As your teen navigates the college admissions journey, they may be turning to tools like ChatGPT or other AI platforms for support. While artificial intelligence can help students stay organized and generate ideas, it also presents new challenges—especially when it comes to authenticity and ethical use.
🎙️Listen to these expert discussions on How Much AI Is Just Right In the Essay? and
AI And The College Admissions Process
🤔 AI in Essay Writing: A Tool, Not a Ghostwriter
✅ AI Can Help With:
- Brainstorming and idea generation
- Creating outlines and improving structure
- Spotting grammar and clarity issues
🚫 But It Should NOT Be Used To:
- Write entire essays
- Replace personal reflection
- Circumvent the writing process
Colleges want to hear your student’s voice—not a polished paragraph generated by a robot. The best essays come from authentic self-reflection, and admissions officers can often tell when AI has crossed the line.
🔎 AI in the College Search Process
🧠 AI is useful for:
- Identifying schools that match certain preferences
- Generating initial college lists
- Researching majors and campus features
⚠️ However, it lacks:
- Emotional insight
- Financial or family-specific context
- Long-term fit assessment
Encourage your teen to use AI for brainstorming—but make space for real conversations and personal research.
🛠️ Popular AI Tools in Admissions
- ESAI – Creates essay hook ideas
- College Craft AI – Manages personalized admissions timelines
- TurboLearn & Jungle – AI-powered study platforms
- Linus – SAT prep support
💬 Ask your student what tools they’re using—and make sure they’re using them ethically and effectively.
🧑🏫 How Counselors Are Using AI
- Prioritizing application support
- Summarizing meetings
- Staying organized during peak admissions season
Even general platforms like ChatGPT can make case management more efficient.
🔮 What’s Next: The Future of AI in Admissions
- Send faster application updates
- Improve communication about pricing and aid
- Potentially change how they evaluate students
But no matter how advanced the tools become, the human story still matters most.
✅ What You Can Do as a Parent
- 📣 Talk with your student about how they’re using AI
- 📚 Encourage them to draft and revise essays themselves
- 🧭 Help them reflect on their goals, values, and voice
- 🔐 Reinforce the importance of honesty in the application process
💡 Bottom Line
AI is here to stay—but it’s your student’s voice, character, and story that will shape their future. At Seeley Test Pros and LEAP, we help students use tools responsibly while keeping the focus where it belongs: on who they are and where they want to go.
Are you looking for guidance on essays or college planning?
📅 Schedule a free consultation with our team today here.