Let’s be real—college applications have always been a bit intense. But now, with AI tools like ChatGPT becoming part of the conversation, things are changing fast. If you’re a high school student (or someone guiding one), here’s what’s happening behind the scenes—and how to navigate it with confidence and authenticity.

Let’s start with the obvious: students are using AI to help with their college essays. Some are using it to brainstorm ideas or fix grammar. Others are copying and pasting entire essays and calling it a day. Admissions officers are aware of this, and they’re adapting. They’re not mad… but they are watching closely.

What they really want is you. Your thoughts, your story, your voice. Not a robot’s.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Essays Are Under a Microscope
   Essays that sound too polished, too generic, or like a well-meaning algorithm wrote them raise red flags. Admissions officers are trained to pick up on tone, voice, and depth. They know what a 17-year-old sounds like—and what they don’t.
2. More Weight on Interviews and Recommendations
   To get a fuller picture of who you are, many colleges are putting more weight on interviews, teacher recommendations, and other parts of the application that AI can’t fake.
3. New Kinds of Questions: Some schools are starting to ask shorter, more personal prompts—or even offer the option to upload a short video. These are designed to get spontaneous, unfiltered answers. In other words: your real self.

You don’t need to swear off AI completely—it can be a helpful tool if used the right way. Here’s how to approach this moment wisely:

• Use AI to support your thinking, not replace it.
• You can use tools like ChatGPT to help you brainstorm, outline, or clean up grammar. But when it comes to content—what you say and why it matters—that should come from you.
• Be honest and specific.
• Generic essays are boring. Specific stories—especially those that showcase growth, struggle, or self-awareness—are gold. Think less “here’s what I’ve accomplished” and more “here’s what I’ve learned.”
• Let your personality shine.
• Whether it’s a quirky opening line, a heartfelt moment, or a tough realization, let the reader feel like they’re having a conversation with the real you.
• Expect colleges to evolve.
• The college admissions process isn’t set in stone. Expect more schools to get creative about how they get to know applicants. Be open to new formats—and see them as chances to be yourself.

Final Thoughts

Yes, things are changing. But here’s the good news: colleges are still looking for the same thing they always have—real, thoughtful, curious, growing human beings.

So don’t worry about sounding perfect. Worry about sounding real.

If you’re applying soon, or helping someone who is, take a deep breath. Use tools wisely, stay grounded in your story, and trust that your authentic voice is more than enough.