We’re now seeing many students using or depending solely on AI for their applications, especially when writing personal statements or essays.
While AI can help you in many ways, it’s not advisable to simply ask AI to create your personal statement and then copy and paste it. You’re probably tempted too, because it seems like a shortcut to better essays and stronger applications. However, since many students are doing exactly this, you’re actually risking your application. Your essay will likely appear very similar to many other students’ essays, just with slightly different wording.
Universities are actually aware
We’re aware, and universities are also aware. There are now advanced AI detection tools and software that can identify AI-generated content. You might think your AI-generated essay won’t get noticed, but admissions officers read thousands of applications every year. They know what authentic student writing looks like, and they definitely know what doesn’t.
In the worst case scenario, when they find it, your application gets rejected immediately (no matter how good your grades are).
Students can use AI to:
Using AI like ChatGPT or Claude is allowed, but only use it for:
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Brainstorm ideas
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Getting help with structure
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Improving grammar or clarity
But you must personalize it with your real experiences and voice.
When not to use AI:
We highly suggest not asking AI to do the actual writing or relying on AI too much. Don’t:
- Copy/paste full AI responses
- Use generic or bland language that sounds like a robot
- Skip adding personal stories or motivation
If you write using AI and pass it off as your own, you risk being flagged by universities and rejected. Universities aren’t looking for perfect writing, they’re looking for real people they want on their campus.
What’s the best you can do
Use AI like a tutor or mentor, not as a writer or assistant that you ask to generate your entire personal statement. You can ask AI to critique or rate your essay or personal statement, and then you can revise it. This way, you can organize your thoughts and clean up your writing.
Your personal statement is probably the only part of your application where you speak directly to the people deciding your future. Don’t waste that opportunity by letting AI speak for you.
