AI Rewrites College Admissions: Cheating or New Normal?

The college admissions process is undergoing a significant transformation due to the pervasive use of AI. Students are increasingly employing AI to draft their application essays, a practice generally discouraged by universities. Colleges, however, are also turning to AI to assist in evaluating the influx of applications, creating a complex ethical dilemma for applicants.

Admissions offices nationwide are developing distinct AI usage policies, but student adoption of AI outpaces institutional guidelines. Institutions like CalTech permit AI for brainstorming but prohibit AI-generated content that replaces a student's unique voice. Conversely, some public universities, such as Virginia Tech, are testing AI to manage high application volumes, though this has led to challenges, as seen with UNC-Chapel Hill reversing its AI essay scoring.

This evolving environment has prompted some colleges to eliminate supplemental essays, with Tulane citing AI concerns as a contributing factor. While some consultants encourage AI use, others, like Sophie Sajnani, teach students to train AI to reflect their personal voice. The essay's purpose is shifting from writing prowess to demonstrating personal growth.

AI is also democratizing college admissions by providing accessible guidance for students who cannot afford private counselors. Tools like ChatGPT's college planner offer feedback and idea generation, serving as a vital resource for many. EAB reports that 82% of students use AI in their college search, highlighting its significant influence on application decisions and research, often saving families considerable time.

Some parents, like Christine Wilson in Virginia, have used AI tools such as Claude to create detailed spreadsheets analyzing costs and aid for Ronan's applications, streamlining research. Similarly, Bunmi Emenanjo relies on AI for her daughter's university search, noting its efficiency in filtering criteria like urban location, merit aid, and diversity, though her daughter will not use AI for essays.