AI is reshaping college applications — but not without risks.
I came across an interesting new study from Foundry10: nearly 1 in 3 high school students and teachers are already using generative AI to prepare college applications.
đź“ŚÂ Key takeaways from the research:
Students use AI for brainstorming, editing, and polishing essays.
Teachers experiment with it to give feedback or structure guidance.
Universities, however, have not set clear rules on what counts as acceptable use.
This gap creates risks: over-polished essays may raise red flags, or even be rejected if detected.
What I think about this:
AI can be a fantastic assistant — helping students clarify ideas, structure arguments, or check grammar. But it cannot replace authenticity. Admissions officers are skilled at spotting when an essay doesn’t “sound like” the student. And now, some schools are piloting AI-assisted review tools to catch inconsistencies.
👉 My advice to students and parents:
✅ Use AI for support, not for substitution. Let it help you brainstorm or improve clarity — but always keep your own voice.
✅ Focus on storytelling: admissions essays are about your journey, your impact, your values. AI can’t supply that.
âś… Be mindful of evolving policies. What seems acceptable today may become a red flag tomorrow.
Why this matters for us in admissions consulting:
The tools are here to stay. The winners will be students who know how to use them strategically, responsibly, and transparently.
💡 Question for you: Do you think universities will eventually issue official “AI usage guidelines” for applicants?
Source of the research data: Foundry10 research — AI is changing the college application process.
