ChatGPT and Academic Portfolios

We’ve written about ChapGPT and AI programs a lot recently. With the rising popularity of artificial intelligence and programs such as ChatGPT, schools, especially colleges, are still trying to figure out what to do about this technology. It seems like everyone, including students, are using AI either for fun or work. Recently, Ivy Link’s founder, Adam, sat down with The Observer to talk about using ChatGPT for writing college essays. 

AI writing has some positive points. The writing is grammatically correct, most of the time, and there are usually no spelling or punctuation errors. The essays produced typically follow an essay structure of introduction, body, and conclusion. However, the positives generally stop here. Beyond structure and grammar, AI produced essays have very little to offer. According to Adam, 

“[T]he biggest problem is that GPT-generated essays lack personal details, like specific activities and accomplishments in high school. There are very few details that distinguish one student from others. Even when ChatGPT tries to provide some personal details, they tend to be generic.” 

There is no faster way to bore an admissions officer than with a generic essay. 

Ideally, students should begin planning for their college essays years in advance. We recommend that a student start building their academic profile in the 9th grade. This gives a student plenty of time to build an impressive profile filled with awards, independent projects, internships, and other measurable accomplishments. Not only will these things look good on paper, but these experiences will give your student plenty to write about. 

Rising seniors are more or less stuck with their existing profile, but with the right guidance they still might be able to put together a compelling essay. 

Ivy Link offers long- and short-term advising on building a compelling profile, as well as assistance with the entire application process. Contact us below to schedule a consultation.