The panic
A student ran their essays through AI detectors “just in case” and freaked out when the results came back saying their work was up to 100% AI—even though they wrote it all themselves. With numbers floating around online about schools using these tools, the anxiety is real: could a false flag ruin your college chances?
The reality of AI detectors
AI checkers are notoriously unreliable. They often confuse predictable writing with machine-generated text, meaning even the most human essay can get flagged. Some people who tested their essays this way still landed spots at top schools, proving the detectors aren’t the final word in admissions.
What admissions actually look for
Officers read essays to understand voice, authenticity, and story. They’re trained to notice when something feels off, but they’re not blindly outsourcing decisions to glitchy detectors. At the end of the day, admissions is about whether your essay feels like you —not whether a random website says you “sound like AI.”
How to keep it safe
Instead of stressing over detectors, focus on writing with detail, personality, and originality. Avoid cliches, add specifics, and don’t reach for overcomplicated language just to sound impressive. The more natural your writing feels, the less anyone will suspect you didn’t write it.
The takeaway
AI panic is everywhere, but it shouldn’t derail your application. Admissions officers aren’t robots; they can tell the difference between an authentic essay and something slapped together by ChatGPT. Write your story, trust your voice, and stop letting sketchy detectors play with your head.
