ATLANTA — Georgia Tech is one of the few, if not the only, university in the nation encouraging and providing guidance on the use of artificial intelligence when applying for admissions.
Rick Clark, Director of Undergraduate Admission at Georgia Tech, says if used properly, ChatGPT and other tools like it can improve a student’s chances of being accepted.
“This is a tool that can be extremely helpful in combination with things only you can add,” said Clark.
The essay part of a college application can be the most stressful. While Georgia Tech’s admissions guidelines tell students they should not copy and paste content from AI-based tools like ChatGPT, the school encourages students to use AI like a friend or counselor to “brainstorm, edit, and refine.”
“This is not your solve for a great admission essay,” said Clark. “I do think it’s your solve toward moving toward a great admission essay."
Clark has tested ChatGPT’s essay writing skills.
“It just gave some bullet points,” said Clark. “Here’s an outline and some key points to get you started. This is what we think is valuable.”
ChatGPT doesn’t know your personal experiences or accomplishments, which is something college admissions offices want to see.
“Specifics, details, and unique voice,” said Clark. “ChatGPT won’t do that on its own but in concert, in combination, you’re really getting closer to what colleges want.”
Students here will tell you Georgia Tech is one of the most selective schools in the nation. Future students might find that artificial intelligence could help write their future.