students who used AI to complete reading assignments scored significantly lower on related quizzes—suggesting they retained less information.
On the flip side, AI can serve as a powerful assistant if used correctly. That’s why educators and administrators are pushing for a balanced approach: one that values human thought but doesn’t ignore the benefits of technology.
To strike that balance, the report suggests several practical steps:
Faculty should clearly outline AI policies in their courses—what’s allowed, what isn’t, and where to draw the line.
Students should be encouraged to disclose if and how they used AI tools in their assignments.
Workshops and resources should be offered to train students on how to use AI as a supplement—not a substitute—for original thinking.
Assignments could be redesigned to include in-class writing, oral defenses, and process reflections to ensure students engage with the material deeply.
The data from the University of Virginia paints a clear picture: AI is no longer on the sidelines of academia—it’s front and center. With PerfectEssayWriter.ai leading the charge and other tools like ChatGPT, Jasper.ai, and Gemini close behind, students are reimagining how essays are crafted, revised, and submitted—often with the help of an artificial intelligence paper writer.
But with great power comes great responsibility. As long as students, educators, and institutions continue working together to draw clear lines and promote responsible use, AI can be one of the greatest educational allies of our time.
The question now is not whether students will use AI—but how they’ll use it wisely.
