What are the consequences if someone uses AI to write their college essay?
I've been hearing a lot lately about people trying out AI tools to help with their college essays, and honestly, I'm a little confused about where the line is. If someone were to use AI to write part or all of their essay, what could actually happen to them? Would colleges be able to tell, and if so, do they reject you automatically or is it more complicated than that?
I'm genuinely trying to make sure I do everything right in this process, and I don't want to get into trouble without realizing it. Some of my friends have mentioned using AI just for brainstorming or grammar checking, but where does it cross into something that colleges see as cheating? Does anyone have experience or know what admissions officers have said about this?
I'm genuinely trying to make sure I do everything right in this process, and I don't want to get into trouble without realizing it. Some of my friends have mentioned using AI just for brainstorming or grammar checking, but where does it cross into something that colleges see as cheating? Does anyone have experience or know what admissions officers have said about this?
6 months ago
•
40 views
Roger Lopez
• 6 months ago
Advisor
Colleges have become increasingly aware of students using AI tools for their application essays, so it's definitely smart to be thinking about this now. The key difference is between using AI as a supportive tool (like brainstorming, grammar checking, or organizing ideas) versus having AI actually write the essay for you. When AI-generated content makes up the bulk of your essay or replaces your unique voice and experiences, that's when you step into territory colleges may view as academic dishonesty.
Most colleges expect your essays to be your original work. If an admissions officer suspects your essay wasn't written by you, several things might happen. Some institutions use software to detect AI-generated text or inconsistencies in writing style. If they find something suspicious, they could request an interview, ask for writing samples, or, in rare cases, directly confront you. If a college determines that your essay isn't your authentic work, rejection or even revocation of admission can be consequences.
But it’s often more nuanced. For example, if someone uses AI to edit for grammar or clarity (similar to using spell-check or asking a teacher to review their work), that's generally considered okay as long as the core ideas and voice are still yours. However, copying large sections or entire essays from AI and submitting them as your own is risky and widely viewed as cheating.
Admissions officers have started to talk openly about this issue. Several have noted that they can usually spot inauthentic writing—it can feel generic, emotionless, or oddly structured. They’re looking for essays that reveal something real about you: your character, values, and interests. For example, an essay that describes an experience only you could have had—maybe the quirky interactions you have with your little brother, or how you built a community garden in your neighborhood—will sound much more personal than something an AI could generate.
If you're looking for help, try using AI sparingly for idea generation or minor edits, but always keep the essay authentic and unique to you. That way, you sidestep ethical concerns and give yourself the best shot at standing out.
Most colleges expect your essays to be your original work. If an admissions officer suspects your essay wasn't written by you, several things might happen. Some institutions use software to detect AI-generated text or inconsistencies in writing style. If they find something suspicious, they could request an interview, ask for writing samples, or, in rare cases, directly confront you. If a college determines that your essay isn't your authentic work, rejection or even revocation of admission can be consequences.
But it’s often more nuanced. For example, if someone uses AI to edit for grammar or clarity (similar to using spell-check or asking a teacher to review their work), that's generally considered okay as long as the core ideas and voice are still yours. However, copying large sections or entire essays from AI and submitting them as your own is risky and widely viewed as cheating.
Admissions officers have started to talk openly about this issue. Several have noted that they can usually spot inauthentic writing—it can feel generic, emotionless, or oddly structured. They’re looking for essays that reveal something real about you: your character, values, and interests. For example, an essay that describes an experience only you could have had—maybe the quirky interactions you have with your little brother, or how you built a community garden in your neighborhood—will sound much more personal than something an AI could generate.
If you're looking for help, try using AI sparingly for idea generation or minor edits, but always keep the essay authentic and unique to you. That way, you sidestep ethical concerns and give yourself the best shot at standing out.
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Roger Lopez
Chicago, Illinois
Yale University BA, Political Science | Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, MBA Candidate |
Experience
4 years