The college application process is daunting, especially the essay portion. With the rise of AI chatbots like ChatGPT, some students might be tempted to use them as a shortcut to craft a compelling essay. However, college admissions experts strongly advise against this practice, arguing it can actually hinder a student’s chances of acceptance.
Why AI Essays Fall Short
The college essay serves as a crucial window into a student’s personality, voice, and thought process. Dr. Jennifer Kirk, a curriculum leader and member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling, explains that admissions officers see the essay as a “blank canvas” and want to see a student’s “bright splash of color.” An AI-generated essay, she warns, “just washes it out.”
Beyond lacking authenticity, using AI carries risks: potential for embarrassing errors, inaccuracies, and essays that sound eerily similar to others. Connie Livingston, assistant director of admissions at Brown University and now a college counselor, emphasizes that exceptional essays are characterized by an “authentic” voice that showcases a student’s perspective as a learner and scholar – something AI simply can’t replicate.
Detecting AI-Generated Content
Admissions officers are becoming increasingly adept at recognizing the hallmarks of AI writing. This includes identifying unusual phrasing, grammar, or punctuation that deviates from a student’s typical writing style. Moreover, even if an essay initially appears original, using the same AI tool for multiple responses might result in strikingly similar wording, raising suspicions.
When AI Can Be Helpful (And When It Can’t)
While avoiding AI-written essays is essential, experts acknowledge that AI can be a useful tool during the writing process – with limitations.
Do’s and Don’ts
Here’s a breakdown of how students can leverage AI responsibly:
- Research and Brainstorming: AI can efficiently summarize information about a university’s culture, academics, or faculty, helping students identify potential topics. However, students must always verify AI-generated facts and use AI-assisted ideas as a starting point for personal reflection.
- Outlining and Refining Drafts: AI can assist with structuring an essay and correcting grammatical errors. However, students should avoid letting AI “polish” their writing with overly complex language or unusual vocabulary that doesn’t reflect their authentic voice.
- Following Guidelines: Students must always check each college or university’s specific policies regarding AI use in applications and adhere to them strictly.
Pro Tips for a Strong Application
- Start Early: Begin the application process, including essay writing, well in advance—ideally during the summer before senior year.
- Seek Human Feedback: Utilize resources like high school writing centers, college counselors, and English teachers for valuable feedback and guidance.
- Focus on Authenticity: Remember that a great essay isn’s just well-written — it’s a genuine reflection of a student’s voice and perspective.
“Yes, AI can write a good essay, but a good essay is not going to get a student accepted into college. It has to be a great essay.” – Connie Livingston
Ultimately, while AI tools can assist with certain aspects of the writing process, relying on them to generate an entire college admissions essay is a risky and ineffective strategy. Authenticity, originality, and personal reflection remain the keys to a compelling application.
