Do college essay checkers scan for AI-generated content?
I've been doing some research on essay checkers that colleges might use, and I'm a bit nervous. With all the buzz around ChatGPT and AI writers, I'm wondering if the platforms colleges use can actually tell if an essay was written with the help of AI.
Is this something colleges are actively scanning for when we submit our applications? I write all my stuff myself, but sometimes I worry even grammar tools could look suspicious. Anyone have more info? I'm just trying to be super careful.
Is this something colleges are actively scanning for when we submit our applications? I write all my stuff myself, but sometimes I worry even grammar tools could look suspicious. Anyone have more info? I'm just trying to be super careful.
4 months ago
•
44 views
Lydia Schooler
• 4 months ago
Advisor
As a Yale graduate and college admissions advisor with over 8 years of experience helping students gain admission to top universities like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT, I know that concerns about AI-detection in essays are becoming more common—and it’s smart to think about originality. Colleges are aware of AI tools and some have started experimenting with AI-detection software, particularly for essays that raise flags—like those that sound very generic, overly polished, or inconsistent with other parts of a student’s application.
That said, most admissions offices don’t scan every essay automatically for AI use. Detection tools are typically only used if something seems suspicious, such as a writing style that doesn’t match the student’s other materials or short answers that sound completely different from the personal statement. Admissions officers may also look more closely if they notice patterns that feel off.
Basic grammar or spellcheck tools, like Grammarly or Microsoft Word suggestions, are not a problem. Colleges understand that most students use these tools to fix typos and improve clarity. The bigger risk is copying and pasting large chunks of AI-generated text directly into your essay. As long as your work is your own, or you’re only using tools for proofreading and not for generating content, you’re fine.
For example, it’s normal for spellcheck to fix “teh” to “the” without issue. But if an entire essay suddenly reads at a graduate level while your other materials sound different, that’s when red flags might go up.
The safest approach is to be honest, use grammar tools appropriately, and keep your voice authentic. That’s what admissions officers want to see—and that’s how you can submit your work confidently without worrying about AI detection.
Over the past 8 years, I’ve helped thousands of students craft authentic, polished essays that stand out without relying on AI-generated content. I’m currently offering free consultations for new Sundial families, where we can review your goals, brainstorm essay ideas, and outline a clear application strategy. You can book one directly through my profile—spots this month are limited.
That said, most admissions offices don’t scan every essay automatically for AI use. Detection tools are typically only used if something seems suspicious, such as a writing style that doesn’t match the student’s other materials or short answers that sound completely different from the personal statement. Admissions officers may also look more closely if they notice patterns that feel off.
Basic grammar or spellcheck tools, like Grammarly or Microsoft Word suggestions, are not a problem. Colleges understand that most students use these tools to fix typos and improve clarity. The bigger risk is copying and pasting large chunks of AI-generated text directly into your essay. As long as your work is your own, or you’re only using tools for proofreading and not for generating content, you’re fine.
For example, it’s normal for spellcheck to fix “teh” to “the” without issue. But if an entire essay suddenly reads at a graduate level while your other materials sound different, that’s when red flags might go up.
The safest approach is to be honest, use grammar tools appropriately, and keep your voice authentic. That’s what admissions officers want to see—and that’s how you can submit your work confidently without worrying about AI detection.
Over the past 8 years, I’ve helped thousands of students craft authentic, polished essays that stand out without relying on AI-generated content. I’m currently offering free consultations for new Sundial families, where we can review your goals, brainstorm essay ideas, and outline a clear application strategy. You can book one directly through my profile—spots this month are limited.
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