Should ChatGPT-Written Admission Essays Be Allowed?

US Universities Struggle Between Plagiarism Prevention and Accessibility Assurance
Most Universities Lack Policies... Student Confusion Continues

The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 1st (local time) that prestigious universities in the United States are struggling with whether to allow the use of AI chatbots such as ChatGPT in essays, which are considered essential elements in the admissions process.

According to the report, in June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled affirmative action unconstitutional, increasing the importance of admissions essays as a means to evaluate students' characteristics and secure diversity more than before.

Students walking around Georgetown University.
Photo by Yonhap News

The use of AI could potentially encourage plagiarism among students, but on the other hand, it provides free access to writing support, helping to ensure fairness in college admissions.

Meanwhile, as AI has begun to be widely used among students, doubts are growing about whether essays can still be used as a measure for college admissions. This is because students might input their preferences, interests, and experiences and fully entrust the essay to an AI chatbot.

Some teachers have pointed out that this approach could hinder the development of students' critical thinking and storytelling skills.

Other teachers believe that AI can be a tool to enhance fairness in college admissions. Resources that students from affluent backgrounds?such as those with college-educated parents, diverse networks, and private writing tutoring?have enjoyed can now be accessed through ChatGPT.

In particular, this could be good news for American high schools, where individual essay guidance is difficult due to a shortage of college admissions counselors.

With pros and cons evenly divided on whether to introduce AI into college admissions, universities are finding it difficult to finalize related policies.

The NYT contacted about ten institutions, including large public universities and Ivy League schools, regarding AI use in admissions applications, but most did not respond. Even universities that have already released AI usage guidelines have issued varying policies, causing confusion among students.

As a result, most students hesitate to use AI for college essays. While they intend to write their own unique stories, the NYT explains that the lack of clear stances from many universities is also a factor in their reluctance.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.