AI and the College Essay: How AI Can Help as a Writing Coach (Ethically)
Using AI to help with a college application is looked upon with concern and suspicion, but, some students will undoubtedly use it, especially when they don't have access to someone who can help.
If you use AI, do so ethically.
You can leverage AI to support your college application process, but it’s essential to use it responsibly. Admissions officers have expressed concerns about AI-written essays. In fact, early research suggests students suspected of using AI for writing tend to be evaluated less favorably than those who use consultants or coaches. For this reason, never ask AI to write your essay for you. Instead, use it as a coach for:
Brainstorming:
Generate ideas or prompts, especially if you’re unsure how to start.
Proofreading:
Spot grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors—similar to tools like Grammarly.
Outline Critique:
Evaluate the logical flow and evidence within your outline.
Identify gaps in your argument or areas needing more support without offering specific phrasing.
Essay Critique:
Provide feedback on clarity, organization, and persuasiveness while ensuring you maintain full ownership of your voice and ideas.
Comparison of Drafts:
Analyze different versions of your essay for improvement in structure, tone, and readability.
Ethical AI Prompts for Essay Writing
Below are prompts that encourage ethical and effective use of AI for your essay:
Self-Reflection and Brainstorming
“I would like you to act as a college admissions consultant specializing in essays. Here are some key experiences I’ve had. Could you help me identify potential themes or angles?”
Example Experiences:
"My parents divorced, and I had to choose which parent to live with."
"I worked two years in a fast-food job to help support my family."
"I struggled with anxiety but managed to maintain my GPA while taking advanced courses."
"I joined the debate club and discovered a passion for advocacy."
“Based on what I’ve shared, suggest three essay angles that highlight my emotional growth, resilience, curiosity, and ability to succeed in college.
Enhancing Structure and Organization
“Here is an outline of my essay. Can you review it and suggest general improvements to the flow and organization?”
“Identify gaps in my essay’s argument or areas where my evidence could be stronger. Please avoid suggesting specific phrases.”
Improving Clarity and Style
“Review this essay and highlight areas where I can improve clarity, conciseness, and persuasiveness. Ensure your feedback doesn’t compromise the originality of my work.”
“Help me refine my vocabulary in this essay to make it more compelling without altering my voice.”
Exploring Framing Techniques
“My perspective on [specific topic] is this: [insert perspective]. Can you suggest ways to frame this perspective to connect with admissions teams and demonstrate critical thinking?”
Originality Check
“Review this essay and identify any sections, sentences, phrases, etc. that might appear plagiarized, unoriginal, or overly reliant on external input.”
Cogi InSight - Add this phrase to your prompts to better ensure the authenticity of your work. "Please do not elaborate or go into meaningful detail or add additional thoughts; I must maintain my own voice and creative integrity."
Final Thoughts
If you use AI, be sure to use it as a writing coach and not as a writer. If in doubt, ask yourself and those who know you: “Does this essay sound like me?” "Is everything in it true to me, not exaggerated or embellished?" If the answers are all yes, you’re on the right track!