Graduate Student Perspective: AI in the Graduate Application Process

Please provide a one-paragraph overview of the session.‎ (200 words or less): AI is changing how students approach the graduate application process. Instead of starting from scratch, many are turning to tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm essay ideas, draft statements of purpose, and clean up their writing. Resume builders powered by AI are also helping students show off their skills, improve formatting, and use the right keywords to catch attention. Some even use AI to search for programs, compare funding options, or practice for interviews. To better understand use and perception, ETS will share findings from a recent student survey to prospective graduate students about their habits using AI in the application process. Sharing these survey findings with GEM professionals can give admission teams a clearer picture of what applicants are doing and help them decide how to respond. While AI makes the process faster and often less stressful, it also raises questions about fairness, originality, and how much help is too much. For now, students and graduate programs are figuring it out together, learning how to balance technology with authentic self-expression as AI becomes a regular part of the application journey.

Session Agenda/Outline (200 words or less): Survey Insights – Review key findings from a recent survey of prospective graduate students on how they use AI tools before and during the application process.

Ethical Perspectives – Explore students’ views on the ethics of AI use—both their own and that of other applicants.

Policy Comparison – Discuss and compare current institutional policies and practices related to AI in the application process.

Action Planning – Identify gaps, refine guidelines, and develop strategies for more informed policies moving forward.