Why using AI to write my personal statement would be a huge mistake

[Lisa]

I was honestly considering using AI to help with my personal statement. The pressure is enormous and I'm stuck. Then I read McMaster's warning: "Writing can be tricky, but avoid the temptation to use AI tools to write your statement for you. AI writing can sound generic and unauthentic – two elements that don't make for a good application!" .

That stopped me cold. Generic and unauthentic. That's exactly what I'm trying NOT to be.

The guide says before you start, you should:

• "Take some time to reflect on your reasons for applying and give yourself ample time for the writing process"
• "Plan for a few drafts before your final version"
• "Ensure you have thoroughly researched the program and school, including courses, instructors, their areas of research, program values, and any information on their website such as descriptions and tips"

AI can't do any of that. It can't know why I shadowed that specific doctor or what I learned from that patient who reminded me of my grandmother.

For brainstorming, they suggest: "Brainstorm and bullet point your thoughts. Try a mind map if you are more visual" . I did this yesterday and it helped more than any AI tool would have.

For finalizing: "Read through for flow, ensure you have addressed the content, and have provided insightful reflections or details about research interests for letters of intent. Have someone read it over – a friend, family member, professor or book an appointment with the SSC careers team" .

Real feedback from real people — not AI feedback from a algorithm.

I'm not anti-technology. I'll use citation managers and grammar checkers. But for the content? For my story? That has to come from me. Because if it doesn't, it won't be mine.

For other applicants: have you been tempted to use AI? How are you resisting?

 

[Lamelia]

The McMaster warning is right. AI personal statements all sound the same. Same sentence structures. Same transitions. Same "I am passionate about" garbage.

Here's what AI can't do: tell the story about the patient who reminded you of your grandmother. That's specific. That's real. That's what they remember.

AI gives you the average of the internet. You're not the average. You're the outlier. Write the outlier. Write the thing only you could write.