AI and the College Essay
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are becoming part of everyday life—from writing assistance to brainstorming ideas. It’s no surprise that students and families have questions about how AI fits into the college application process, especially when it comes to the essay.
Admissions counselors understand that this is new territory. The goal isn’t to ignore AI—or assume misuse—but to help students approach the college essay with honesty, integrity, and confidence.
Why the College Essay Still Matters
The college essay is one of the few places in the application where students can speak directly to admissions readers in their own voice. It provides context beyond grades and test scores and helps colleges to understand how you think and reflect, what you care about, and how you’ve grown or responded to challenges. The essay isn’t about writing perfectly—it’s about being you.
How Colleges Are Thinking About AI
Colleges know that AI tools exist and that students may encounter them. What matters most to admissions counselors is authenticity.
It is important to know that some colleges have specific AI policies, and admissions offices follow those guidelines when reviewing applications. Expectations can vary by institution, so students should always review each college’s application instructions carefully and ask questions if something is unclear.
Tip: If you’re looking for an example of an admission's AI policy, check out Swarthmore College’s policy, Admission Guidance on Usage of Artificial Intelligence.
Using AI Responsibly
Admissions counselors generally agree that AI can be used as a support tool, but not as a replacement for a student’s work.
Appropriate ways to use AI may include:
Brainstorming ideas or organizing thoughts
Creating an outline
Checking grammar or clarity
Revising sentences, as long as the ideas are still yours
In these cases, the ideas, stories, and reflections still come from you.
“I think there could be proper uses for these tools, but the essay writing, in my recommendation, is really designed for you. It’s your opportunity to reflect, think about your high school experience, think about your adolescence, and share that with the admissions committee.”
What to Avoid
AI should not be used to:
Write the entire essay for you
Create personal stories or reflections you didn’t experience
Replace your own thinking or voice
Submit work you don’t fully understand or couldn’t explain
Essays that sound generic or disconnected from the rest of an application often raise concerns, regardless of how they were produced.
A Simple Guideline
When reviewing your essay, can you comfortably talk about:
Why you chose the topic
What the story or example means to you
Why you structured your essay the way you did
Why certain words or details felt important
If the answer is no, you may be relying too heavily on AI.
AI is a tool—but YOU are the applicant.
The strongest college essays reflect your voice, your experiences, and your perspective. Used carefully, AI can support the writing process. But honesty, clarity and alignment with each college’s policies should always come first.
