As a college admissions coach and author of “Get Real and Get In,” I have always emphasized the importance of deep reflection and genuine storytelling. The emergence of AI tools like ChatGPT initially seemed to undermine the college admission process, offering shortcuts that could dilute students’ authentic voices.
A Turning Point with a Student
My perspective shifted after working with a particular student. Despite his intelligence, his initial essay drafts were disjointed and lacked depth. As deadlines approached, he submitted unexpectedly polished essays that, while structurally sound, felt formulaic. An AI detection tool confirmed my suspicion: the essays were entirely AI-generated.
I felt frustrated—not just with the student, but with the notion that AI might erode the foundational aspects of my work. I informed him that our support would cease unless he discontinued using AI in this manner.
To his credit, he heeded the advice. Abandoning the AI-crafted drafts, he invested effort into infusing his personality into his writing. The result? Essays that highlighted his intellectual depth and unique perspective, ultimately earning him admission to his desired Ivy League institution.
Recognizing AI’s Potential in College Admissions
This experience prompted me to reassess my stance on AI. I questioned whether my resistance stemmed from a perceived threat to my role or from not understanding how to guide students in its ethical use.
Integrating Generative AI into my workflow—for tasks like drafting emails and organizing project timelines—revealed its potential to streamline processes. This insight led me to consider how AI could alleviate the overwhelming nature of the college admissions process for students.
AI as a Stress-Relief Tool for Applicants
The college admissions journey is notoriously stressful. I’ve witnessed students become so overwhelmed that they consider abandoning the process altogether. Personally, the pressure once led me to stress-induced pneumonia during my own applications.
While AI cannot alter the high stakes of college admissions, it can mitigate stress by handling repetitive, time-consuming tasks. This allows students to concentrate on more meaningful aspects of their applications.
Some educational institutions and educators outright ban AI, fearing it may lead to plagiarism. However, the reality is that AI is here to stay. Instead of viewing it as a prohibited shortcut, we should educate students on its ethical use.
AI shouldn’t write essays for students but can assist in brainstorming, refining ideas, and suggesting edits. It won’t replace human mentorship but can free up time for deeper, more substantive conversations.
How AI Assists in the College Admissions Process
Applicants face numerous prompts when applying to colleges, often struggling to generate unique, compelling ideas. Here, AI can serve as a valuable tool.
For instance, students might prompt ChatGPT with: “Help me generate outlines for three unique essay topics based on my experience with [insert key event, passion, or challenge].”
Additionally, some students face challenges with executive function—skills related to planning, organization, and time management. These difficulties, often associated with conditions like PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, or depression, can hinder the application process.
AI can act as an accessibility tool for these students. For example, Fyxer offers structured, pre-loaded responses to emails, helping students stay on track with admissions and school correspondence. Voice-to-text AI tools, such as those in Google Docs, enable students to dictate their thoughts before organizing them into essays. Moreover, generative AI can create bullet-point responses to common interview questions, allowing students to practice articulating their points in their own voice and style.
Integrating AI with Human Connection
In my coaching practice, AI hasn’t replaced human connection; instead, it has enriched it.
By reducing logistical burdens, students can delve deeper into intellectual exploration. For those with learning differences or mental health challenges, adaptive AI support enables engagement in ways tailored to their needs. By streamlining tedious tasks, I can dedicate more time to meaningful mentorship.
The future of education isn’t a dichotomy between AI and human connection; it’s a fusion of both.
For students, this integration means reduced stress and heightened creativity. For educators, it allows a focus on what truly matters: guiding students toward self-discovery and equipping them with real-world, future-ready skills.
The college admissions process doesn’t have to be an exhausting ordeal. When used wisely, AI can redirect students’ focus toward self-discovery, intellectual curiosity, and confidence—the very qualities admissions officers seek