Published on April 11, 2026
As college admissions become increasingly competitive, many students are turning to technology for assistance. One of the most controversial trends in this landscape is the proliferation of AI-generated essays. In my month of working in the field of “humanizing” bot-written college admissions essays, I found myself earning around $2,000. This figure quickly multiplied as more students sought my services, prompting me to reflect on the implications of this trend.
The rise of artificial intelligence in the college application process raises significant ethical concerns. For many applicants, the pressure to stand out in a sea of qualified candidates leads them to seek all possible avenues for creating a compelling narrative. However, while AI can generate impressive text, it often lacks the personal touch, perspective, and authenticity that admissions officers are looking for. That’s where I come in—the “humanizer.”
My job involves taking the raw output of AI-generated essays and polishing them, adding personal anecdotes and emotional depth that resonate with the unique experiences of each applicant. While this approach may help students craft more relatable essays, it also opens a Pandora’s box. The question remains: Are we compromising the integrity of the admissions process heavily on technology?
There is a fine line between guidance and manipulation. The heart of a college essay is meant to showcase the individual voice and experiences of the applicant. When students lean on AI to draft their essays, the resulting narratives often become generic, lacking the personal reflections that differentiate one applicant from another.
As my business flourished, I became increasingly aware of the implications for equity and access within the college admissions landscape. Wealthier students can afford these services, allowing them to present more polished versions of their applications, while those from less privileged backgrounds may struggle to compete. This disparity raises significant questions about fairness within the admissions process.
Moreover, the over-reliance on AI doesn’t just impact applicants; it also affects admissions officers who are tasked with evaluating these essays. When reading hundreds of submissions, distinguishing between a genuine story and one that has been heavily edited by a humanizer can become challenging. This brings into question the authenticity of the personal narrative that admissions committees rely on to assess candidates.
As the college admissions landscape evolves, I raise a warning for students and parents alike: while technology can be a useful tool, it should never replace the genuine self-expression that college essays are meant to convey. Authenticity should remain at the forefront of the application process, allowing each student’s unique voice to shine through.
Ultimately, while I may be profiting from this trend today, I encourage applicants to embrace their individual stories and experiences. In the race for college admissions, it is authenticity that truly sets a candidate apart. Without it, the very fabric of the college experience—an opportunity for growth, self-reflection, and genuine connection—could be at risk. As we move forward, let’s strive to keep the heart of the admissions process intact, reminding us that the best essays are those that are true to who we are.
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