Essays in the AI Era: Still the Heart of College Admissions
Dr. Patricia Walker, Ph.D
Introduction: The Big Question
In a world where artificial intelligence is changing the way we work, study, and communicate, students and parents are asking: Do college essays still matter?
Given that tools like ChatGPT or Gemini can produce refined writing in only seconds, one could be tempted to believe that essays might be fading away for college applications. In reality, essays remain crucial for college.
College essays remain crucial in this era of artificial intelligence.
In this era of artificial intelligence, college essays are even more crucial. Let’s delve deeper into why this is the case, how schools are adapting, and what families and students should be mindful of as they navigate this new admissions process.
Essays: Their Past and Present Function
Traditionally, college essays have been the “personal” aspect of the application. Admissions officers can get an idea of a student’s academic skills from their test scores and GPA, but essays show something deeper: a student’s beliefs, voice, struggles, goals, and growth.
Even before artificial intelligence, colleges were moving toward a more comprehensive evaluation process, particularly at competitive universities. The evidence suggests that they consider the child’s personal characteristics in addition to their academic performance.
In this holistic approach, essays:
- Add context to a student’s background.
- Showcase resilience and character
- Reflect a student’s curiosity, empathy, and leadership
- Allow a student to speak directly to the admissions committee.
These articles have become much more important now that artificial intelligence is involved.
AI Tools: Assistance or Obstacle?
In seconds, AI writing tools such as ChatGPT can produce well-structured, grammatically perfect essays. While this may appear ideal for children, it poses significant concerns for college admissions staff.
Certainly, students may get “help,” but there is a distinction between advice and outsourcing your voice.
Some students are now lured to let the whole essay be written by artificial intelligence. But those in admissions are becoming better at spotting inauthentic material. Often, pieces produced by artificial intelligence read like polished corporate biographies or Wikipedia entries: tidy but emotionally lifeless. Flawless grammar. No soul.
Many colleges and high school advisors are utilizing artificial detection technologies to identify writings that appear unnaturally created. But more significantly, seasoned readers can identify when a work lacks a personal touch.
“In a world where AI can generate content, what stands out is what only you can say.”
Why Essays Are More Important Now Than Ever
1. They Highlight the Human Component
Artificial intelligence can copy structure and language, but not feelings, thoughts, or experiences from real life. Colleges want to know:
- What matters to you?
- What shaped you?
- What is your thinking process?
- What is important to you?
2. They show development and maturity.
Admissions staff seek students who approach the world with a learning attitude, develop from failure, and learn from difficulties. A personal essay allows pupils to demonstrate emotional intelligence and self-awareness—qualities artificial intelligence cannot manufacture.
3. They Emphasize Voice and Imagination
Artificial intelligence can write an essay, but it can’t write a true story, understand a culture, or come up with a new metaphor. Voice and creativity are very personal. In a flood of applications, an actual voice is all that remains.
4. They Provide Insight Into Personal and Cultural Identity
Essays are a strong means for many first- and second-generation students to convey the depth of their backgrounds. These stories, whether they are about growing up in an Indian family with many generations, helping out at a nearby mandir, or navigating two cultures, are important, and AI can’t make them up.
Sidebar: Examples of Strong Essay Topics
- A takeaway from a family tradition or celebration
- Navigating two cultures as a first-generation student
- A challenge that shaped your character
- How did volunteering at a mandir change your perspective?
Encourage Authenticity: A Parent’s Note
Often, as Indian-American parents, we stress academic success—and justifiably so. Emotional intelligence and narrative, however, are just as vital in the admissions process of today.
Inspire your kids to:
- Think back on what actually formed them.
- Write from the heart, not for perfection.
- Don’t let AI do the tough work or copy templates.
Authenticity usually trumps perfection even in those not excellent in English. Colleges are not searching for the next Shakespeare. They want genuine young individuals with drive, enthusiasm, and possibility.
“Even if English isn’t perfect, sincerity always wins.”
Using artificial intelligence correctly
Let me be clear: artificial intelligence is not the foe. Used responsibly, it can be a helpful tool for brainstorming, outlining, or editing.
Students may request artificial intelligence to:
- Recommend topics for essays
- Assist in arranging ideas into a logical framework.
- Provide sentence-level or grammatical comments.
Students, however, have to make sure the material, insight, and feeling are completely their own.
What colleges are doing differently.
A few institutions are already changing their essay questions to lessen AI influence. To provide an example:
- Asking highly specific, personal questions
- Requiring in-person interviews or spontaneous writing samples
- Including video essays or creative submissions
These patterns indicate that universities are intensifying their assessment of students’ genuine voices. That underlines even more how important a genuine, self-written essay still is.
Real is greater than perfect.
Whether a student writes about Diwali, their immigration path, or assisting a sibling with schoolwork, what counts is the feeling and understanding underlying the narrative.
You don’t need a dramatic story—just a sincere one.
Final Thoughts: In a Digital Age, Be Human
We live in a wonderful era. From medicine to journalism, artificial intelligence is transforming every industry, yes, including education. Yet, in the middle of all this, one reality endures:
What makes us human is what makes us valuable.
For students applying to college, your story, your struggles, your insights, and your dreams are what matter. No software can tell those stories for you.
As parents and mentors, we must remind our children that authenticity, integrity, and effort still matter. This applies not only to college, but also to life in general.
Yes, essays are still important. In this era of artificial intelligence, they could be the most crucial component of the college application, as they reveal who the student really is, not just because they indicate how effectively a student can write.
About the Author
Dr. Patricia Walker, Ph.D., is an esteemed education consultant specializing in college admissions guidance. She earned her doctorate in education from Columbia University, focusing her research on student access to higher education. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Walker has successfully guided numerous students through the complexities of the college application process. Dr. Walker is a certified member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). Her expertise includes essay coaching, interview preparation, and strategic college selection. She regularly conducts workshops and seminars on college readiness and application strategies. Several educational publications have featured Dr. Walker for her insights on admissions trends. She is committed to empowering students to achieve their higher education goals through informed decision-making. Dr. Walker resides in New York City, where she continues to inspire and mentor aspiring college students.
