In this episode of The mbaMission Podcast, mbaMission Senior Consultant Harold Simansky and Managing Director Gavriella Semaya tackle the topic of candidates using AI when preparing their MBA applications. Although they both see value in applying the tool for grammar checks, light research, and brainstorming, the trouble starts when applicants let AI do more than support the writing process. When the technology begins shaping a candidate’s ideas or tone too significantly, the result is a loss of authenticity and singularity.
Table of Contents
A Polished Essay Is Not the Same as a Unique Essay
Harold notes that AI can help many applicants reach a baseline with their essays, but that baseline is not enough to stand out in this highly selective process. Strong applications need credibility, specificity, and a “why” that feels personal. You want the admissions reader to come away from your submission knowing why you made certain choices, what motivates you, and how you see the world. This kind of depth and honesty is beyond the capabilities of AI.
Gavriella adds that AI tends to default to the most common response to a question or prompt, not to the most individual one. As a result, essays from applicants with wildly different lives can end up sounding flat and using the same robotic voice. Including specific details and personal reasoning is what makes a candidate’s application memorable.
Schools Want a High Level of Authenticity
Harold and Gavriella also discuss how business schools are integrating AI use into their applications. Some programs ask candidates to disclose whether and how they used AI, and a number of programs have introduced or increased the number of spontaneous video responses that applicants must submit. Business schools want to understand how you think, communicate, and respond in real time. A heavily engineered written answer can hide that, but a live, extemporaneous response usually cannot.
The trend toward live video components should not scare applicants but instead remind them what the application process is meant to reveal. MBA admissions committees want to see evidence of judgment and self-awareness, and a point of view that is consistent across a candidate’s essays, recommendations, and spoken communications.
New episodes of The mbaMission Podcast are released every Tuesday on all major streaming platforms, with full video episodes available on mbaMission’s YouTube channel.
If you are curious about how your story, experiences, and goals align with what top business schools are looking for, sign up for a free 30-minute consultation with Harold, Gavriella, or another member of mbaMission’s admissions team.
