Common App is enforcing consequences on students for using AI on college applications. Punishments include account termination and alerts to colleges for suspicion of using “substantive” AI content.
Common App’s fraud policies were updated around August 2023 to state that students can be flagged for fraud by submitting significant content on their application that is found to be generated by an AI platform, algorithm, or technology. Students found by Common App to have violated their fraud policy can face repercussions such as permanent or temporary Common App user account suspension and disclosure of the fraud to the colleges on the student’s “My Colleges” list.
Some students have raised concerns regarding the accuracy and validity of the AI investigation process. According to senior Lydia Kim, AI content is often incorporated within student writing, so the accuracy with which Common App would be able to decipher AI versus student work comes into question.
“It is pretty tricky to say with certainty that something is AI generated now, especially because I know a lot of people won’t submit completely AI generated responses.” Kim said.
Some sources suggest straying away from using AI to generate written portions of college applications. According to Forbes, many colleges do not tend to favor students who utilize AI in their essays as it has the potential to be deemed plagiarism and does not allow for students’ original voices to shine through.
Subsequently, concerns regarding acceptances have been raised due to the potential consequences of AI use when attempting to gain college admission. Jacob Lee, a PHS alumnus and current Stanford University student, makes social media content on the college admissions process and advises students on AI use throughout. Lee shared advice for current seniors by drawing from his experiences with AI use and the importance of individuality in the 2025 admissions cycle.
“If you use AI, you will either one,get caught; or two, not be accepted, because AI is just beneath the level of what these admissions officers are looking for.” Lee stated.
Some staff and students have proposed ways in which students can avoid plagiarism on their college applications. Lee suggested that if students wish to utilize AI, they should use it as a tool to help brainstorm and streamline ideas rather than using it to generate the content of their essays.
Alternatively, English Composition Assistant Mrs. Suzanne Shorts works with students to help curate their college essays by meeting with them several times to ensure refined essays that represent student voices and display originality. Shorts emphasized her availability to help students write their essays without the use of AI assistance. Students looking for help on their essays can schedule a time to meet with her by emailing her.
“Any time a student needs to meet with me, my door is always open.” Shorts stated.
