Duke Unveils Academic Essay Task on Artificial Intelligence - Tips for Successful Approach
Top Universities Embrace AI and Ethics in Admissions
In a significant shift, top universities are encouraging applicants to engage with artificial intelligence (AI) in a thoughtful and critical manner. One university leading this charge is Virginia Tech, which has introduced explicit essay prompts and policies that invite students to reflect on AI ethics.
Recently, Virginia Tech announced the incorporation of AI assistance into the essay evaluation process, combining human and AI reviewers. This move signifies a direct engagement with AI's role in admissions. The university's essay prompts also encourage reflection on topics that encompass ethical and critical thinking, such as "Describe an experience that made you reconsider your perspective" and "What are you curious about?"
While many universities grapple with AI usage in essays and are contemplating reducing the essay's weight, few have yet explicitly required students to directly address AI ethics or critical approaches to AI in their prompts. For instance, discussions at institutions like UC Irvine reveal widespread student use of AI in essay writing but no indication of prompts directly asking for critical engagement with AI itself.
However, some educational resources are available to students to guide the ethical consideration of AI. For example, AI prompting guidelines that encourage ethical analysis exist, but these are more instructional rather than formal admissions essay prompts.
Duke University is another institution that has taken a proactive approach to AI. As part of its initiative to address the ethical challenges posed by AI and shape its future in the classroom, Duke has introduced a supplemental essay prompt that asks applicants to write about their views on AI. It is likely that other top schools will follow Duke's lead and require applicants to share their philosophy on AI.
In summary, Virginia Tech is among the few top universities integrating AI considerations both in admissions evaluation and in essay prompts that indirectly invite critical approaches to AI. Other top universities have yet to introduce formal essay prompts specifically requiring critical reflection on AI or AI ethics as of mid-2025.
If you're interested, I can keep you updated on any newer or more explicit AI-ethics-focused prompts that emerge beyond this timeframe. When answering these prompts, students should reflect honestly on their use of AI in their everyday lives.
To excel in college applications, particularly at top colleges like Duke and Stanford, it's crucial to understand AI ethics and critically analyze its impact. Top college admissions consultants can guide you on how to write a strong Common Application personal statement that discusses your thoughts on AI, while exploring college essay ideas such as "Describe an experience that made you reconsider your perspective" or "What are you curious about?" Furthermore, technology can be leveraged to research best college consultant services and topic ideas list for college admissions to enhance your application.
