Don't use AI to write your college application essays

Artificial intelligence is increasingly useful. But in the world of college applications, do not use AI to write or edit your application essays. Here are five reasons why you need to write these essays yourself.

1. Authenticity Matters

The essays have to be your work. They are the result of your ideas and experiences. They are your own writing.

Admissions officers want to hear your unique voice and story. An AI-generated essay won't sound like you. It doesn't know how you truly think. It won't have your voice. AI can generate words, but it can't convey your emotions. It's inauthentic.

2. Plagiarism Risk

Using AI for essay writing increases the risk of unintended plagiarism. AI systems generate content based on a mix of existing texts. This can lead to similarities with previously published materials.

3. Writing Skills

Writing your essays is an invaluable chance to strengthen your writing skills. This will give you confidence as you move through the reminder of high school and into your college classes.

4. Feedback and Iteration

Write your first draft. Then get input from a teacher, mentor, peer or tutor. You want someone to push you to edit and revise your work. Writing is a process. You learn more by iterating.

5. College application requirements

Some applications may actually ask you to confirm that you did not use AI to write the essays. This is an ethical implication that you need to take seriously.

Is there any scenario in which AI is ok? Maybe for fact-checking. But even there, you need to double check that the information an AI platform gave you is accurate. Even AI makes mistakes.