Today’s admissions process looks different than it did even five years ago. Here are three of the biggest changes AI is driving—and how you can help your teen stand out for the right reasons.

1. Colleges Are Using AI to Pre-Screen Essays

It may come as a surprise, but many colleges are already using AI to scan application materials before a human reader even sees them. At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, for example, AI tools assess the structure, grammar, vocabulary, and even the length of essays as a first layer of review. As application numbers surge, more universities are adopting these tools to sort through thousands of submissions more efficiently.

These tools don’t assess creativity or authenticity—they assess technical polish. That means a formulaic or weak essay might be filtered out early in the process.

What Parents Can Do:
Support your teen in crafting essays that are both well-written and personal. Encourage multiple rounds of revision and feedback from mentors who know them—not just a grammar checker or AI tool. Their writing should sound like them—insightful, specific, and human.

2. AI-Written Essays Are Easy to Spot—and Easy to Ignore

Many students are tempted to use AI to write parts—or all—of their personal statement. But the reality is that admissions officers can recognize AI-generated content almost instantly. It lacks the nuance, voice, and self-awareness that makes a strong application essay stand out.

Even using AI to “polish” an essay can dilute a student’s authenticity. The result often sounds generic and disconnected, especially when compared to recommendation letters or the Activities List. Admissions readers are looking for consistency across all parts of the application—and they’re very good at detecting what’s real and what’s not.

What Parents Can Do:
Talk openly with your teen about ethical AI use. It’s fine to use AI as a brainstorming partner or to help organize ideas—but never as a replacement for personal insight. Help them reflect on experiences that truly shaped them, rather than relying on vague narratives or overused themes.

3. Authentic Engagement Is More Important Than Ever

Here’s one of the most important shifts: in a world where essays and activity lists are easier to “optimize,” admissions officers are putting more weight on what can’t be faked—depth, consistency, and authentic engagement.

Many students use AI to generate lists of activities they think will look impressive, then race to pad their resumes. But admissions readers can tell the difference between a student who’s checking boxes and one who’s truly engaged. One meaningful activity pursued with passion matters far more than ten disconnected ones that were added for optics.

What Parents Can Do:
Encourage your teen to lean into what they actually care about. Whether it’s robotics, environmental advocacy, creative writing, or mentoring younger students, admissions officers want to see commitment, growth, and curiosity. Help your teen find opportunities that align with their interests and values—not what they think colleges want to see.

Final Thoughts

AI is a powerful tool—but it’s not a shortcut to getting into college. In fact, it’s making authenticity even more valuable. As the admissions landscape shifts, colleges are becoming better at detecting the difference between students who are performing and those who are engaged.



Your teen doesn’t need to outsmart the system. They need to show who they are, what they care about, and why it matters. And as a parent, your greatest gift is helping them tune out the noise and focus on what’s real.

Because in this new era of AI, the most human story still wins.