When I tell people my job as an Admissions Coach/Consultant, one of the first questions people like to ask me is “aren’t you worried you’re out of a job now that people can use ChatGpt/AI to write essays”. I always chuckle and say “absolutely not”. Unfortunately for applicants - ChatGpt isn’t going to help you write a successful MBA application essay or Masters Statement of Purpose and if anything proves more of a point why an Admissions Coach/Consultant is needed more than ever. Here are 5 reasons ChatGpt isn’t going to write you a successful application essay.
Doesn’t tell a personal story
The whole point of an admission essay or Statement of Purpose is to understand you on a personal level and unfortunately these stories cannot come from ChatGPT. You have to reflect on your own story, your achievements and failures that you’ve experienced that have made you who you are to draft the stories MBA and Masters programs are looking for. This cannot come from ChatGPT unless you’re looking for made up stories…which wouldn’t be actually you, which brings me to my next point
2. Lacks authenticity
ChatGPT often falls on using generic responses. While there is a formulaic format to the applications overall, the problem with ChatGPT is that it relies heavily on patterns and thus when drafting essays, it becomes highly generic. More times than not, as an Admissions Consultant/Coach, I can detect AI usage in the format or phrasings. And if I’m detecting this just as someone who reads 100 admission essays or so, imagine it for an Admissions Director who goes through close to 1000. Furthermore, remember, Admissions Committees are looking for authentic and diverse voices; they want you to stand out and be you and by using ChatGPT you’re proving the exact opposite.
3. Overly Complex or unrealistic wording and drafting
Moving along the topic of lacking authenticity, since most of my clients are international/non-Native English speakers, many are worried that their English writing has errors or lacks “professional” English” looking for more “authentic” English–which means that even for those who draft their own essays, they always feel like a ChatGPT polish is helpful. However this is one of the biggest mistakes a non-Native English/international student makes. More times than not, non-Native English speakers will be impressed by the words that ChatGPT uses–like wow look at all these long and complex words and phrases–this will really make me sound smart. What they don’t know is that most of the time, the writing of ChatGPT is actually too complex. Whether it’s using words or phrases that are rarely used or ranting, ChatGPT ultimately comes off sounding very robotic and gives off a red flag when reviewing the essay. This is especially true for international applicants as the Admissions Committee are expecting weaker English. Only an actual human skilled and experienced with English usage in a professional setting can provide you the balance in a well written essay that still maintains authenticity. A good example I have of this is to actually flip the script and use ChatGPT to write something for me in Chinese; in this example I am asking ChatGPT to write a marketing ad for my “MBA Essay 101” Workshop:
I’ve done this test with many of my Chinese speaking clients and for those who read Chinese, you can agree with my clients: within a minute of reading ChatGPT’s advertisement it just feels stiff, weird, and robotic. Now, imagine the same for your Admissions Essays/Statement of Purpose; can you now see how ChatGPT might not be the most strategic choice for writing your essays?
4. Doesn’t account for strategic insight
On the note of strategy, remember as you apply for each MBA or Masters program, you need to be tailoring your essays to the values and goals of each program. You need to strategically show how your unique story, experiences, goals, and strengths and weaknesses are a good fit for the program. ChatGPT is limited in its ability to process and understand the various nuances of all these elements. And for that, it defaults to again, generic responses without any strategic approach. Furthermore, as I myself have learned as an Admissions Consultant/Coach, it’s hard to capture the nuances and differences between program and program; it’s only after talking to Admissions Directors directly or engaging with current students and alumni, can you truly understand the program. As an Admissions Consultant/Coach I actively keep myself aware of these nuances – annually engaging directly with Admission Directors from top programs to understand what they’re looking for in an applicant.
5. Lack of real feedback and depth
That brings me to my final point: at the end of the day, ChatGPT is not able to provide the real feedback and depth that an Admissions Consultant/Coach can bring. As an Admissions Consultant/Coach my goal is to understand my client in depth. I probe their stories and experiences, ask about their achievements and failures, noting their strengths and weaknesses, and hearing their goals and desires. By doing this I’m able to understand my clients holistically and provide them direction on their story. Beyond just providing them this start, as an Admissions Consultant/Coach I also provide feedback. While ChatGPT may be able to edit your essays, it’s the one on one conversations regarding personal growth or program fit where one can truly provide constructive feedback. Finally, my unique approach and unique touch of energizing my clients and building their confidence and overall preparedness for attending a top MBA/Masters just simply isn’t replaceable by ChatGPT or even another Coach/Consultant.
BONUS: MBA and Masters programs have stated their ChatGPT policies with most of them understanding that ChatGPT can be helpful during the brainstorm phase but against students using ChatGPT for their final written product. Because of that, many programs have started or are considering using AI detection tools on application essays–which have been tested by myself and many of my counterparts in the industry. There have been mixed results with these tests with most detection tools overly detecting AI usage (such as a few false positives). While using ChatGPT might feel like a cheap and fast way to get the written deliverables complete, you’re ultimately gambling with your chances as a strong detection of AI will likely lead to the program automatically dropping your application. Is it worth the risk?
And those are the 5+ reasons why ChatGPT isn’t going to write you a successful MBA application essay or Masters Statement of Purpose. While it may seem like the easy option, ultimately it’ll end up in disappointment. While ChatGPT can be helpful in brainstorming and providing ideas, at the end of the day, a human touch is needed. Therefore, for those looking for that real guidance in writing a standout Admissions essay or Masters SOP or those interested in working with me as their Admission Coach/Consultant, I invite you to schedule a free 30 minute consultation call with me here. It's 100% free and even if we don't work together, I provide a deep evaluation and advice on your application journey. Nothing to lose, and everything to gain. Let’s help you discover your story and get y’all into some top MBA and Masters programs (with scholarship!) 加油!
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