Kaplan Survey Reveals Colleges Grappling with GenAI Policies in Admissions

In a recent press release dated November 3, 2025, Kaplan, a global education company and a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Co, unveiled the results of its latest survey concerning the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools like ChatGPT in college admissions essays. The survey, which gathered insights from over 200 college admissions officers, indicates that while some institutions are beginning to establish official guidelines, many remain without clear policies, leaving prospective students to navigate a complex landscape.

The survey's findings reveal a stark contrast in the acceptance of GenAI tools for writing admissions essays. Only 2% of colleges permit the use of GenAI for essay writing, while 30% explicitly ban it. A significant 68% of institutions have no official stance on the matter, placing students in a precarious position as they prepare their submissions.

When it comes to using GenAI for brainstorming ideas, 27% of admissions officers reported that their colleges allow this practice, whereas 4% have a policy against it. The majority, 69%, do not provide any formal guidance. Similarly, 21% of respondents permit GenAI tools to offer feedback on independently drafted essays, while 5% prohibit such use, and a notable 73% lack any defined policy.

These insights highlight a growing recognition of the potential of GenAI to assist students, but a concurrent hesitance to fully embrace its use due to concerns over authenticity and originality.

Admissions officers voiced significant concerns regarding the impact of GenAI on the quality of student essays. Many believe that reliance on AI-generated content can lead to generic submissions that lack the personal touch necessary to convey an applicant's unique voice and experiences. One officer articulated this concern by stating, “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 gauged the attitudes of admissions officers towards the integration of GenAI in the admissions process. A striking 50% expressed an unfavorable view of its use in essays, while 26% maintained a neutral stance, and only 14% held a favorable opinion. This suggests a trend where, as more colleges establish guidelines, they may lean towards restrictive measures regarding GenAI applications.

Jason Bedford, Senior Vice President at Kaplan, commented on the survey's findings, noting that it is somewhat surprising that many colleges have yet to formalize their policies on GenAI, nearly three years after the introduction of ChatGPT. He emphasized the importance of providing clear expectations for applicants, stating, “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.”

Bedford anticipates a shift in policy as institutions recognize the need for clearer guidelines, suggesting that it’s a matter of “when, not if” schools will implement these changes.

The Kaplan survey sheds light on the evolving landscape of college admissions in the age of generative AI. As educational institutions grapple with the implications of these technologies, the call for clearer policies becomes increasingly urgent. Students seeking to navigate this new terrain will benefit from transparency and guidance, enabling them to utilize GenAI tools responsibly while showcasing their authentic selves in their admissions essays. The coming years will likely see a more structured approach as colleges adapt to the challenges and opportunities presented by generative AI.