Is it okay to use AI tools to help write college essays?
I've been hearing so much about students using AI tools like ChatGPT when working on their college essays, and I'm honestly a little unsure about it. Like, I know you're supposed to write your own stuff, but sometimes I hit a block and wonder if it's cheating to use AI to brainstorm ideas or draft paragraphs.
Part of me thinks it could help me organize my thoughts better, especially since writing essays stresses me out a lot. But I'm also worried colleges might be able to tell if I use AI, or that it could hurt my chances of getting in. Has anyone used AI for brainstorming or editing, and if so, how do you make sure it still sounds like yourself? Do admissions officers even care as long as the story is true?
Would love to hear about people’s experiences or what you think is too much when it comes to using AI with essays.
Part of me thinks it could help me organize my thoughts better, especially since writing essays stresses me out a lot. But I'm also worried colleges might be able to tell if I use AI, or that it could hurt my chances of getting in. Has anyone used AI for brainstorming or editing, and if so, how do you make sure it still sounds like yourself? Do admissions officers even care as long as the story is true?
Would love to hear about people’s experiences or what you think is too much when it comes to using AI with essays.
6 months ago
•
28 views
Roger Lopez
• 6 months ago
Advisor
It's a great question and one a lot of students are asking right now. Using AI as a tool to help brainstorm or organize your thoughts for college essays is generally okay, as long as the core ideas, voice, and final content are truly your own. Think of AI like a brainstorming partner or drafting assistant rather than a ghostwriter.
If you’re hitting a creative block, it can definitely help to use AI for generating prompts or overcoming writer’s block. Some students let these tools suggest topics or outline structures, while others use them for grammar checks or to reword awkward sentences. The key here is to remember that the college essay is about showcasing your authentic self—your values, experiences, and perspective. If you end up copying and pasting entire paragraphs from AI and submitting them as your own, that’s crossing an ethical line and could get you in trouble if discovered.
In reality, admissions officers want your essays to sound natural and personal, not generic or robotic. If an essay comes off as too polished or doesn’t match your usual writing style (especially if your application has samples of your other writing), it might raise red flags. For example, if you normally write in a conversational, straightforward way and suddenly your essay has a super formal tone or advanced vocabulary, it could seem suspicious.
A balanced approach: use AI for idea generation or to help rephrase awkward sentences, but always personalize what you write. When I hit a wall for my own essays, I’d bounce ideas off friends or mentors (who sometimes gave very structured suggestions!). AI is like a digital version of that process. One practical tip is to have someone who knows you (like a friend, teacher, or family member) read your drafts—to make sure the essay really sounds like you.
Colleges ultimately care about the authenticity and honesty of your application. As long as you use AI tools as an aid and not as a substitute for your voice, you’re on the right track. If you're ever unsure, err on the side of caution and put in extra effort to revise everything so it’s truly your own work.
If you’re hitting a creative block, it can definitely help to use AI for generating prompts or overcoming writer’s block. Some students let these tools suggest topics or outline structures, while others use them for grammar checks or to reword awkward sentences. The key here is to remember that the college essay is about showcasing your authentic self—your values, experiences, and perspective. If you end up copying and pasting entire paragraphs from AI and submitting them as your own, that’s crossing an ethical line and could get you in trouble if discovered.
In reality, admissions officers want your essays to sound natural and personal, not generic or robotic. If an essay comes off as too polished or doesn’t match your usual writing style (especially if your application has samples of your other writing), it might raise red flags. For example, if you normally write in a conversational, straightforward way and suddenly your essay has a super formal tone or advanced vocabulary, it could seem suspicious.
A balanced approach: use AI for idea generation or to help rephrase awkward sentences, but always personalize what you write. When I hit a wall for my own essays, I’d bounce ideas off friends or mentors (who sometimes gave very structured suggestions!). AI is like a digital version of that process. One practical tip is to have someone who knows you (like a friend, teacher, or family member) read your drafts—to make sure the essay really sounds like you.
Colleges ultimately care about the authenticity and honesty of your application. As long as you use AI tools as an aid and not as a substitute for your voice, you’re on the right track. If you're ever unsure, err on the side of caution and put in extra effort to revise everything so it’s truly your own work.
Related Questions
Students also ask…
Roger Lopez
Chicago, Illinois
Yale University BA, Political Science | Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, MBA Candidate |
Experience
4 years