The emergence of AI is undoubtedly a technological breakthrough, and its convenience has the potential to accelerate our learning efficiency. Since ChatGPT became popular, many students in this application season have been asking whether they should use AI to write their essays.  
 

At A. League, our counseling team can easily discern whether an essay is written by the student or generated by AI. We continually remind students not to upload their essays to platforms that could use the information to train AI models and, more importantly, to avoid relying on computer-generated content. While some students are initially skeptical, top universities like those in the Ivy League have echoed our views, offering clear guidance on this matter.  
 

To address AI's influence on college applications, Yale University's admissions team has shared their perspectives and advice on using AI for application essays.  
 

Key Considerations from Yale Admissions on Using AI  

1. What Should Students Focus On?  
     Instead of asking, "How will universities know if I used AI?" students should focus on what makes them unique. According to Yale’s admissions officers, the primary question is: How does your essay showcase your distinct qualities? Think about the story you want to tell, why it matters to you (or the university), your role in it, and whether it complements other parts of your application. In other words, your "Who you are" should be the centerpiece of your essay.  
    
2. Why Is Using AI a Problem?  
     AI-generated essays are considered unacceptable because the application process is about demonstrating your skills and talents. Plagiarism or relying on AI not only damages a university’s perception of you but also violates the trust they place in you. Furthermore, when students submit their applications, they sign a declaration confirming that all submitted materials are their own work. Using AI to complete your essay violates this agreement.
    
3. Does AI Improve Admission Chances?  
     Admissions officers argue that AI does not enhance your chances of acceptance. Essays are not meant to evaluate pure writing ability or compensate for unqualified applicants. Instead, universities use a holistic review process to assess an applicant’s overall performance. Essays are an opportunity to provide insights beyond the application’s numbers and credentials. 
    
4. How Do Universities Identify AI-Written Essays?  
     Admissions officers review hundreds of applications each year and are highly attuned to detecting essays that lack human emotion, creativity, or personal style. Essays are a medium for showcasing your humanity, and generic or overly polished AI-generated content is often easy to spot. 

 

Advice for Students  

Yale’s admissions team encourages students to embrace the essence of writing. Explore various mediums, materials, and books to deepen your understanding of language and professional knowledge. Above all, your essay should reflect your authentic self, telling a story that only you can tell.  

 

閱讀中文版文章：AI風潮下的申請季：我該使用ChatGPT寫作文嗎？

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