Over the past 18 months, our editors and consultants at Gurufi have had to deal with the problem of ChatGPT. Specifically, clients come to us after using ChatGPT to write essays. When the essays seem a bit bland, they’ll come to us give them some “oomph” and personality. There are all sorts of ethical practical problems that arise from this, so let’s have a blunt and honest conversation about ChatGPT.
I recently covered this information earlier this week:
ChatGPT is a powerful tool for MBA applicants, offering resources that can help you brainstorm, organize, and refine your ideas. But it’s essential to understand how to use it responsibly. Misusing ChatGPT can jeopardize your application, so let’s break down how to harness its strengths without risking your spot in a top program.
First, recognize that ChatGPT is a support tool, not a substitute for your voice. Used correctly, it can help you generate questions, explore prompts, and outline ideas. Think of it as a brainstorming partner—a way to open up your mind to different approaches and angles. By approaching ChatGPT as a peer or collaborator, you’ll uncover insights that could lead to a stronger essay structure and help you identify meaningful anecdotes. However, using it to draft or rewrite your essay outright can strip away the personal authenticity that admissions committees value.
Many MBA programs now employ AI detection software to catch essays that are heavily AI-written. While AI detection tools aren’t perfect and can occasionally misclassify authentic writing, overuse of ChatGPT increases your risk of being flagged. A generic, overly polished essay won’t resonate as genuinely yours and could even hurt your chances if detected. Remember, schools value authenticity and unique perspective—qualities that tend to diminish when ChatGPT handles too much of the heavy lifting.
So, how can you use ChatGPT responsibly? Use it to brainstorm, explore possible topics, and create an outline. Let it suggest questions that encourage you to think deeply about your experiences, goals, and motivations. But when it’s time to write, rely on your own voice. This approach not only keeps your application genuinely personal but also helps you avoid ethical pitfalls.
If you’re looking for extra guidance, consider working with a professional consultant, like those at Gurufi. Consultants can provide valuable feedback on tone, structure, and content, ensuring that your essay remains uniquely yours. They offer a level of support and expertise that AI alone can’t replicate, helping you stay on the right side of ethics while making your essay as compelling as possible.
Ultimately, ChatGPT can be an excellent aid in your application process if used wisely. By leveraging its capabilities for brainstorming and organizing rather than writing, you’ll create an application that is both authentic and strategically sound. In today’s competitive MBA landscape, finding this balance is key to standing out—and staying true to yourself.
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.
