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Is it possible to use AI for writing recommendation letters?

I've been hearing a lot about how AI can help with writing tasks. Is it ethical or even possible to use AI for writing recommendation letters from teachers or counselors? I'm super curious about the pros and cons, but I'm not sure if this is even a thing. Anyone have any experience or thoughts on this?

a year ago

It's an interesting topic, but using AI for writing recommendation letters would raise several concerns and it's not generally advisable. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Authenticity: Recommendation letters should reflect the genuine views and experiences of the person writing them. An AI-generated letter might struggle to capture the true essence of the relationship between the recommender and the student, which is a crucial part of making the recommendation believable and impactful to admissions officers.

2. Ethical considerations: Using AI for writing a recommendation letter could be considered unethical, as it undermines the purpose of the letter. Admissions officers rely on such letters to get insight into a student's character, work ethic, and achievements from someone who had direct experience with the student. AI-generated letters might not provide an accurate or truthful representation of the student.

3. Possible consequences: If it becomes known that an AI was used to write a recommendation letter, it could damage the credibility of not only that letter but also the entire application. This might lead to negative consequences for the student, and collaborating with the recommender on the decision to use AI could bring consequences to the recommender as well.

However, it's worth noting that AI has been beneficial in various other aspects of writing—like grammar checking, tone analysis, and essay structuring. These applications can improve the quality of other parts of a college application, such as personal essays.

In conclusion, while AI can assist with many writing tasks, it's not advisable to use it for writing recommendation letters. These letters hold significant importance in the admissions process and should come from teachers or counselors who can genuinely and accurately vouch for a student's abilities, character, and potential.

a year ago

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