Can you really use ChatGPT for your college application essay?

College admissions committees have long been the gatekeepers of higher education, evaluating countless applications each year to determine who will be granted admission to their esteemed institutions. Lately, however, college admissions committees are witnessing more applicants using artificial intelligence or generative AI technologies, such as ChatGPT, to craft their admission essays or answer commonly asked application questions in hopes of increasing their chances of gaining admission to top universities. 

But does ChatGPT really work when it comes to outsmarting well-experienced college admission committees and secure a place at a student’s dream college? 

ChatGPT: A double-edged sword in academia

Launched in 2022, the powerful generative AI tool, ChatGPT, quickly rose as a ‘shortcut tool’ amongst students. Students use it as a tool to help them with their academic work, from solving complex math and physics problems to generating and processing codes in multiple programming languages to crafting university-level essays. One in every three college students uses the AI tool, and even though half of them agree that doing so constitutes cheating, one in five of them continues to do so. 

Considering the tool’s capability, it is not surprising that students now show a greater reliance on it. A recent study showed that ChatGPT successfully passed the prestigious United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). With other similar examples continuing to emerge by the week, arguments that generative AI undermines the fundamental value of academia continue to get disseminated, and the same is starting to be said for colleges’ admission process. 

Levelling the playing field in college admissions 

Crafting personal statements is undeniably one of the most challenging aspects of the application process. These essays can set you apart from your peers and, when combined with other elements of a successful application, can be the key to securing admission into your dream college.

The introduction and use of ChatGPT, however, levels the playing field, particularly for applicants who lack the financial resources to hire tutors or consultants to navigate the complex and rigorous admission process.

It is undeniable that ChatGPT can produce decent college admissions essays, but they are not always memorable, personal, or unique. In fact, the best approach to using ChatGPT is to use it as a starting point to work on developing a student’s essay—or as a brainstorming tool for topics—rather than entirely relying on it. 

Can an admission essay written by ChatGPT be easily spotted by admission officers? 

The consensus is yes. Although ChatGPT has demonstrated its accuracy and capabilities in multiple instances, it is important to acknowledge that as a tool that employs generative AI, its function is largely based on identifying patterns and structures within existing data to generate new content. While the generated content may be considered original, it does not possess the capacity to accurately capture and present an applicant’s unique experiences, voice, character, grit, learning trajectory, and personality. It cannot truly understand a student's individual aspirations and goals or have insights into a student’s unique circumstances and how they overcome obstacles. 

The primary objective of admission essays is for students to have the opportunity to highlight their individuality and demonstrate how their past experiences have shaped who they are today. Admissions Officers are more interested in whether an applicant has high self-awareness and is capable of reflecting on their life — a skill highly valued by admissions committee members. Essays generated by ChatGPT, however, can lack a distinct voice, creative flair, sincerity, and most importantly, authenticity. It completely removes the “you” aspect and creates a dissonance between the generated essay and the applicant as a unique individual. 

Hence, by producing an admissions essay that merely tells rather than shows, admissions officers can quickly identify admissions essays written by ChatGPT. 

Tips on crafting the best personal essay that truly reflects you

Crafting a personal essay that genuinely reflects who you are can be a challenging and rewarding process. You’ll find that while writing your personal essay, you’ll be taken on a journey of self-discovery and growth. Here are some key tips I share with my students who are applying to some of the top universities in the world including Harvard and Stanford. 

1. Uniqueness is critical: A standout essay should not reiterate information found elsewhere in your Common App. Focus on aspects that provide fresh insights into who you are.
2. Authenticity matters: Your personal statement should genuinely reflect who you are today. Narrate what has happened in your life and how those experiences have shaped you. Highlight personal growth, self-discovery, or the lessons you've learned.
3. Honesty is paramount: The unifying factor in successful personal essays is honesty. Be sincere in sharing your thoughts and experiences, even if they are unconventional or deeply personal.
4. Show, don't just tell: Rather than simply stating facts, or achievements, paint a vivid picture of your experiences and emotions. Allow the reader to step into your shoes and understand your perspective. Craft your essay in a way that lets the reader glimpse into your mind and heart. 
5. Avoid clichés: Steer clear of overused clichés and phrases. Make your essay distinct and memorable. Some of the most memorable essays I’ve read explore a familiar or conventional theme in an exceptionally original manner.
6. Edit and proofread: Make use of AI tools such as Grammarly to carefully proofread your essay for grammar and spelling errors. Ensure it flows smoothly and effectively communicates your message, in your voice. 
7. Do your research. Go online and search for available tools and free resources that provide tips on how to best craft a personal essay. 

So, to answer whether students can use ChatGPT to outsmart college admission committees, the answer is simply no. Though it is undeniable that ChatGPT can help applicants with the initial brainstorming or provide applicants with examples of what an admissions essay is like, over-reliance on generative AI tools can make a college admissions essay less personal and less authentic. 

Applying to prestigious universities like Harvard, where they received more than 50,000 applications for the class of 2027 with an overall acceptance rate of 3.4%, can be especially daunting and competitive. Applicants should focus on producing the most authentic and unique essay that aligns with their personal story to truly touch the hearts and minds of admissions officers.

Benito Nishizawa Rodríguez is a seasoned college advisor at Crimson Education with over 17 years of experience in guiding students worldwide through the intricate admissions process. He previously served in the admission office at Harvard University, his alma mater, and has a track record of successful placements in prestigious institutions, including Ivy League schools, Liberal Arts colleges, and top-tier universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Princeton.