Scoring a former tutoring student's scholarship
- Kind
- Ethical dilemma
Prompt
You volunteer on the selection committee for a $10,000 community scholarship awarded each year to one graduating high school student. Five volunteers score the finalists independently, and the highest total wins. One of the three finalists is Marcus, a student you tutored in math every week for two years. His parents paid you $40 a session, and he still texts you now and then. Having read all three applications, you honestly believe his is the strongest. The committee chair does not know about your connection and needs your scores by tomorrow. What would you do?
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After you practice: what this question tests and how to approach it
What this question tests
- Professionalism and integrity
- Ethical reasoning
How to approach this question
This MMI station on conflicts of interest tests whether you'll disclose a personal connection even when you believe your judgment is sound. Name who relies on fair scoring: the other two finalists, the committee and the community that funds the award, and Marcus, whose win could be questioned later. Ask aloud whether your belief that his application is strongest is enough, given that nobody else can check it. Weigh scoring quietly, disclosing and stepping aside, and disclosing and letting the chair decide, then commit to one. When the station has the chair push back, explain whether the committee's needs change your role, and what safeguards would make your score fair.
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