<p><b>Applicants should not use generative AI to create or edit their initial application essays.</b></p>

<p>We know some applicants may want to use generative AI (also called Large Language Models or LLMs). You may feel pressured to use generative AI to polish your initial application essays. However, Outreachy organizers do not judge the writing style, grammar or spelling used in essays. Instead, we look for essays that reflect your lived experience with underrepresentation, discrimination, and systemic 