Using AI wisely can help your application shine, but misusing it can send it straight to the “no” pile.
đźš« What Not to Do with ChatGPT
1. Don’t let AI write your whole essay.
Judges can easily spot a ChatGPT-written essay. It’s generic, overly formal, and lacks your voice.
2. Don’t skip the personal touch.
AI can’t tell your story the way you can. Personalization is key.
3. Don’t copy-paste without editing.
AI can be inconsistent or inaccurate. If you use ChatGPT, revise to make it sound like you. Look out for:
- Big words with vague meaning
- Awkward transitions
- Robotic tone
- No real-life details or emotion
4. Don’t assume AI is always right.
ChatGPT sometimes makes things up (it’s called “hallucination”). Double-check facts and experiences it mentions.
✅ What Judges Want (That AI Can’t Fake)
- Your story: Real examples of what you’ve been through or learned
- Your motivation: Why you chose your path
- Your voice: Write like you, not like a robot or a textbook
- Your impact: Include numbers or outcomes that show what you’ve done
Saying “I’m resilient and empathetic” isn’t enough. Sharing a specific moment when you showed resilience is what makes an impact.
đź’ˇ Smart Ways to Use ChatGPT
Use ChatGPT as a writing assistant, not a ghostwriter:
✔️ Step 1: Write a rough draft yourself.
Start messy — grammar and spelling do not matter yet. Just get your thoughts down.
✔️ Step 2: Ask ChatGPT for help:
- Fix grammar and typos
- Make your writing more concise or organized
- Check if you answered every part of the question
- Offer suggestions to improve flow or tone
✔️ Step 3: Make it yours.
Review all changes. Make sure it still sounds like you. Add back personal examples, emotion, and detail.
🤖 Real vs. AI Example: Can You Tell the Difference?
Essay Prompt: What’s the biggest ethical leadership challenge in your field, and how can you show leadership to address it?
đź’¬ Personal Answer:
“As a dental hygienist, I’ve seen how hard it is to choose between what’s best for a patient and what their insurance will cover. I believe in sitting down with patients and educating them, even when it’s tough. It’s about trust — and doing what’s right.”
🤖 ChatGPT Answer:
“Dental hygiene faces challenges such as access to care, corporate pressure, and ethical concerns around scope of practice. Leaders must advocate for integrity and fair patient treatment.”
🎯 Why the personal answer wins: It’s honest, specific, and shows lived experience.
Final Thought đź’¬
Use ChatGPT like a calculator — a helpful tool, not a replacement for your voice.
The best essays reflect your values, your challenges, and your journey. Let AI polish your work, but make sure you’re the one writing it.
đź“Ś Want More Help?
Check out our Scholarship Resource Library for more tips to help your application shine.