The availability of AI tools like ChatGPT has sparked a mix of excitement and caution when it comes to college applications. Even those who are concerned about AI’s negative impacts broadly agree that AI can be helpful— for brainstorming, outlining, and proofreading — while simultaneously cautioning that it should never replace authentic student writing.
Some universities now require students to disclose AI use during the admissions process. For instance, Caltech asks applicants to specify how AI was used in their supplemental essays, while Cornell restricts AI to grammar checks only. Other colleges, like Brown, have outright bans on AI-generated content in applications.
Even though colleges may ask, it’s not all based on the honor system. Colleges can use programs like Turnitin, AI Detector, GPTZero, and others to determine if you’ve used AI to generate your essay. If they suspect AI tools have been used outside of their stated rules, they can deny your application. So make sure to understand each college’s AI-related application rules before submitting–or you may be denying your own application.
Even if the AI software doesn’t flag your application, human admissions staff are noticing that AI-assisted essays may feel “sterile,” making applicants seem less genuine and leading to higher denial rates.
Best Practices for using AI in college admissions:
- Only use AI alongside personal reflection, not instead of it.
- Stick to allowed uses: grammar checks, outlining, generating ideas.
- Verify institutional rules: if disclosure is required, be transparent.
- Always revise heavily so the final essay sounds like you.
- Never copy and paste AI-generated text directly into a college application.
Final thought: AI can be a handy tool—but your ideas, voice, and story must show through!