In recent years, the question of whether it’s acceptable to use AI for college admissions essays has become one of the hottest topics among students, parents, and admissions officers. Our answer is yes—with important caveats. AI can be an incredible support tool, but it should never serve as a substitute for your own voice. Students should not use AI to draft or generate any essay sections they plan to submit as their own work.

That’s why ESAI’s platform never produces essays or submission-ready content. Instead, it’s designed to help students brainstorm, refine clarity, polish tone, and even test how well a story aligns with a school’s unique prompts or values. When approached this way, AI doesn’t dilute authenticity—it amplifies it.

Can AI help me come up with essay ideas?

One of the toughest parts of writing a college essay is figuring out what story to tell. That blank page can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to stand out from thousands of other applicants. AI can be a great brainstorming partner here. Instead of spitting out a pre-written essay, the right tool asks guiding questions, surfaces patterns in your experiences, and highlights themes you may not have noticed. ESAI’s Personal Statement Topic Finder is designed exactly for this—it helps students turn messy lists of activities or half-formed thoughts into essay concepts with direction and depth. Think of it less like outsourcing creativity and more like having a brainstorming coach who nudges you toward the story only you can tell.

Can AI help make my writing better?

Once you’ve chosen a topic, the next hurdle is turning your ideas into a clean, compelling draft. This is another place where AI can really shine—not by writing or rewriting your story, but by helping you improve it. Many students worry about grammar mistakes, clunky transitions, or whether their essay flows in a way that holds attention. AI tools can act like a built-in editor, pointing out redundancies, suggesting smoother phrasing, and helping you stay true to your voice. ESAI’s Essay Draft Editor and Hook Helper are great for this stage. The Draft Editor offers feedback on essay structure and flow, while the Hook Helper shows you how to start your essay with a strong opening line that draws the reader in. The result isn’t a robotic essay, but one that feels polished, confident, and unmistakably yours.

Can AI help me make an impression on my dream school?

Every college has its own set of essay prompts, and what works for one school might not resonate at another. That’s where AI can help students bridge the gap between their personal story and what a college is really asking. Instead of giving generic advice, tools like ESAI’s Supplemental Essay Assistant break prompts down into plain language and suggest ways to connect your experiences back to the school’s values. For example, if a prompt asks why you want to attend a certain university, the tool can highlight aspects of your background that align with that school’s programs, community, or culture.

So, is it okay to use AI in admissions essays?

Yes—when used responsibly. AI can make the process less intimidating by helping you discover meaningful ideas, polish your draft so it shines, and frame your story in a way that resonates with your dream school’s prompts and values. Tools like ESAI’s Topic Finder, Draft Editor, and Supplemental Essay Assistant show that AI isn’t about writing essays for you—it’s about giving you the structure and feedback to write the best version of your own story. The key is to treat AI as a coach, not a ghostwriter. If you do that, using AI in your admissions essays isn’t just okay—it can be one of the smartest ways to put your strongest, most authentic self forward.

Authored by: Nicole Jaiyesimi, ESAI Founder's Associate