Some colleges use AI detection software to flag writing that might be machine-generated.

Common tools

• Turnitin AI Detector – Integrated with plagiarism detection systems

• GPTZero – Flags likely AI-generated text

• Copyleaks AI Detector – Commercial AI text checker

• Originality.AI – Used mainly by publishers and institutions

Limitations

• False positives are possible, especially for polished writing by high-achieving students and non-native English speakers.

• Not all colleges use these tools; many rely instead on interviews, writing samples, or application consistency checks.

• Detection results are not definitive proof, they are one data point in a larger integrity review.

Some students may not even realize they are using AI tools when working on their essays, as these technologies have become increasingly integrated into familiar writing applications. Understanding which tools fall into the AI category is essential for maintaining academic integrity.

Some of the most prominent AI writing tools include ChatGPT from OpenAI, Claude from Anthropic, and Google's Gemini, which integrates directly with Google Workspace applications that many students already use for their academic work.

In addition, many students regularly use grammar-checking tools without fully recognizing their AI capabilities. Grammarly and its enhanced GrammarlyGO feature provide sophisticated grammar, spelling, and tone suggestions that go well beyond basic spell-check functions. Microsoft Editor, built into MS Word and Outlook, offers similar AI-powered assistance for grammar and style improvements. Quillbot serves as a paraphrasing tool that can rewrite text, though it requires careful use to avoid unintentional plagiarism or over-reliance on AI-generated content.

Colleges use the admissions essay to assess far more than just writing ability: they use it to hear the applicant’s authentic voice, understand their experiences, and gauge their fit for the institution. Generative AI poses a particular risk here. While it can produce grammatically flawless text, it often lacks the depth, specificity, and emotional authenticity that admissions officers value most. Over-polished, impersonal essays can signal that the applicant leaned too heavily on technology, or worse, outsourced their voice entirely.

Using AI in college applications can lead to several serious consequences that applicants should carefully consider.

Rejection of the application
If the school has a strict AI ban, any violation can result in immediate disqualification.

Honor code violations
Even at schools without explicit AI policies, submitting AI-written work can be treated as plagiarism or misrepresentation under existing academic integrity codes.

Loss of trust
Once an admissions officer questions your authenticity, it is difficult to regain credibility, even if other parts of your application are strong.

Extra scrutiny
If your essay is flagged for potential AI use, your application may be more closely examined. You could be asked for additional writing samples or an impromptu written response to verify your abilities. In addition, you may be asked to disclose your writing process to prove that you have indeed written the essay yourself. 

False positives
AI detection tools are imperfect, meaning even legitimate work could be flagged. Without a clear writing history to show your process, defending yourself can be difficult. For a deeper look, check out my article where I put popular AI detection tools to the test using a fully AI-generated college essay to see if they could spot it.

Even without perfect AI detectors, many admissions officers can tell the difference between authentic student writing and AI-generated content. After reading thousands of essays each cycle, they develop a sharp eye for recognizing when something doesn't sound like a 17-year-old. They can spot writing that has too much adult help from parents or counselors, and they can often identify (or suspect) AI-generated text. Each type of writing has distinct patterns, from word choice to life perspectives, that experienced readers learn to recognize.

Given the potential consequences, students should approach college essays strategically. First, check each college's specific AI policy, as rules vary significantly between institutions. When writing, maintain full control of the process and document your work by using platforms like Google Docs, which automatically saves version history that can serve as proof of authorship if questioned. 

While AI can be helpful for brainstorming ideas or minor proofreading, the narrative, tone, and insights must be authentically yours. Be prepared to explain your writing process if asked, and remember that colleges value honesty and originality over technical perfection. Ultimately, treat your essay as a personal storytelling project where your unique voice and experiences take center stage.

As generative AI becomes a major force, more colleges are beginning to ask applicants directly about it in supplemental essays. These prompts serve two purposes: they let colleges gauge how well students understand the impact of AI, and they provide a space to reflect on the ethical, creative, and personal implications of living in a world where AI tools are commonplace.

For example, the University of Florida Honors Program includes the following supplemental essay question:

In today’s rapidly evolving world, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how we learn, work, and interact with one another. It influences everything from the classroom to the workforce and is becoming an integral part of modern education, especially at the University of Florida. As AI continues to advance, however, there is a growing conversation about the need to balance technological innovation with critical thinking, creativity, and human connection - all attributes of an honors education.

Reflecting on this, how do you plan to navigate this evolving landscape during your college experience through your academic study, learning opportunities, and extracurricular activities? How do you hope the Honors Program will impact the way you learn and interact with others?

Please use a maximum of 400 words in your essay for full consideration.

Advice for Tackling AI-Focused Prompts

Questions like this aren’t just about your knowledge of AI — they are about your values, adaptability, and vision for the future. The strongest responses connect your personal experiences, academic interests, and future goals to the broader conversation about technology and humanity. In short: position yourself as a student who can embrace new tools without losing the human element.

Balance enthusiasm with judgment
Explain how you weigh convenience against authenticity or efficiency against learning.

Use a specific example
Describe a time you used (or avoided) AI and what it taught you about originality and human judgment.

Tie to personal growth
Show how AI challenges you to think more creatively and critically, not just work faster.

Connect to the school
Mention programs or resources that will help you deepen both your technical skills and your ethical perspective.

AI is here to stay, but in college admissions, your authentic voice is still your greatest asset. Your college essay is your one shot to let admissions officers hear your genuine voice. Don’t give up that unique opportunity to show who you really are. 

Policies may change from year to year, and what is acceptable at one school may be a deal-breaker at another. The smartest move? Know the rules, keep the writing process in your own hands, and use AI only as a light touch for ideas or polish. In the end, admissions officers want to meet you, not a machine’s version of you.