Brace yourselves…AI tools, like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are transforming how students are applying to college. And as exciting as these opportunities are, they come with many questions: How can students use AI in college applications responsibly? Where do colleges stand on AI in application materials? And most importantly, if you use AI to tweak your college essay, how can you ensure your authentic voice shines through?
For fellow ‘seasoned’ parents like me who may appreciate a quick refresher, tools like ChatGPT learn from vast amounts of online information and use that knowledge to solve the user’s problems, answer questions, and even create new things, much like a super-fast, highly trained assistant.
How Students Are Using AI in College Applications
In the college application process, some students are using AI to:
- Research colleges and compare academic programs
- Generate and organize essay ideas
- Polish drafts for grammar and structure
- Practice with simulated interview questions
One survey found that approximately one in three college applicants admitted to using AI for essay assistance during the 2023-2024 admissions cycle. And that number is likely even higher today as generative AI tools become more commonplace..
So what do students need to watch out for? Over-relying on AI can make an essay sound generic. Admission officers want your true voice, not one manufactured by technology.
What Colleges Say About AI in Applications
Colleges are still developing their policies on AI. Some are beginning to ask applicants whether they’ve used AI in their application process, and they do expect honesty and transparency if asked.
Many admissions officers are aware that students may be using these tools, and schools like Cornell have issued reminders that authenticity shines through. At Brown University, the school’s policy on integrity in the application process was recently updated to say, “While an applicant may use artificial intelligence to assist with spelling and grammar review, in the same way as any other platform that supports basic proofreading, the content of all essays, short-answer questions and any other material submitted by an applicant must be the work of that individual.”
The bottom line is that if students keep their voice and writing authentic, then they should have nothing to worry about.
Using AI Wisely: Keep It a Supplement, Not a Substitute
AI is here to stay, and it’s shaping the way some students approach college admissions. The smartest applicants will use it as a supplement, not a substitute, for their own thinking, writing, and research. Anyone can create a polished, grammar-perfect essay in this AI era. That’s why your student’s strategy matters more than ever to stand out. Sharing their personal narrative is a non-negotiable and can’t be generated with AI. Their quirks, their voice, and their perspective are the things that will get them noticed in a sea of applications.
If your teen needs help navigating college admissions and learning how to best present their authentic self, that’s what our expert college consultants are here for!
Schedule a call today to speak with one of our Education Specialists.
ABOUT OUR AUTHOR:
Jen Foldvary, M.Ed., is a College Consultant at Educational Connections. She previously worked as a private high school college counselor and as the Associate Director of Freshmen Admission at the University of Toledo. Jen holds a Bachelor’s in Special Education and a Master’s in Higher Education Administration from The University of Toledo. She began her career as a special education teacher.