13 Ways We Can Detect AI in College Essays

Spotting the use of AI in college admission essays can be challenging, as tools like ChatGPT are increasingly adept at producing high-quality, human-like writing. However, there are subtle clues and markers that admissions officers and readers might pick up on. Here are some ways to tell:

1. Generic or Overly Polished Writing

• Clue: The essay may sound polished but does not contain a personal, unique voice or authentic emotions.
• Why it’s a sign: AI-generated text often uses neutral tones and avoids deep personal insights.

• • AI-Written Example:
    “Resilience is a key trait that I have cultivated over time. It has allowed me to overcome challenges and grow as an individual.”
  • Human-Written Alternative:
    “When I tore my ACL during the volleyball semifinals, the months of grueling rehab taught me more than just physical resilience. It was about rebuilding my confidence, step by step.”

Another Generic Example

“Perseverance is an important quality that has helped me overcome many challenges in my life. It is a skill that will continue to guide me in college and beyond.

• • • Why it’s generic: This statement lacks details or a unique story. It’s vague and could apply to almost anyone.

Another Overly Polished Example

“The indomitable force of perseverance has shaped my trajectory, enabling me to surmount adversities with an unwavering resolve and emerge triumphant in the face of life’s vicissitudes.”

• • • Why it’s overly polished: This version uses advanced vocabulary and flowery language that may feel forced or disconnected from the applicant’s voice.

TIP: Be authentic

Use specific and personal examples that show growth through a relatable story. Connect you to an example or story to make it unique.

The authentic version provides insight into the applicant’s personality, struggles, and approach to problem-solving—key elements that make an essay stand out.

2. Repetition of Key Phrases

• Clue: Certain phrases or ideas are repeated in slightly different wording.
• Why it’s a sign: AI may reuse phrasing within an essay to pad the word count.
• • AI-Written Example:
    “Through teamwork, I learned the importance of collaboration. Collaboration is essential for success in any endeavor.”
  • Human-Written Alternative:
    “During our robotics competition, each team member’s unique strengths came together like gears in a machine. Our shared effort taught me that great ideas only succeed when people genuinely work together.”

3. Broad Generalizations

• Clue: The essay discusses values or experiences in abstract terms without providing vivid details.
• Why it’s a sign: AI struggles to create hyper-specific or truly nuanced personal experiences.

• AI-Written Example:
  “Helping others has always been my passion, and it’s what I hope to continue doing in the future.”
• Human-Written Alternative:
  “Volunteering at Burrito Boyz showed me that a simple act, like offering a warm meal, can spark hope in someone’s day. It’s moments like handing Mrs. Carter her favorite burrito on Fridays that fuel my passion for service.”

4. Lack of Specific Personal Details

• Clue: The essay has general anecdotes but lacks specific names, dates, or unique events.
• Why it’s a sign: AI does not have access to the specific life details of the applicant.

• AI-Written Example:
  “I’ve participated in many activities that have shaped who I am today.”
• Human-Written Alternative:
  “Leading my school’s Shark Conservation Club, I organized a beach clean-up that removed 200 pounds of trash from our local shores and educated 50 community members about marine ecosystems.”

5. Mechanical Structure

• Clue: The essay follows a rigid and formulaic structure (e.g., introduction, three points, conclusion) without natural flow.
• Why it’s a sign: AI-generated essays often adhere strictly to templates.

• AI-Written Example:
  Introduction: “I have many strengths.”
  Body: “One of my strengths is leadership. Another strength is creativity.”
  Conclusion: “These strengths will help me succeed in college.”
• Human-Written Alternative:
  “At the height of my Girl Scout Gold Award project, our team faced a setback: a major sponsor dropped out. Rallying the team, we pivoted to crowdsource funding, raising $5,000 to complete our shark conservation campaign. This moment exemplified how I turn obstacles into opportunities.”

6. Mismatch Between the Essay and the Student’s Profile

• Clue: The tone, vocabulary, or subject matter does not align with the rest of the application materials, such as transcripts, activities, or recommendation letters.
• Why it’s a sign: AI may write in a tone or style inconsistent with the applicant’s demonstrated abilities.

