Artificial Intelligence has been a polarizing topic in the education space, as it continually finds new ways to be useful while threatening individuality. But where does that line get drawn? Many colleges are pushing that line further; Georgia Tech specifically announced that new applicants can use AI to “brainstorm, edit, and refine” their application essays, though direct copy-paste is forbidden. This could lead to a dramatic shift in education as a whole, as people and schools figure out how AI should be incorporated in academic settings.
Some students believe that when used in certain circumstances, AI can be a valuable resource for planning an essay and can help students who lack access to many outside resources.
“I think we should allow the use of AI to help brainstorm or give it an idea and ask, ‘Hey, how would I execute this in a step-by-step manner?’ rather than having it write the essay for you. That makes sense, and it does help people brainstorm,” said Trishia Kamat (‘26). “In my case, I have a tutor helping me with my essays, but if you don’t have someone to plan out ideas with, then I think it’s helpful to have that type of support.”
However, some students believe that AI shouldn’t be allowed at all, as it would only lead to more cheating.
“I feel like the best policy for AI use would be having none at all because there’s always going to be kids that are fully copying and plagiarizing, and the only way to fully stop that is by banning AI,” said Peter Lipatov (‘26). “What universities are doing opens the gates for cheating in general, and now people will just be able to say my application isn’t AI.”
To colleges, one of the most critical parts of writing college essays is what many refer to as “your personal voice,” as this separates you from the thousands of other people who might have the same grades as you.
“ I’ve talked to a person at Vanderbilt admissions, and she said your essay has to pass a test where they put it into a very sophisticated AI detection website. If it comes up with any AI, your essay won’t even be read by actual people,” said Carson Rea (‘26). “So you have to make sure that you are using your voice and using your own vocabulary. Layer in your own spin on these essays because ultimately, it might not even be read by a real person, and your application might be thrown in the trash.”
As long as students use it correctly, many think AI can be a great tool for creating a college essay.
“ I think it’s reasonable to use AI,” said Rea, “but I think you have to make sure you are writing [your essays]. You have to make sure your voice is heard and that your overall premise and idea are really shining through.”
