The advent of ChatGPT has prompted the widespread use of AI (“Artificial Intelligence”) chatbots to assist teens through the college admissions process. Its applications range from writing/editing admissions essays to inquiring about specific universities and chances of acceptance. While The Enrichery recognizes AI’s utility and convenience, we strongly encourage relying upon alternative trusted methods, such as working alongside a private college admissions counselor.
ChatGPT Isn’t Always Accurate
The first thing to keep in mind is that ChatGPT will rarely be as accurate as information provided/verified by colleges themselves and the students attending them. Though the platform is consistently improving, experts still estimate its error rate at 15-20% and warn of its tendency to hallucinate, i.e., make up information. While ChatGPT may be able to, say, synthesize a quick comparison between what it’s like to be a student at one school versus another, you will certainly gain greater insight from in-depth conversations with current students and counselors.
ChatGPT Can’t Capture Your Unique Voice
When it comes to drafting, writing, and editing college application essays, ChatGPT should also be used sparingly, if at all. The hard truth is: you are not the first to consider using AI to complete your essays, and your AI-assisted essay will not turn out any more unique, impactful, or beneficial to your chances of acceptance than the thousands of AI-generated essays other applicants are churning out and submitting to the same schools. As college admissions officers are faced with even more of these essays, their ability to weed out what “sounds” or “feels” like AI will strengthen and your application will suffer. Moreover, the increasing development of AI-detection software renders using ChatGPT an extreme risk of having your application rejected entirely.
ChatGPT Lacks the Personal Insight of a College Counselor
Lastly, ChatGPT cannot replace your college counselor. Only a professional college advisor, whether provided by your school or a private counselor such as those who work at The Enrichery, will get to know you well enough to be able to guide you through the admissions process in your best interest. In comparison, an AI chatbox will be severely limited in its ability to determine your unique personality type and study habits, suggest useful resources, facilitate the recommendation letter process, and cooperate with you to set up a functional admissions schedule tailored to your daily life and commitments.
The Enrichery offers year-round college admissions advising for students seeking assistance drafting, writing, and editing college application essays; applying for scholarships; constructing resumes; and more. With flexible scheduling options and numerous experienced college advisors on hand, let’s work together to ensure your child meets their full academic potential. For more information, submit a request to contact us at https://theenrichery.com/contact-us-submission/!
