Will AI Become Advanced Enough to Write Good Application Essays?
We're living in the age of AI—a tool people now use for nearly everything. This has sparked a heated debate: Will Artificial Intelligence write great application essays? Is it helpful or harmful? Ethical or problematic?
The Current State of AI Writing
Of course, no one can deny AI's convenience for writing. Tools like ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and Claude 2 help break through creative blocks by enhancing brainstorming, completing thoughts, or even generating full drafts. For many professionals, this is unsettling. But let's make things clear.
What AI Can Do Today:
- Generate grammatically correct text
- Follow basic essay structures
- Incorporate requested themes and topics
- Mimic different writing styles
The Foundation of AI's Abilities
All generative AIs rely on human creations. They absorb vast amounts of data to respond effectively to user prompts. In essence, they're "rephrasing" or "reorganizing" existing information—not inventing it.
And their learning never stops. Why? Because humans never stop. We're always discovering, innovating, and uncovering in this infinite universe. And what is this infinite universe? The knowledge.
The Application Essay Dilemma
Now, back to application essays. Can AI help? Absolutely. But it shouldn't think for you—unless you want to submit a generic essay to your dream college. What will admissions officers assume after reading a soulless, standard text?
"AI advises; it doesn't create. It's a partner, not your brain. Your voice, your personality—that's what makes an essay memorable. Use AI to refine, not replace."
What AI Still Can't Do
AI's Limitations:
- Tell your unique life story
- Express genuine emotion or passion
- Showcase your authentic voice
- Provide original insights about your experiences
What Makes Essays Stand Out:
- Authentic personal narratives
- Vulnerability and genuine reflection
- Specific, vivid details only you know
- Your unique perspective on the world
The Right Way to Use AI for Application Essays
- Brainstorming: Generate potential topics and angles for your essay
- Structure: Get suggestions for organizing your thoughts coherently
- Editing: Polish grammar and improve sentence flow
- Feedback: Get an initial reaction to your draft before human review
Conclusion
AI is a powerful tool for writing, but it can't replace the authenticity that makes application essays successful. The most effective approach is using AI as a collaborative partner while keeping your unique voice and experiences at the center of your writing.