Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how we approach many tasks, including writing. Tools like ChatGPT can generate text that sounds human-like, leading many to wonder if AI can write college application essays that meet the high standards of admissions officers. These essays are a key part of the college application process, offering a glimpse into a student’s personality, values, and goals. A good application essay is personal, authentic, and reflective—qualities that AI struggles to replicate. This article examines whether AI can write effective application essays, the ethical concerns of using AI, and what the future might hold for AI in this context. We also provide practical tips for students to write authentic essays that stand out.
Current State of AI in Essay Writing
As of 2025, AI writing tools have made significant strides in natural language processing (NLP). Tools like ChatGPT and others can produce essays that are grammatically correct, well-structured, and stylistically coherent. These tools analyze vast amounts of text to mimic writing patterns, making them capable of generating essays on a wide range of topics. However, AI has notable limitations when it comes to college application essays.
A report from Yomu.ai highlights that while AI can produce high-quality text, it lacks the ability to draw from personal experiences, which are essential for crafting compelling application essays (https://www.yomu.ai/resources/the-rise-of-ai-essay-writers-in-2025-stats-growth-and-whats-next). For example, AI might generate an essay with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, but it often lacks the emotional depth and unique perspective that admissions officers seek. Additionally, universities are increasingly using AI detection tools, such as GPTZero, to identify AI-generated content, making it risky for students to rely on these tools (https://talk.collegeconfidential.com/t/ai-flagging-my-admissions-essay/3658702).
Quality of AI-Generated Essays
What makes a college application essay “good”? In the context of admissions, a good essay is personal, authentic, and reflective. It tells a story that reveals something unique about the applicant, such as their values, challenges, or aspirations. It should also showcase the applicant’s voice and personality, helping them stand out in a competitive applicant pool.
AI-generated essays often fall short in these areas. They may use generic language and lack the personal anecdotes that make an essay memorable. A Washington Post study tested ChatGPT’s ability to write college admission essays and found that while the essays were technically proficient, they lacked the emotional resonance and personal stories found in human-written essays (https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/interactive/2024/chatgpt-college-essay-ai-harvard-admission/). Similarly, an article from College Coach Blog noted that AI-generated essays for scholarship applications were bland and generic, failing to capture the applicant’s unique voice (https://blog.getintocollege.com/why-not-to-use-ai-in-your-college-essays).
Ethical Concerns and Detection
Using AI to write application essays raises significant ethical concerns. College admissions are designed to evaluate a student’s academic abilities, personal qualities, and character. Submitting an AI-generated essay undermines this process, as it does not reflect the student’s own thoughts, feelings, or writing skills. This can be considered a form of academic dishonesty, similar to plagiarism.
Colleges are increasingly aware of these issues and are taking steps to address them. A CalMatters article discusses how colleges are grappling with the ethical implications of AI in admissions essays and are exploring ways to detect AI-generated content (https://calmatters.org/education/higher-education/2023/10/college-application-essays/). Tools like GPTZero can flag essays with high AI scores, and many colleges are incorporating these detectors into their review processes. Students who use AI risk having their essays flagged, which could harm their chances of admission. Moreover, relying on AI deprives students of the opportunity to reflect on their experiences and develop their writing skills, both of which are valuable parts of the application process.
Future of AI in Essay Writing
The AI writing assistant market has seen explosive growth in 2025, with tools becoming more integrated and user-friendly (https://www.yomu.ai/resources/the-rise-of-ai-essay-writers-in-2025-stats-growth-and-whats-next). These advancements suggest that AI may continue to improve, potentially reaching a point where it can generate essays that are nearly indistinguishable from human-written ones. However, the emphasis on authenticity in college admissions means that human-written essays are likely to remain preferred.
Detection technologies are also advancing, making it harder for students to pass off AI-generated essays as their own. An article from AITriangulate notes that universities, including those in the University of California system, are developing methods to detect AI-generated content, though specific policies vary by campus (https://aitriangulate.com/ai-application-essays-future-of-writing-in-2024/). Additionally, the rise of AI in education has sparked debates about the purpose of writing assignments. A New Yorker article suggests that AI could shift the focus from traditional essay writing to other forms of assessment, but others argue that writing remains a critical skill that AI cannot fully replicate (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/07/07/the-end-of-the-english-paper).
| Aspect | AI-Generated Essays | Human-Written Essays |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Well-organized, grammatically correct | May vary in structure but often more personal |
| Authenticity | Lacks personal voice and experiences | Reflects unique perspective and emotions |
| Detection Risk | High risk of being flagged by AI detectors | Low risk, as it reflects the student’s own work |
| Emotional Depth | Often generic and lacks emotional resonance | Rich with personal anecdotes and insights |
| Ethical Concerns | Raises issues of academic dishonesty | Aligns with admissions expectations |
Tips for Writing Authentic Application Essays
Writing a strong application essay takes time and effort, but it’s a chance to showcase your unique story. Here are some practical tips to help you create an authentic and compelling essay:
- Start Early: Begin brainstorming and drafting well in advance to allow time for revisions.
- Be Personal: Share stories and experiences that are unique to you. Avoid generic statements that could apply to anyone.
- Show, Don’t Tell: Use specific examples to illustrate your points, such as a moment that shaped your values or goals.
- Be Honest: Write about what truly matters to you, not what you think admissions officers want to hear.
- Get Feedback: Ask teachers, counselors, or peers to review your essay and provide constructive feedback.
- Use AI Wisely: If you use AI, treat it as a tool for brainstorming ideas or checking grammar, but ensure the final essay reflects your own voice and experiences.
By following these tips, you can create an essay that not only meets admissions standards but also resonates with readers and highlights your individuality.
Conclusion
While AI has made remarkable progress in generating text, it is not yet advanced enough to write good college application essays that meet the standards of admissions officers. The personal, authentic, and reflective nature of these essays requires a human touch that AI cannot fully replicate. Using AI to write essays also raises ethical concerns and risks detection, which could harm a student’s chances of admission.
Students should focus on writing their own essays, using AI sparingly as a tool for brainstorming or editing. This approach ensures authenticity and allows students to showcase their true selves. By investing time in crafting a personal and reflective essay, students can create a compelling narrative that stands out in the competitive admissions process.