Over the past year, more of our clients at Gurufi have submitted essays to us that are written -either in whole or in part- by ChatGPT or other AI-powered text generators. I know this because, as a matter of course, I check all of the drafts clients submit using AI-detection software similar to what admissions departments use. My purpose isn’t to scold my clients, but I’ll tell them bluntly that they need to reassess their approach so that their admission isn’t tanked because they used AI to write (or even revise) their essays.
I get it, applying to a bunch of MBA programs is time-consuming, and if you’re not a natural or comfortable writer, tools like ChatGPT can seem like a godsend. However, it's crucial to understand how to use these tools ethically and effectively without compromising the authenticity of your personal statement. In short, there are three huge dangers with ChatGPT: (1) AI lacks the ability to infuse genuine personal experiences and emotions into an essay. The narratives crafted may appear generic and fail to capture the essence of your individuality. (2) Passing off AI-generated content as your own work breaches academic integrity policies, raising serious ethical concerns. (3) The increasing sophistication of detection tools means that schools can identify AI-written content, which could jeopardize your entire application.
I am not 100% anti-ChatPT, though. Much like Wikipedia, ChatGPT is not inherently bad; it is a powerful tool that, when used wisely, can enhance your application process. While you shouldn't rely on ChatGPT to write your essay, it can be an excellent ally during the brainstorming and organizational stages of your writing process. ChatGPT can assist in generating ideas by helping you identify key themes and stories from your experiences. It can suggest structures for your essay based on the information you provide, aiding in the organization of your thoughts. Moreover, the tool can prompt you to delve deeper into your accomplishments and how they align with the school's values, fostering a deeper reflection on what makes you a unique candidate.
To make the most of ChatGPT, it's important to ask the right questions. For example, you might provide the school's website and your CV and ask the AI to note three important ways you'd be a good fit for the school, as well as two things from your CV that warrant further exploration within your essay. This approach helps you pinpoint how your background aligns with the school's offerings and surfaces elements of your CV that are intriguing and worth elaborating on.
Another effective strategy is to request insights on compelling stories. You could ask, based on your CV and the school's profile, what three accomplishments or stories would be most interesting to hear more about. This helps you uncover narratives that admissions committees are likely to find engaging and ensures that the stories you choose to tell are relevant to the school's values and culture. Additionally, use the responses you get to these queries to ask ChatGPT to sketch an outline for your personal statement based on your CV and the school's strengths. This kind of information can provide a clear roadmap for your essay, ensuring a logical flow of ideas and helping you stay focused on the most critical points. This kind of back-and-forth mirrors the kind of help and suggestions you might get from a school’s writing center and also meets ethical best practices.
That said, despite the valuable assistance that ChatGPT can provide, it cannot replace the nuance and insight that human experts bring to the table. Collaborating with mentors, advisors, or professional consultants is crucial. (At Gurufi, we have extensive experience working with people who have fallen into the AI trap and need to rebuild their essays!) When we work with applicants to build out outlines and mine for ideas, we offer feedback based on personal experiences and a deep understanding of the admissions process. Additionally, our extensive experience as writers and editors allows us to help you convey emotions and motivations effectively—something AI struggles with—and provide accountability throughout your application journey.
Ethical considerations remain paramount in this process. Ensuring that your essay is a true reflection of your voice and experiences maintains authenticity and builds trust with the admissions committee. Upholding integrity by being honest in your application not only aligns with academic policies but also sets a strong foundation for your future studies and professional endeavors.
With the insights gained from ChatGPT and the guidance of human experts, you are well-equipped to craft a personal statement that stands out. It's essential to be authentic and let your genuine voice shine through. Showcase how your experiences have shaped your aspirations and clearly articulate why you are a good fit for the program and how you will contribute to it. Remember that admissions committees are looking for candidates who are not only qualified but also bring a unique perspective and genuine passion to their field of study.
Remember, personal statements ARE a lot of work, but they play a vital role in where you will spend the next two years of your life and the trajectory of your career thereafter! So invest a bit of effort to do this right and do it well. While AI tools like ChatGPT can enhance your preparation process, the final product should be undeniably yours. Artificial intelligence has opened new avenues for MBA applicants to refine their personal statements, but using ChatGPT ethically—primarily as a brainstorming and organizational tool—allows you to gain valuable insights without compromising the integrity of your work. Always pair AI assistance with human expertise to ensure your essay is authentic, compelling, and aligned with your target school's values. Embrace technology wisely, and let your unique story lead the way to your MBA aspirations.
For more help with your personal statement, check us out at Gurufi.com. Our personal statement editors and consultants have decades of experience helping clients get into top MBA programs. Our specialty is helping you craft compelling personal statements that move the needle in your admissions process! For questions, shoot us an email at service@gurufi.com. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
