How Colleges Use AI in Admissions
Colleges and universities are facing an ever-increasing volume of applications. AI helps manage this surge, enabling faster initial screenings and more efficient reviews. AI tools can summarize application materials from transcripts to activities lists ot letters of recommendation, saving time and resources.
AI can also contribute to a more equitable admissions process. By screening for key qualities and identifying experiences and statements that align with a school’s priorities, such as serving disadvantaged populations, AI can help level the playing field. It can also play a role in bias mitigation by excluding sensitive information like an applicant’s name or place of birth during the initial review stages. Furthermore, Georgia Tech is working on an AI tool to predict Pell Grant eligibility, allowing colleges to proactively reach out to students about financial aid opportunities.
Do Use AI to Read Admissions Essays
AI is streamlining college admissions by handling objective materials like transcripts and test scores. However, many students and parents worry about its role in subjective components—especially essays. Traditionally, students have used the personal statement and supplemental essays to showcase their soft skills, interests, and personality. The question is whether AI can be used to screen for these application elements.
The popular admissions software Slate introduced its Pre-Reader tool in 2023, which allows AI to pre-read essays and provide admissions teams with an initial assessment based on the reader’s directives. The program Student Select, used by Rutgers University admissions, can scan essays and summarize, pointing out an applicant’s personality traits and expected likelihood of admission. Recently, it became public that UNC Chapel Hill’s admissions uses AI to analyze writing style and grammar, ostensibly to allow their admissions reader to focus on essay content. This makes it clear that the technology is available and is being used; how widespread the practice and its full extent is unclear.
Can I use AI to write My College Application Essays?
This raises the question: If admissions offices are using AI to review the essays, can you use AI to write them?
There’s a clear consensus that copying and pasting an essay from ChatGPT is a violation of academic integrity. However, there is a less clear consensus on whether students can use ChatGPT to brainstorm essay topics or make revisions. For example, Georgia Tech has a statement encouraging students “to take the same approach [when using AI] you would when collaborating with people. Use it to brainstorm, edit, and refine your ideas.” On the other end of the spectrum, Brown University says that “the use of artificial intelligence by an applicant is not permitted under any circumstances in conjunction with application content.”
However, many colleges have not issued clear guidelines or policies on the use of AI in their admissions essays. We anticipate more colleges issuing guidance about how applicants can use AI in their college applications in 2025. In the meantime, or when it is unclear, we advise erring on the side of caution and avoiding using generative AI.
Should I Use ChatGPT to Help Write My College Admissions Essays?
Even if AI is permitted, there are significant concerns about whether a student should use AI. Admissions officers worry that AI-written essays lack a student’s genuine voice and personality. Moreover, researchers have found that AI-generated writing most often resembles writing from students from more privileged backgrounds, which could be problematic for admissions officers looking to diversify their incoming class.
How Colleges Detect AI-Written Essays
Admissions officers are well aware that students are using AI in crafting their admissions essays. Some schools, such as those in the University of California (UC) system, screen essays for generative AI and take action when students are suspected of violating their academic integrity policy. While some schools have adopted AI detection tools, these programs are unreliable and can generate false positives.
One notable response ot the rise of AI-generated student writing is at Duke University, which removed numeric grading from essay reviews because they can’t always trust that the writing reflects a student’s authentic voice. While Duke is continuing to review essays, they are now looking at them holistically for content and paying less attention to style.
How to Navigate the AI Terrain in College Applications
Students applying to college should be aware of the ways that AI is affecting the review of their application. In particular, students should optimize their resumes and activities list for an AI review, using direct language, metrics of their impact, and highlighting their leadership and collaborative skills.
In the essays, showcase your unique insights, reflections, and points of view. You can use AI for brainstorming, editing, and refining ideas, but avoid using it as a ghostwriter.
Colleges, too, must adapt. In particular, colleges need to issue clear guidance to students about the use of AI in their applications. Transparency and open communication from colleges regarding their use of AI in the admissions process are crucial. Colleges should also reflect on their objectives regarding the essay: Is it a test of writing ability or personality?
As AI reshapes admissions, students should stay informed and focus on authenticity. Understand AI policies, refine your application for AI review, and craft essays that reflect your true voice. The future of college admissions is changing—stay ahead by preparing wisely.
