AI in University Applications: Helping or Hurting Students?

Recently, I found myself reflecting on this question after receiving a survey from one of the major global education agents:

Is AI helping or hurting the university application journey?

As someone who works closely with students, families, and schools throughout the admissions process, I see the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in practice — and the answer is both.

On one hand, AI has made university application guidance more accessible than ever. Students can organise their ideas more effectively, improve communication skills, prepare for interviews, and approach applications with greater confidence. Especially for non-native English speakers, AI can be an incredibly supportive tool throughout the application process.

However, I also see a growing concern around authenticity in student applications. Applications are becoming increasingly polished, but often less personal. Many personal statements and admissions essays are starting to sound similar, making it harder for university admissions teams to truly understand the individual behind the application.

The issue, in my opinion, is not AI itself — but how dependent we become on it. When used thoughtfully, AI can support creativity, structure, and efficiency in the admissions journey. But it should never replace personal reflection, critical thinking, or a student’s unique voice.

Interestingly, I believe the rise of AI is making authenticity even more valuable. In a world where technology can generate almost anything, genuine perspective, emotional intelligence, and human connection are becoming the qualities that stand out the most in university applications.

The strongest applications are still the ones that feel real. Students often forget that an application does not just consist of submitting an online form and a personal statement. My feedback when I read an AI-generated essay is often this: This is your opportunity to convince the university why you are worth their investment.

It is important to remember that experienced admissions teams read thousands of applications every year and are highly skilled at recognising when a piece of writing feels overly artificial or lacks a genuine personal voice.

My final line is always this: universities are also using AI tools to identify AI-generated content. 🙂