Seeing AI in Your Applications? Here’s why.
Lots of students use tools like ChatGPT these days, so it’s pretty normal to see some AI in the mix. That doesn’t mean anyone’s cheating.
In many cases, students are allowed to use AI to help them out, like brainstorming ideas, outlining, cleaning up grammar, or getting a hand with a language they’re still learning. Oftentimes, the only requirement is that the final essay is theirs and sounds like them.
Since that kind of help can make writing look extra polished, an essay might seem AI-written even when the story and ideas are all the student’s own. AI detection is a best guess, not a sure thing, so if something gets flagged, take a closer look rather than assuming the worst.
When you’re reading, don’t get too hung up on how well it’s written. What really matters is whether you’re learning something real about the student. Specific details and personal stories are a great sign, and an essay that feels vague or generic usually tells you more than a polished one does.
Tips for Reviewers
Tips for Reviewers
Why AI detectors are unreliable. Detection tools produce false positives, and they flag non-native English speakers and formulaic writing more often. A line saying a flag alone is never grounds for a lower score or disqualification would reassure reviewers and protect applicants.
What genuine essays tend to look like. Concrete details (names, places, moments), a voice consistent with the applicant’s short-answer responses, and a specific point of view. Generic essays tend to stay abstract, hit every expected beat, and could have been written by anyone.
Score against the rubric, not the polish. Remind reviewers to rate what the essay shows about the student (the criteria you actually care about) rather than how smooth the prose is.
A “what to do if you’re concerned” path. For example: re-read with the rubric in mind, compare against other responses in the application, leave a note for the program admin rather than scoring the student down, and let the admin decide on any follow-up. This keeps individual reviewers from making accusations on their own.
Tips for Program Admins/Clients
Tips for Program Admins/Clients
Set the policy before the application opens. Put the AI guidance in the form instructions, not just in the acknowledgement, so applicants see expectations before they start writing.
Design prompts that are harder to answer generically.Questions like “Describe a specific moment when...” or “What would someone who knows you well say about...?” naturally draw out personal detail.
A “what’s okay / what’s not” quick list.Two short columns work well:
Okay: brainstorming, outlining, grammar and spelling checks, translation help
Not okay: having AI write your essay or invent your experiences
An optional disclosure question. “Did you use any AI tools while preparing this application?” with Yes/No, then a short text box: “If yes, tell us briefly how they helped.”
Alternate Acknowledgement Wording. Statements acknowledging that the applicant's thoughts and ideas are their own.
Consider These Reasons for AI Usage
Students turn to AI for lots of reasons, and most of them are perfectly reasonable. Keeping these in mind can help you read essays with more context and less suspicion.
Getting started. Staring at a blank page is hard. Many students use AI to brainstorm topics or talk through ideas before they write a word.
Organizing their thoughts. Outlining help can turn a jumble of experiences into a clear structure, while the stories themselves stay the student’s own.
Polishing grammar and clarity. Spelling and grammar checks are a form of AI, and they’ve been around for years. Students may use newer tools the same way.
Writing in a second language. Students who speak another language at home often use AI for translation, vocabulary, and phrasing, so their English reflects what they mean to say.
Learning differences. Students who struggle with spelling, organization, or getting thoughts onto the page may use AI as a support or accommodation.
Limited access to other help. Not every student has a parent, teacher, or counselor with time to review a draft. AI can fill the gap that a tutor or writing coach fills for others.
First-time applicants. Students who are the first in their family to apply for scholarships may not know what a strong essay looks like and use AI to get their bearings.
Limited time. Applicants who work, care for family members, or apply to many programs at once may use AI to draft and revise more efficiently.
Nerves and confidence. Some students just want reassurance that their writing sounds clear before they hit submit.