Ethical AI usage in the US university admissions process

ChatGPT has become one of the most useful tools available today with the ability to provide information on the best accommodation for your next trip, develop a workout plan based on your fitness goals, or guide you in writing a research paper. However, the broad accessibility of such a resource comes with the responsibility of learning to use it appropriately - particularly in academic contexts, and the admissions process in particular, in which academic integrity remains of paramount importance. While 80% of US universities are integrating AI tools into their admissions review processes this year, how should students utilize them ethically and effectively?

Educational institutions are actively addressing the ethics of AI usage as they update their academic integrity policies to regulate the use of ChatGPT. Nonetheless, ChatGPT is a valuable resource supplementing the personalized support educators provide for students.

But what does the use of AI look like when applying to American universities?

With the many components to applications including the Common Application, Personal Statement, and supplemental essays, students might be tempted to use ChatGPT to assist with their applications. However, with recent developments in AI-detecting technology, universities are increasingly and more accurately able to detect AI-generated writing. Additionally, universities do not prohibit the use of AI, but instead caution students against over-reliance on such tools - particularly in drafting essays that are meant to be wholly their work.

With that in mind, students should consider ChatGPT as an editor or reviewer for their application. To do so, here are a few ways you can use it to save time and strengthen your application.

Use ChatGPT to:

●Conduct University Research

While ChatGPT only has access to information up to January 2022, it is a great resource to learn about specific university’s unique campus cultures and traditions, such as Harvard’s “Primal Scream” in which students gather the night before each exam period and scream to relieve stress. It can also help you understand each university’s unique offerings that matter to you. Is there a climbing wall at Boston University? A cricket team at Syracuse? ChatGPT can answer these questions and many more that are otherwise not easily accessible—just make sure to double-check the information it gives you as AI “hallucinations” do sometimes occur.

The writer is an Education Consultant at Hale Education Group.