Writing in The Daily Tar Heel, Alice Scott reveals that the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) has been using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in their admissions review process. Specifically, they leverage a machine learning tool to score student essays, claiming the technology evaluates students’ writing mechanics, complexity and grammar, and allows their team to focus on content and learning more about the applicant. With a record-breaking 73,192 applications for Fall 2024 admission, it’s not surprising that UNC has leaned on technology to expedite their review process, but it raises an important question: should students change the way they are approaching their college essays?
Colleges Explore AI in the Admissions Process
The Daily Tar Heel article is not the first time we’ve heard about AI and college admissions. In November 2023, Forbes featured a study by Intelligent.com, revealing that around 50% of the 156 higher education institutions surveyed use AI in some capacity. But what exactly is AI used for?
There’s a spectrum. Some colleges use AI for plagiarism detection while others – like UNC – will integrate it into the application review process. As schools continue to research and test AI, balancing ethical considerations and efficiency, its use in college admissions will continue to evolve and vary greatly from school to school.
So, Who Is Reading My Application?
Even with the rise of AI, admission directors are paramount in the decision-making process for undergraduate admission, especially with holistic admission practices. For several cycles now, admissions offices have reviewed tens of thousands of applications annually. To handle the surge of applications, schools rely on seasonal application readers – temporary staff who are trained on the school’s rating and review criteria. Collaboratively with full-time admission staff, these readers are evaluating and recommending prospective students for admission. For now, college applicants should continue to write their essays with the assumption that a human, not just an AI tool, will be reading them.
How Do I Ensure My Application Stands Out?
While AI might check for grammar and style, admission officers are most interested in learning about your personal story in your essay. At LogicPrep, we tell our students that a thoughtful, well-crafted personal statement or college essay written by YOU will be far better than anything ChatGPT could write. Our College Advisors and Essay Coaches are here to help our students reflect on their experiences and make sure their personality and authenticity shine through.
Highlight meaningful extracurricular activities. Start working with your College Advisor early to identify activities that align with your interests and strategize about how to maximize your impact in your school and community.
Lastly, some colleges and universities track demonstrated interest from prospective students. Your LogicPrep advisor can help you plan a thoughtful strategy to let your dream school know they are at the top of your list.