1. Most colleges lack policies on GenAI use in admissions essays. 2. 50% of admissions officers view GenAI unfavorably for essay writing. 3. Only 2% of colleges allow GenAI for essay writing as per a survey. 4. Admissions stress originality over generic content produced by AI tools. 5. Expect clearer GenAI policies from schools in the near future.
The survey indicates uncertainty in college admissions rather than definitive impacts on Kaplan's business. Historically, shifts in educational technology adoption lead to gradual market adjustments.
While the news affects the educational industry significantly, direct impacts on GHC depend on policy adaptations. Kaplan is a subsidiary of GHC, making this news relevant in terms of market perception.
Changes in policies regarding GenAI will evolve over time, affecting Kaplan's services sustainably. Prior examples show companies can adapt over years as educational practices change.
A new survey from global education company Kaplan reveals that while an increasing number of colleges and universities have official policies on how applicants can use generative AI tools like ChatGPT in their admissions essays, most still do not—leaving students to navigate the gray area on their own.* The survey's findings come at a time when schools continue to grapple with GenAI's proper use in both admissions and scholarships.
The following insights are based on responses from more than 200 college admissions officers. Figures in parentheses represent results from Kaplan's 2024 survey, allowing for year-over-year comparison:
As part of the survey, admissions officers said that GenAI can strip essays of their personal touch, producing generic content that doesn't reflect a student's authentic voice or unique experiences. They stressed that authentic essays are essential for showing a student's true abilities. One admissions officer shared, "The writing oftentimes also doesn't match the writing of other sections which then prompts me to ask ‘How strong of a writer is this student?'"
The survey also found that 50 percent of admissions officers have an unfavorable attitude about the advent of GenAI use in college admissions essays; 26 percent have a neutral attitude about it; and only 14 percent have a favorable attitude. This finding in particular suggests that when more colleges do adopt official policies, they will likely lean towards more restricted usage.
Jason Bedford, senior vice president, Kaplan, said:
"It's somewhat surprising that most colleges and universities, nearly three years after ChatGPT's debut, continue to take a laissez-faire approach to how prospective students use GenAI in their admissions essays. While this gives college applicants a fair amount of discretion, it also creates uncertainty. Some students may overuse AI, while others may avoid it entirely for fear of crossing an unseen line. We expect to see more schools implement clear policies or guidance in the near future. Applicants deserve to understand expectations with GenAI and want to use these tools ethically and effectively while delivering a clear representation of their strengths and accomplishments to colleges and universities. It's largely a matter of when, not if, schools will roll out clearer rules. We think applicants would be well served by this."
*Admissions officers from 220 of the nation's top national, regional and liberal arts colleges and universities – as compiled by U.S. News & World Report – were polled by e-mail between July and August 2025. Percentages were rounded to the nearest whole number.
About Kaplan
Kaplan, Inc. is a global education company that helps individuals and institutions advance their goals in an ever-changing world. Our broad portfolio of solutions helps students and professionals further their education and careers, universities and educational institutions attract and support students, and businesses maximize employee recruitment, retention, and development. Stanley Kaplan founded our company in 1938 with a mission to expand educational opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Today, our thousands of employees working in 27 countries/regions continue Stanley's mission as they serve about 1.3 million students and professionals, 16,000 corporate clients, and 2,700 schools, school districts, colleges, and universities worldwide. Kaplan is a subsidiary of the Graham Holdings Company (NYSE:GHC). Learn more at kaplan.com.
Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of the Graham Holdings Company (NYSE:GHC)
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Press Contact: Russell Schaffer, russell.schaffer@kaplan.com