i don't feel that this is wrong. i see it as its motivation for the student, and its just to push them forward. the student can be very bright but just need that extra push. now if the say the exact same thing as the article then that's wrong. you can put your own words in a essay using someones info.
i feel i would get a very high grade if i did what they did. i really don't need to cause i am a great writing. if my doctor was one of them then i would go to him still that just shows he's a hard worker, and he would go to the top to make sure he is good, but in a non cheating way. conclusion i feel that its nothing wrong with that. everyone needs that push to the top. its like riding a bike you are pushed first to go then you learn to peddle on your own. so its actually a great idea.