If you’re thinking about letting ChatGPT write your application essay—or if you’re worried about being upstaged by applicants who use AI to write their essays—this post is for you.

Unlike essays for the Common App, school-specific essays often give applicants the opportunity to describe why they are drawn to that particular school and how they envision contributing to the specific campus community.

There may be hundreds—or even thousands—of other applicants with similar transcripts, GPAs, and test scores. Your essay is an opportunity to show what you bring to the table that others don’t.