“When is asking others for help and opinions acceptable, and when is it cheating?” In academic work, the difference between collaborating and cheating depends almost entirely on context. There will be times—during exams, for example—when instructors will expect you to work alone. At other times, working with others—for a team project, perhaps, or peer review—may be required, and getting others’ opinions on your writing is always a good habit. You draw the line, however, at having another person do your work for you. Submitting material under your name that you did not write is unacceptable in college writing. But collaboration is a key fact of life in today’s digital world, so it’s important to think carefully about how to collaborate effectively—and ethically.