College Admissions Essays and ChatGPT
ChatGPT (and similar generative AI writing tools) have been the focus of news reports, and many fear that an AI tool that has been trained to write by humans will someday replace humans as writers. That being said, is it a good idea to use ChatGPT to write a college admissions essay?
The short answer is no. While tools like ChatGPT can be useful in limited circumstances, college applications are not the place to experiment with these types of writing tools. I know that’s a disappointing answer - let me explain my reasoning!
First, college admissions officers read hundreds of application essays for each incoming class. At best, ChatGPT can write complete sentences and, if directed, replace some overused words with alternatives. But it cannot mimic the human voice well enough to fool an admissions officer. And while admissions is unpredictable, using a generative AI tool to write your essay is likely to reflect badly on your application.
Second, one of the secrets to a compelling college essay is to write about specifics, rather than leaning on generalities. But all ChatGPT knows are generalities - it cannot connect to, or accurately communicate, your specific and unique experience.
Finally, aside from a possible interview, the essay is your only chance to address admissions directly. You know that your grades, or test scores, or extracurriculars aren’t the real you - and the only way to connect those factors into a story is through the essay. Why would you put something as important as your story into the hands of a robot?
Even though ChatGPT has made generative AI a common subject for debate, it isn’t a replacement for the human voice. Even if it improves, it will always be as fallible as the humans that created it, and paradoxically, that will prevent it from replacing human writers.
Even if there are appropriate uses for ChatGPT, your college essay should not be one of them. Use this opportunity to create a connection with the colleges you like, and don’t sell yourself short by taking shortcuts.
You and your future are much more valuable than cutting corners.
