I Was Curious… Then a Little Creeped Out
It started as a simple experiment. I typed in a prompt — "Write a college essay about resilience." Within seconds, the AI gave me 500 words of decent, grammatically correct content. But as I read it, I realized something strange: it was good, but it wasn't me. It lacked something I couldn't quite put my finger on. Maybe a soul?
The Writing Was Clean — But Emotionally Empty
There were no awkward metaphors. There are no grammar issues. But also… no real vulnerability. The essay didn't ramble, hesitate, or show signs of struggle. It felt like a mask pretending to feel. And that's when it hit me: application essays aren't about perfection — they're about authenticity. AI can mimic structure but not struggle with it.
This Breakdown Helped Me Rethink AI and Human Voice
I came across this deep analysis of AI's role in application writing, and it was eye-opening. It explores:
- How far AI can go with emotional depth
- Whether admissions officers can spot AI-written essays
- What it means when originality becomes algorithmic
It didn't just answer questions — it sparked better ones.
AI Can Write — But Can It Remember Being 17 and Scared?
A good essay isn't just about a story — it's about the fear behind it. That awkward feeling of clicking "submit" and wondering if you're enough. Can AI feel the heartbreak of rejection? The thrill of acceptance? Probably not. And maybe that's the whole point.
Pros and Cons of Using AI in Personal Essay Writing
Pros:
- Generates structure & outlines fast
- Can improve grammar and clarity
- Helps overcome writer's block
Cons:
- Risk of sounding generic or robotic
- No personal memory, nuance, or emotional instinct
- It could raise ethical issues if overused
Use it as a tool — not a ghostwriter.
Checklist: How to Use AI Without Losing Your Voice
Want to balance human voice with AI help? Try this:
- Use AI to brainstorm, not finish
- Add real moments AI can't fake (details, emotions, quirks)
- Always do a final rewrite in your voice
- Never copy-paste — customize everything
- Ask: "Does this sound like something only I could write?"
If not — start again.
The Future Isn't AI vs Humans — It's AI with Humans
I'm not anti-AI. I'm pro-human-first. Let machines assist, not replace. The best application essays are fingerprints — not photocopies. Maybe in 10 years, AI will be more advanced. But I hope we still value messy, imperfect, brave writing — the kind only a real person can create.
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