Read this before you use ChatGPT to write your university application cover letter

You’ve probably heard of ChatGPT, the AI-powered app that is revolutionising the world and changing how the world interacts. In fact, you might be wondering if ChatGPT is the perfect solution to writing a winning university application cover letter.

Yes, the OpenAI chatbot seems to have infinite potential to solve any writing challenge on Earth. However, should you take chances on your entire academic and professional future with this shortcut?

It might seem like a no-brainer to breeze through your university admissions using a chatbot that provides seemingly complex and sophisticated answers to simple questions. Why spend days writing an academic essay when it can be done within minutes, and all without grammatical errors?

But the stakes are high. In this article, we are going to highlight some crucial points to consider before you use ChatGPT to write your university application letter, or even during the rest of your university studies after getting in.

The limitations and risks of ChatGPT

One downside of using the chatbot is that you will not just be technically cheating the university, but also yourself.

The University of Oxford defines plagiarism as “presenting someone else’s work, with or without their consent, as your own without full acknowledgement.”

And since ChatGPT isn’t a living breathing human being, one could argue using the chatbot is perfectly fair game, based on certain definitions. However, there are reports that a growing number of universities are rethinking the idea of plagiarism which could eventually lead to including ChatGPT as a tool for ‘cheating’.

However, as you’ll quickly realise, ChatGPT is more of an AI that consolidates existing information online (up to 2021) and doesn’t exactly produce true inspiration or motivation to help you in your application writing.

To prove a point, we gave ChatGPT the following prompt: "Write for me a university cover letter for a student in the Philippines who wants to pursue an electrical engineering undergraduate degree at the University of Sheffield in the UK.” 

We can see that the letter is written in a very mechanical way, as if it were adapted from a template. The generic terms used, placements and even sentence constructs might betray the fact that it was written by AI. Just imagine the university receiving similar copies of this cover letter submitted by multiple applicants!

Not only does it come off as cookie-cutter, any personality or uniqueness to you is non-existent. It also shows a lack of research done towards the course curriculum or the school’s specific achievements.

One concerning issue is how ChatGPT assumed that the writer was a member of a robotics club and was experienced in building electrical systems. This inventing of facts to help better fit the narrative of the application letter can be a trap for your credibility.

Because there is no connection between the real person and ChatGPT, trying to use the chatbot to write a university application letter isn’t a good idea. Worse of all, the consequences of getting caught can be severe.

Why you shouldn’t use ChatGPT, even as a last resort

1. ChatGPT can’t beat a human expert

It’s important to understand that ChatGPT can’t beat an education expert because it just doesn’t have the depth of experience or understand what’s on the line.

For example, education counsellors at IDP meet students through individualised sessions to fully understand their needs, achievements and future plans. Plus, all this is done at the student’s convenience, at no cost. In fact, you might even enjoy having some fees waived in the application process.

More importantly, you get to tell your whole story to our experts who can then flesh out a compelling narrative and highlight key points to be included in the university cover letter.

2. ChatGPT has no historical knowledge of a winning cover letter

ChatGPT doesn’t know everything, including what works and what doesn’t in a successful cover letter.

In contrast, education experts in IDP have years of experience in knowing which letters will likely result in success. After assisting thousands of students and having first-hand application and communication experience with the universities themselves, the counsellors know what the institutions are looking out for.

Chatbots like ChatGPT just don’t have that human touch and depth of knowledge to assist you with writing a compelling cover letter. It’s not just about mechanically listing facts about yourself, but also how it is presented to best portray your motivations in the best light possible.

3. The risks of rejection or dismissal after enrolment is real

If that still doesn’t deter you, consider the real risks of getting caught using ChatGPT!

Firstly, your application would likely be rejected and you could be blacklisted throughout the university for future applications. This might make any future attempts of getting in exponentially harder, if not impossible.

Secondly, you could enter a common database and be flagged for ‘cheating’. This could indeed affect any future application chances if your particulars are double-checked against this database.

Thirdly, tools are being developed and refined to detect AI-written essays and they could retrospectively be used by universities to analyse your old application cover letter. If caught, this could result in serious penalties or even expulsion from your course.

The reward just isn’t worth the risk.

Do it the right way, get in touch with an expert at IDP (and not ChatGPT)!

Study abroad with IDP today - get the edge even without ChatGPT

Need help crafting your best cover letter possible, risk-free? Look no further than the education experts at IDP. Make use of their experience to write your cover letter and apply the right way.

Our education counsellors are also happy to help you select the right course and study destination for your career aspirations.

From understanding your unique situation to answering all your questions, seek help from us and make your best decision possible.

Take the next step with IDP today and get tailored advice from our team of education experts to help you reach your goals.

Simply book your free online counselling session with us today and we’ll take it from there!