Navigating College Admissions In The Age Of AI

The college admissions process has always been a high-stakes endeavor for high-school seniors. The pressure is on to craft the perfect application, with every essay and interview scrutinized. But a new variable has entered the equation, complicating the landscape for students aiming to stand out: Artificial Intelligence.

The Rise of AI in Application Essays

AI has permeated nearly every industry, and higher education is no exception. Powerful AI chatbots like ChatGPT can now handle tasks that once required deep human thought, such as generating essay topics, refining grammar, and even conducting research—all in a matter of seconds.

This rapid technological shift has reshaped the application experience. Azra Ozen, a member of the Class of 2028, recalled that when she was applying, ChatGPT was still in its infancy and not considered a reliable tool.

“When I was applying, ChatGPT was not a big thing. People were just starting to use it, and it was not that good,” she said. “When you would ask it something it would just produce errors and make stuff up.”

However, Ozen notes that the technology has evolved dramatically. “The level it is at right now is scary. It can write amazing essays and there’s tools to humanize [the writing],” she commented. “I think it has changed how [college] admissions works and the act of writing in general.”

The Fight for Authenticity in an AI World

The increasing sophistication of AI raises critical questions for applicants. How can an essay remain individual when everyone has access to the same powerful tools? Does using AI create an unfair advantage? More importantly, how can students genuinely shine through in a sea of machine-polished writing?

The core of the issue lies in the trade-off between AI-driven perfection and human authenticity. Oswaldo Garcia, from the Class of 2029, believes that students who rely on AI for their essays are not necessarily at an advantage because the output often lacks a personal touch.

“I have looked back at my [admissions] essays, and I feel like I find myself, my voice and how I write,” he explained. “Admissions looks for your voice and who you are as a person… so I personally don’t feel like I’m at a disadvantage because AI tends to be very neutral and lifeless.”

Where Do Universities Stand On AI

Despite the profound impact of AI on the application process, institutional guidelines remain surprisingly vague. Dartmouth College, for instance, does not have a clear, publicly stated policy regarding the use of AI in admissions applications. The only accessible policy is a set of “Guidelines on using Generative Artificial Intelligence for coursework,” which doesn’t directly address the admissions context. When asked for clarification, Dartmouth’s admissions office declined to comment on the matter.

This lack of clear direction from universities adds another layer of stress for applicants. While the efficiency of AI is undeniable, its proper role in college admissions remains undefined and highly contested. Without explicit rules, students are left to make their own judgment calls, navigating a significant ethical and strategic gray area as they prepare their applications.