Does using AI take away the authenticity and personality in your personal statement essay? Find out ways to use AI without losing your voice and story.
Picture yourself as one of the faculty members poring through hundreds or thousands of university or scholarship applications. What would capture your attention – a textbook-perfect essay that includes all the “model” responses or the slightly imperfect but heartfelt and interesting one?
Chances are, after reading through several cookie-cutter personal statement essays, the latter will be more memorable and hence have higher odds of being selected.
This is exactly why one of the most challenging tasks in the university or scholarship application process is writing your personal statement. Crafting a strong and genuine essay, peppered with personal anecdotes, while staying on point and within word count, is definitely no mean feat.
With all these factors at play, many are turning to AI writing tools, such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, or Copilot, for assistance.
Utilising AI writing tools for your personal statement – yay or nay?
What Is a Personal Statement?
A personal statement is a crucial part of your university or scholarship application process. It forms the first impression that the institutions have of you. While different institutions have slightly varied requirements, most will require you to address these key questions:
- Why did you decide on this particular scholarship/course/university?
- What are your academic and personal achievements?
- How will this scholarship/course/university help you achieve your career aspirations?
- Why are you the ideal candidate?
- What are your personal strengths/interests, and how will you hone them at the university?
The questions are not hard if the applicant possesses a genuine passion for the area of study and conducts some research on the institution. While AI writing tools can craft a sound (and probably generic) response, it will not be authentic, and this could hurt your chances of being shortlisted.
Artificial Versus Authenticity
It is worth noting that some institutions have a harder stance towards AI usage and go as far as to include a declaration that you have not utilised AI in writing your personal statement.
Others are of the view that AI, if used correctly, can be a helpful tool for applicants writing their personal statements. It is important to remember that AI tools cannot replace your feelings, thoughts, and experiences. Your personal statement/essay is exactly that – personal.
Here is an example of how a personal story triumphs over an AI-generated excerpt:
AI-Generated
From a young age, I have been inspired by the discipline, teamwork, and sense of purpose embodied by the RSAF. I believe true leadership lies not only in making decisions under pressure but also in earning the trust of those you serve.
The SAF Merit Scholarship is both an opportunity and a responsibility to grow as a leader of character, serve Singapore with conviction, and contribute to our defence in a changing world.
I am especially drawn to the path of a pilot, where precision and resilience are essential, and where each mission directly safeguards our people. With this scholarship, I aspire to dedicate myself fully to the RSAF’s mission and uphold the values of courage, commitment, and excellence.
Personal Story
My passion for aviation began with the awe- inspiring Air Force television commercial I saw as a child. It was cemented when I had the chance to sit in the cockpit of a fighter jet at the RSAF Open House. This memorable experience propelled me to join the Singapore Youth Flying Club, where I gained my first hands-on flying experience and honed essential skills such as strategic thinking, resilience, and remaining calm under pressure.
Being a part of the RSAF is a natural progression, as I am convinced that I want to contribute to Singapore’s defence in the skies. The SAF Merit Scholarship is an essential step to fulfilling this dream as it will enable me to push my limits, be a part of something bigger, and protect our nation.
As demonstrated in the example above, while AI may use impressive buzzwords or motherhood statements that address the requirements of the personal statement, it loses the sincerity that comes through from the personal story of the applicant’s childhood experience, such as the TV commercial and open house visit.
Rules of AI Engagement
Instead of relying on AI to generate the entire essay or a large part of it, use it to churn ideas, develop a structure, improve articulation, or do checks of your final piece.
Tips on leveraging AI tools without compromising your personal touch:
1 Research: Tools such as ChatGPT are great for distilling a large volume of information.
For example, you can use it to summarise the requirements and then cross-check against your own to identify any gaps.
2 Refine: If you have multiple talking points and have trouble with the essay flow, tools such as Copilot can organise and put together a structure.
3 Final Check: As the last step, there are plenty of tools, such as Grammarly and Microsoft Word Editor, that can help screen for spelling and grammatical errors.
Finally, Double and Triple Check!
While AI is getting more sophisticated, they do make mistakes. Do ensure that you check the facts, especially. Remember that using AI-generated content wholesale can be considered cheating. Some institutions do parse applications through AI-checkers for verification. Hence, be sure to read each institution’s application requirements and AI policy thoroughly.
Last but not least, remember that while AI is the easy way out, do not lose the opportunity to translate your personal stories and voice into a heartfelt and memorable narrative!