Can ChatGPT Help You Write Your College Essays?
I’ve been holding back on writing this blog post on the role of Open AI and ChatGPT in college admissions because I wanted to see for myself what the buzz is all about. Let’s be clear, I am in no way an expert on AI or technology. I am a mere mortal with the technical expertise appropriate for someone who attended college in the 90s. Even so, I’ve read and heard enough to know that ChatGPT is a powerful tool that is only going to become more powerful with time. Colleges are already using AI to improve enrollment and retention. Whether colleges can use AI ethically and without bias is still up in the air. Since my work is primarily with students, I was more curious about the ways applicants could use AI, ChatGPT, in particular, to ease the burden of college research and writing since those tend to be the most tedious parts of the application. Here are a few useful ways to use ChatGPT in the application process:
I asked ChatGPT “What makes Swarthmore a unique college?” and sent the answer to one of our coaches, Suzi, who happens to be the former director of admissions at Swarthmore College. Her response? “Pretty good!!”
Here’s what ChatGPT wrote, by the way: Swarthmore College is a unique college in many ways, but perhaps its most distinguishing characteristic is its unwavering commitment to academic excellence, social responsibility, and personal growth.One of the most notable aspects of Swarthmore is its academic rigor. The college is widely regarded as one of the most academically challenging and intellectually stimulating institutions in the United States. Swarthmore’s faculty is renowned for its scholarship and expertise, and the college’s academic programs are designed to challenge students to think critically, creatively, and independently. Despite its academic rigor, Swarthmore is also committed to providing its students with a well-rounded education that emphasizes the liberal arts and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and engagement.Another distinguishing feature of Swarthmore is its deep commitment to social responsibility. The college has a long history of social activism, and its students are encouraged to engage with issues of social justice, environmental sustainability, and community service. Swarthmore’s Quaker heritage is also evident in the college’s commitment to peace, equality, and ethical leadership. This emphasis on social responsibility is reflected in Swarthmore’s curriculum, which includes courses on topics such as environmental science, peace and conflict studies, and social policy.Finally, Swarthmore is known for its close-knit community and supportive environment. With just over 1,500 undergraduate students, Swarthmore is one of the smallest liberal arts colleges in the country. This small size allows for close relationships between students and faculty, as well as a strong sense of community and mutual support. Swarthmore’s campus is also renowned for its beauty and tranquility, with lush gardens, historic architecture, and peaceful outdoor spaces that provide an ideal environment for learning and personal growth.
Overall, Swarthmore College is a truly unique institution that combines academic excellence, social responsibility, and personal growth in a way that is both challenging and supportive. Its commitment to intellectual curiosity, social justice, and community engagement makes it an ideal choice for students who are seeking a transformative college experience.So what did I take away from this exercise? Use ChatGPT to research the heck out of colleges. Ask which colleges have great programs for your intended major. Ask about unique programs that colleges offer for your interests (yes, UW does have a glassblowing studio!). But always cross-reference and double-check your facts.
ChatGPT can help you write a personal statement, but not a great personal statement. Also, having a computer program write your essay is unethical, lest you need reminding. A Forbes journalist got ChatGPT to write two college essays in 20 minutes. I also asked ChatGPT to write a common short answer prompt: “Write a 300-word essay about why I want to attend Swarthmore, focusing on small community with a strong STEM program.” And you know what, it wasn’t bad. But it also wasn’t good. And therein lies the rub. ChatGPT is a tool, not a human, and you can tell.
Use ChatGPT to research the “Why X College?” supplemental essay. It will provide an efficient way to discover specific information about the college, but it’s going to be up to you to a) make sure the information is correct/current and b) relate it back to yourself. That’s where you need a human (you) to synthesize your research and turn it into a cogent, compelling essay.
AI won’t be taking over the world, or admissions offices, anytime soon. Thank goodness. And they won’t be taking over your college essays anytime soon, either. But that doesn’t mean that it can’t be an effective tool to help you with your college process. Use platforms like ChatGPT judiciously, and remember to look at the information it gives you with a skeptic’s eye.