Thinking about using AI to write your scholarship essay? Discover the pros, cons, and ethical considerations before you decide.
Should You Use AI for Writing Scholarship Essays?
In today’s digital world, artificial intelligence (AI) is almost everywhere—from recommending what series you should binge next to helping businesses automate customer support. But now, it’s showing up in a place you might not expect: scholarship applications.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you can (or should) use AI tools like ChatGPT to help with your scholarship essay, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s a hot topic—and not without controversy.
Let’s break it down. We’ll explore what AI really is, how it’s being used in scholarship submissions, the risks of relying on it too much, and smarter ways to actually use it as a tool rather than a shortcut.
First Off: What Is AI, Really?
Artificial Intelligence is a branch of computer science focused on creating machines or programs that can think and learn like humans. From solving math problems to analyzing trends in massive datasets, AI can do a lot—and usually, much faster than we can.
In the context of writing, AI tools like ChatGPT can quickly generate entire essays based on a prompt. Pretty cool, right? But also, kind of risky—especially when you’re applying for scholarships where originality and authenticity are everything.
Let’s see what that looks like in action.
Example Prompt:
“Describe your perfect day.”
AI’s Answer:
“My perfect day would involve helping people solve problems, spark creativity, and learn new things. I’d engage in meaningful conversations, provide insights that truly make a difference…”
Sure, it’s well-written. But did you notice how vague it is? There’s no real detail or personality—just a generic response that could belong to anyone (or any bot).
The Real Numbers: AI and Scholarship Essays
During a recent scholarship cycle, Scholarships360 received close to 1,000 essay submissions. Out of those, 42% were flagged as likely AI-generated by an AI detection tool. That’s 410 essays!
The tool, GPTZero, analyzed each sentence for patterns commonly seen in AI-written content and gave an overall “AI probability score.”
But even without fancy detectors, reviewers could tell something was off. Many of the essays had that same robotic feel—repetitive words, similar examples, and a lack of individuality. And when you’re reading hundreds of essays, those patterns stand out fast.
How Can You Tell If an Essay Was Written by AI?
Here are some of the top clues reviewers noticed:
Overused AI Buzzwords:
“Cornerstone” – showed up in 62% of AI-flagged essays!
“Bedrock” – used in 20% of those same essays.
Essays often started with phrases like:
“In the vibrant tapestry of human society…”
“In the annals of history…”
These grand, poetic openers sound impressive—but they’re actually a red flag that a machine might be behind the words.
Recycled Arguments and Examples:
When asked to write about free speech, many essays (especially AI-generated ones) referenced the same talking points:
“Free speech allows open dialogue and innovation.”
“Without it, society and tech development are hindered.” And they backed those claims up with the same historical examples—Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, North Korea, the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. All valid examples, but when 200+ essays cite them, they lose their impact.
The Risks of Using AI to Write Your Scholarship Essay
Let’s be real: AI is tempting. It’s fast, it sounds smart, and it can help you meet that 500-word minimum in seconds. But here’s why you should think twice before letting it do the writing for you:
❌ Similarity = Disqualification
If your essay sounds just like 100 others, it’s unlikely to stand out—or worse, it may get tossed aside for being AI-written.
❌ Inaccuracy in Facts
AI tools may spit out outdated or incorrect info, especially when it comes to recent events. You don’t want to lose credibility because of a wrong date or inaccurate example.
❌ Lack of Authenticity
The biggest deal-breaker? AI doesn’t know you. It can’t capture your lived experiences, your challenges, your triumphs—or your unique voice.
A Real Example of a Winning Essay
Will Geiger, cofounder of Scholarships360, recalls one standout essay written by a student from Kentucky. It wasn’t flashy or dramatic. It simply described her drive home from school—what she saw, how she felt, and what it all meant to her. It was deeply personal and unforgettable.
And here’s the thing: no AI could’ve written that.
For Scholarship Reviewers: How to Spot AI-Generated Essays
If you’re a scholarship provider, here are some steps you can take to catch AI usage and encourage more authentic submissions:
Look for Patterns: Pay attention to repeated words, phrases, and historical examples across different essays.
Ask Personal Questions: Prompts that require personal stories or experiences are harder for AI to answer convincingly.
Add Other Requirements: Consider asking for creative projects, portfolios, or even short videos.
Include Interviews: Talking to finalists helps you assess if the essay truly reflects their voice.
Be Transparent: Let applicants know you’ll be screening for AI. This might discourage them from using it—or at least make them more cautious.
So… Can You Use AI At All?
Absolutely. AI can be a fantastic helper—if you use it wisely.
Here are 3 smart, risk-free ways to use AI for your essay:
✅ 1. Brainstorm Ideas
You can ask AI to help you think of topics or even prompt you with questions. For example:
Prompt: “Why do you deserve this scholarship?”
Ask AI: “What questions should I reflect on to answer this well?”
Let AI guide your thinking, not do your thinking.
✅ 2. Fix Grammar and Typos
Run your finished essay through AI to catch grammar slips or awkward wording. Just make sure you don’t let it rewrite everything!
✅ 3. Check for Clarity
Ask AI to summarize your essay. If the summary doesn’t reflect what you wanted to say, you might need to rework your points.
AI is here to stay—and it’s changing the way we write. But when it comes to scholarship essays, originality still rules. A well-crafted, personal essay will always shine brighter than a polished but soulless one.
Use AI to support your process, not replace your voice. That unique story only you can tell? That’s your golden ticket.