Can AI Write Your College Application Essays?
As AI tools like ChatGPT become more widespread, they are shaking up the college admissions process. While some students view them as a helpful resource, relying on AI for something as personal as a college essay can create significant challenges—not only ethically but also for admissions success.
A common complaint about AI-generated essays is that they often lack the personal touch admissions officers seek. Even when students provide specific details about their extracurriculars, such as leadership roles or community service, the responses can feel generic, failing to capture the applicant's unique perspective or voice. AI-generated content tends to sound formulaic, and college reviewers can easily spot essays that lack authenticity.
Moreover, admissions officers aren’t just looking for applicants who can praise their institution. They’re seeking individuals who can show a deep, personal connection to the school, backed by genuine experiences, aspirations, and reasons for wanting to be there. Using AI to write your essay is not only risky because it can be impersonal—it’s also ineffective. Admissions teams read thousands of essays every year, and when a submission doesn’t feel sincere or unique, it’s easy for them to tell.
The rise of AI writing tools comes at a pivotal moment for colleges in the U.S. With the Supreme Court's decision against race-conscious admissions, many institutions have shifted their focus to essay prompts designed to reveal more about students’ backgrounds, identities, and values. This type of prompt allows applicants to share their personal stories in a way that fosters diversity. However, using AI to craft these narratives raises concerns that students might submit essays that aren’t their own work or experiences. Beyond being unethical, this practice undermines the purpose of the essay and risks a student’s admission.
Educators are also worried that AI could erode critical thinking and writing skills. Brainstorming, drafting, and revising an essay allows students to reflect on their experiences and discover their writing voice. By outsourcing this to AI, students miss out on the self-discovery that the college essay process often provides. Admissions officers value this development, and skipping it can leave a student’s application feeling flat.
Additionally, writing your essay yourself is crucial to developing the critical skills needed for success in college and beyond. The ability to organize thoughts, reflect on personal growth, and express ideas clearly is essential. By allowing AI to take over, students miss out on developing these skills, which could put them at a disadvantage in the long run.
The temptation to use AI might stem from a desire to ease the pressure of creating a compelling essay, but it’s essential to understand that AI-generated content will likely backfire. Colleges may even begin using software to detect AI-written essays, further complicating things for students who rely on these tools. While AI detection software is not proving to be reliable yet, students are plugging the same questions into AI, and the resulting essays are very similar. The reality is AI can’t capture the nuances of your life, motivations, or passions in the way you can.
Ultimately, the college essay is more than just another task to complete—it’s a valuable opportunity for personal growth, self-expression, and making a real connection with admissions officers. While AI might seem like a quick fix, it can’t replicate the depth, authenticity, or voice that make an application stand out. Students who embrace the challenge of writing their own essays rather than taking shortcuts will benefit not only in the admissions process but also in their personal and academic development. So, while AI can generate essays, AI essays will lack the specificity and strength needed to make a meaningful impact in college admissions—and relying on AI can lead to severe consequences both academically and ethically.