• AI-Written Example:
  “As a national-level chess player, I’ve developed strategic thinking and patience.”
  (But the application contains no mention of chess in the activities section or awards.)
• Human-Written Alternative:
  “Coaching middle school volleyball taught me how to adapt my communication style to connect with younger players—a skill I carried into my role as a Spanish peer tutor.”

7. Overuse of Advanced Vocabulary

• Clue: The essay uses sophisticated vocabulary that feels unnatural or inconsistent with the student’s voice.
• Why it’s a sign: AI tools often prioritize complex vocabulary to enhance perceived quality.

• AI-Written Example:
  “My scholastic endeavors have culminated in a prodigious acumen for quantitative analysis and epistemological pursuits.”
• Human-Written Alternative:
  “My love for numbers started when I figured out how to calculate the batting averages for my baseball team in middle school. That curiosity has since grown into a passion for data analysis and problem-solving.”

8. Unusual Grammatical Choices

• Clue: The essay may have minor grammatical errors or phrasing that feels “off,” such as overly long sentences or awkward word choices.
• Why it’s a sign: AI may make subtle errors in context, especially in phrasing or idiomatic expressions.

• AI-Written Example:
  “Through various endeavors, I have experienced unique revelations that advanced my individuality.”
• Human-Written Alternative:
  “Playing jazz piano taught me that creativity isn’t about perfection—it’s about finding my voice, even if I hit a wrong note.”

9. Lack of Emotional Depth

• Clue: The essay lacks raw, vulnerable, or deeply personal moments that show emotional growth or self-reflection.
• Why it’s a sign: AI-generated content often fails to replicate genuine human emotion convincingly.

• AI-Written Example:
  “Winning the debate competition was a rewarding experience that showed me the value of hard work.”
• Human-Written Alternative:
  “My palms were clammy, my voice wavered, but when I saw the audience nodding during my debate, I realized that even my shaky delivery could connect with others if my passion shone through.”

10. Impersonal Analogies or Metaphors

• Clue: The essay uses broad, impersonal analogies (e.g., “Life is like a river…”) instead of original, deeply personal comparisons.
• Why it’s a sign: AI often relies on common metaphors rather than crafting unique ones.

• AI-Written Example:
  “Life is a journey, and I’m ready to navigate its twists and turns.”
• Human-Written Alternative:
  “Building my first robot was like solving a puzzle without the box—each piece added complexity, but seeing it come to life made the trial and error worth it.”

11. Timing of Submissions

• Clue: Essays are submitted very shortly after prompts are released.
• Why it’s a sign: AI allows rapid production of responses, while human-written essays often take more time to draft and refine.

• Clue Example:
  Admissions offices might notice if an essay is submitted immediately after prompts are released and sounds generic, e.g.,
  “I am excited to bring my diverse perspective to your esteemed institution.”

12. Too Perfect of Balance

• Clue: The essay hits all the “right” notes of what a college essay should contain but feels contrived.
• Why it’s a sign: AI often creates an idealized version of what it assumes admissions officers want.

• AI-Written Example:
  “In high school, I developed leadership skills as captain of the soccer team, academic excellence through my 4.0 GPA, and compassion by volunteering with children.”
• Human-Written Alternative:
  “Juggling AP classes and soccer season taught me that leadership isn’t about being perfect; it’s about staying calm under pressure—like the time I forgot my biology homework but still led my team to victory on the same day.”

13. Limited Interaction in Supplemental Essays

• Clue: Supplemental essays do not directly reference specific aspects of a college, such as unique programs, culture, or location.
• Why it’s a sign: AI may produce generic content unless explicitly provided with targeted input.

• AI-Written Example:
  “Your university’s academic excellence and strong community make it a perfect fit for me.”
• Human-Written Alternative:
  “The Grossman School’s Entrepreneurship theme excites me because it aligns with my experience leading a team project to develop a wearable device for Parkinson’s patients. I look forward to collaborating in the Catamount Innovation Lab.”

Strategies to Avoid Detection

For students using AI as a tool, it’s crucial to:

• Add deeply personal anecdotes and details.
• Revise AI-generated content to match their own voice and style.
• Ensure consistency with their overall application narrative.

Admissions officers are trained to detect authenticity, so blending AI with personal effort is key to producing a compelling and genuine essay.

AI can be a useful tool, but authenticity, specificity, and emotional resonance are key to ensuring the essay feels personal and human!