Have you ever wondered if your own personal crafted college essay could be distinguished from one generated by a machine? In today’s digital age, where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing and many students are using it to help write their college essays, this question carries significant weight.
Universities don’t want you to use AI to help you write your college essays, and have adopted high-end technology to streamline their admission processes and detect it – starting an arms race between applicants and the administrations. Can college applications effectively detect AI writing? And what should you do about it?
AI software such as ChatGPT harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to mimic human intelligence and behaviors in generating written content. The underlying technology behind AI is engineered to replicate human intelligence. Its ability to rapidly adapt and learn from vast datasets allows it to provide relevant answers to a wide range of questions, further enhancing its utility in various applications, such as essays.
The usage of AI for high school and college students has been rampant – a study last fall found that 56% of college students were utilizing AI on their assignments or exams. Instead of fostering independent and original ideas, these students have turned to artificial intelligence softwares to do the work for them. This has raised concerns about academic integrity and the disruption of critical thinking skills among students.
While AI can be helpful, it’s easy to understand why colleges are not the biggest fans of it. This is especially true for things like admissions essays, which are supposed to showcase your writing skills and your personal story.
While ChatGPT and similar tools are great for writing about broadly known facts, they lack insight when it comes to writing about your personal life. This may seem obvious, but it’s important to point out because so many people are using AI to help write their essays anyway.
A common misunderstanding around AI is the belief that it has human-like intelligence. AI’s intelligence stems from statistical analysis, meaning that it generates “original” content through recognizing patterns within pre-existing data and materials. Long story short, AI doesn’t have the ability to create original ideas. It’s important to be original and craft an essay that truly reflects your true authentic self.
College admissions essays are based on your personal experience and what you have gone through, so by using AI you are, at best, watering down your story. Even if the AI does use a story similar enough to your own, it is taking that story from the internet so it won’t have the details from your life that make it personal. AI resources like ChatGPT also don’t experience emotion, so your essay may come off as lackluster or generic. This could negatively impact your college essays significantly, just on writing style alone.
Another worry is that ChatGPT may also be considered a form of plagiarism as everything goes into their system. Getting in trouble for plagiarism is no joke, especially when it comes to the higher education system.
Simply put, there is a high chance that admission offices can detect AI usage. Due to the rise of AI being used in the academic setting, there is technology that is specifically built to detect AI writing and plagiarism. OpenAI, the same company that created ChatGPT, is working on a tool to differentiate between human and AI text.
Another popular software is TurnItIn, as they have developed an AI detector to prevent any plagiarism from AI tools, like ChatGPT. Another important thing to note is that many people can tell the difference between a unique writing style versus an essay written by AI. Think about it, these college admission officers probably read thousands of essays every year – they will be some of the most experienced people on the planet when it comes to spotting AI writing.
While AI technology seems like it offers efficiency and convenience, this raises concerns about the fairness and authenticity in the admissions process. College admission officers expect personal narratives from applicants, as that is what makes them stand out. Usage of AI in college essays also challenges the integrity of the process, as it could be seen as cheating.
Everyone deserves a fair shot at admissions to a school and it would be unfair if someone were to get into a college from an essay that they didn’t even write. Essentially, that is stealing a spot from someone who may have worked hard on their statements.
Authenticity is key, especially when it comes to telling your personal journey. Brainstorming ideas on your own will be a lot more satisfying then having an AI tool give you generic ideas. By being transparent and seeking out constructive criticism from peers or teachers, you can refine your essay without using AI.
It’s important to keep your integrity when it comes to college applications, as it ensures that the school you ultimately attend accepts you for the right reasons. Upholding honesty and transparency in your application materials allows admissions officers to accurately assess your qualifications, achievements, and potential fit within their institution. By presenting yourself authentically, you increase the likelihood of finding a college or university where you can truly thrive academically, socially, and personally.
