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Common words used in AI-generated college admission essays
As this college application season ends, we have many students whose essays we can tell contain AI-generated content. I asked our counselors, who read thousands of essays this last season, and ChatGPT what common words used in college admission essays indicate AI-generated content.
The words that College Planning Source counselors and a few other colleagues have indicated are words used often in AI-generated essays.
- diverse
- tolerant
- inclusive
- foster
- intricate
- delineate
- multifaceted
- meticulous
- lauded
- elevated
- pivotal
- interplay
- embark
- embrace
- enrich
- pivotal
- sheds light
- paves the way
- underscore
- grasp
- unveil
- nuanced
- navigate
- poised
- revolutionize
- showcase
- propel
- paramount
- tapestry
- resonate
- intriguing
- realm
- transformative
- explore
- landscape
- dive into
- illuminate
- echo
- drawing from
- boast
- vibrant
- captivate
- testament
- shaped
- ensure, ensuring
- intricate
- complex
- deepen
To really test this, I asked ChatGPT the same question, and here is an AI response.
- Perseverance
- Impact
- Leadership
- Resilience
- Journey
- Passion
- Adversity
- Empowerment
- Transformation
- Gratitude
- Determination
- Ambition
- Commitment
- Collaboration
- Growth
- Innovation
- Community
- Diversity
- Integrity
- Inspiration
- Explore
- Discover
- Cultivate
- Reflect
- Uncover
- Engage
- Enhance
- Transform
- Foster
- Illuminate
Why These Words Are Common:
- Neutral Appeal: These words are versatile and widely applicable, making them frequent in generic essay writing.
- Polished Tone: AI tools often prioritize words that sound sophisticated and universally positive.
- Abstract Nature: These terms are broad, making them easy to incorporate into any essay topic without diving into specific details.
- Versatility: These words can fit into almost any essay prompt, making them frequent in AI-generated or overly polished essays.
- Abstract Concepts: They convey broad values or traits but often lack depth unless paired with specific, personal stories.
- Positive Connotations: These words align with the tone admissions officers typically look for, which AI tools mimic.
- Emphasis on Intellectual Depth: These words are ideal for expressing growth, curiosity, or self-awareness, which are traits colleges value.
- Appeal to Admissions Officers: They signal an applicant who is thoughtful and reflective, qualities that AI tries to emulate.
- Formal Tone: They elevate the writing style but can sound generic or overly polished if not paired with specific, personal examples.
Tips:
- If using these words, pair them with unique details or specific anecdotes to ensure your essay feels personal and avoids sounding generic or AI-like. For example:
- Instead of: “Resilience has been the cornerstone of my journey,”
Try: “Breaking my leg before the state finals tested my resilience as I learned to cheer for my team from the sidelines.”
- Make words come alive by anchoring them in your real experiences. For example:
- Instead of: “Diversity has always been important to me,”
Try: “Organizing an international food fair at my high school taught me how diversity can bring people together through shared meals and stories.”
- If you use these words, ensure they lead into actionable, concrete examples to ground the essay in your personal experience. For instance:
- Instead of: “This experience deepened my understanding of teamwork,”
Try: “Coaching a middle school volleyball team deepened my understanding of teamwork as I learned to adapt my leadership style to support each player’s unique strengths.”
