The Case Against Using Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) for College Applications

As technology advances, more and more students are utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Grammarly to write and edit essays and other materials for college applications. Although this can cut down on the time it takes students to draft and revise, making the choice to use generative AI and other AI tools can have serious consequences—endangering a student’s chances of acceptance and even offers of admission. 

While certain AI platforms have improved in writing quality in recent months, most formal writing found on the internet isn’t authored by rising high school seniors applying to college. When students prompt an artificial “writer” to achieve a fitting voice, they run the risk of submitting generic essays that sound nothing like what admissions officers expect to read.

At B2A, we help students craft compelling application materials based on their unique profile, theme, and goals for college and beyond . . . something generative AI can’t do. We understand that no two students are alike, and differentiating oneself from other students is one of the most important components of a strong application.

Centering Student Individuality

When applying to top colleges, most competitive applicants will have a high GPA and class rank, success in rigorous AP courses, and an impressive array of extracurriculars and awards. How do students set themselves apart then? The answer lies in how they tell their story—writing essays that are unique and memorable to ensure admissions officers root for them!

While the 650-word personal statement (the “Common App essay”) comprises a significant portion of the overall writing content a student will produce, there are additional materials that play a big role. When helping students identify a “theme” for their application, B2A counselors consider quantitative components like a student’s grades, AP exam scores, and SAT/ACT performance along with qualitative elements like their school involvement, volunteering experience, and hobbies. These go hand in hand when organizing student experiences on the resume and sharing them in supplemental essays and activities & honors descriptions. Our goal is to connect all of their achievements throughout high school and point toward a future goal that the student is well prepared to pursue at the college level.

We also take a big-picture look at what types of supplemental essays students need to prepare for the schools on their college list. Our experienced counselors carefully consider what topics make the most sense based on each student’s individual personality and profile. Unlike AI, we work in partnership with students, teaching them how to conduct college research and write supplemental materials that explain how they are a good fit for that specific school. AI may be able to create a response to any essay prompt, but it does not allow for the conscious creativity required to set students apart.

Understanding the Admissions Officer Perspective

In a recent Princeton University blog post, Dean of Admissions Karen Richardson stated plainly that “any essay one writes with the help of AI is not going to be nearly as good or authentic as one that an applicant composes on their own.” She explained how important it is for colleges to get a sense of who students are both as learners and unique individuals who will join the campus community.

Relatedly, while “AI detection” software isn’t considered reliable for faculty and staff to assess potential AI usage, admissions officers have the experience and familiarity with years of reviewing application materials to recognize whether a student took the time to submit their own work or instead submitted a predictable and impersonal essay generated by an AI program.

Demonstrating Academic Aptitude

Students should avoid the use of AI-generated materials in their applications in order to demonstrate their readiness for academic success at the college level. When high school students don’t submit their original work in the college admissions process, how can admissions officers deem them ready to produce quality essays, research papers, and more in the university environment? 

Applicants must be informed on the AI policies their colleges employ for undergrads and the application process. Texas A&M’s AI Use Guidelines & Ethics policy for Academic Integrity cautions that “It is permissible to use AI for correcting spelling and grammar and for formatting references, but not for generating new text.” If you’re concerned that your writing might not yet demonstrate the skills colleges hope to see, work with a professional college admissions counselor to preserve your unique voice and better understand the genre of college application essays. 

Remember that these models do not think or feel—they copy from existing human-written material on the internet to give you what they think you’re asking for. By crawling the web and stealing from everything from published novels and magazines to blogs, social media, and more, large language models are like a blender mixing together snippets of writing ripped away from the hard work of others. This process far from represents the intellectual curiosity and integrity universities are looking for in prospective students.

To receive expert guidance on crafting your personal college admissions theme and application strategy, reach out to B2A to learn more about our Gateway Program. Students are matched with their best-fit counselor who supports the development of their materials through a structured curriculum and review process. Hourly College Admissions Sessions are also available!