This is a fascinating question, and it reflects our changing world and the ever-evolving nature of college admission processes. While many colleges have already embraced technology in their admissions process, such as accepting student self-reported test scores, I don't anticipate that colleges will drop the college application essay any time soon.

Generative AI has many uses – from healthcare to education to fashion. But it still has constraints in its ability to understand the context and recognize subtle dynamics between words or concepts, making it a poor candidate for replacing the traditional college application essay requirement. Sure, generative AI could help students with spelling and grammar errors when writing essays by providing them with instant feedback and corrections; however, relying solely on generative AI to assess a student's knowledge base or thought process through an essay would be highly inaccurate at best.

The current use of generative AI generally falls into two categories: natural language processing (NLP) and natural language generation (NLG). NLP focuses on understanding human sentences, while NLG focuses on generating new sentences based on existing data sets or facts given as inputs. Neither are suitable for assessing other qualities like creativity or personal experience in an effective college application essay. And since these qualities form part of what colleges look for when evaluating applications, dropping such requirements altogether isn't likely anytime soon.
 
In short, while we may see more colleges leveraging technology in their admissions process as we advance, I don't think it's realistic to expect that generative AI will soon replace the traditional requirement for a written application essay.

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As a former Admissions Director, I can say the request for the submission of a graded paper has less to do with the grade itself and more to do with the validation of an authentic work by the student.  It would confirm a genuine sample of written work.  As a result, the need to discuss the grading between admissions and the teacher is irrelevant and unnecessary. 

Mark Cruver

According to the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners, CEP’s “represent the highest in professional standards, demonstrate extensive knowledge and experience in the field of educational planning and provide the broadest and most informed educational choices to students.”

To better understand the degree of professional significance of the CEP designation, I often explain the designation of Certified Educational Consultant as being much like that of a CPA as it relates to the world of accountants.

I am one of only seven (7) Certified Educational Planners in the state of Georgia serving college-bound students.  

To learn more about what to expect from hiring a Certified Educational Planner, go to the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners website.  There you will have the opportunity to find one nearest to your location and learn more about the services they offer.  

There was a period of time in recent years where the notion of developing an actual resume for college was considered overkill.  In response, many students were detailing their involvement and achievements through a more simplified "brag-sheet" of sorts.  But, like everything great in the 70's and 80's, the resume is coming back!

With over 9 million hits on the term "college resume" when searching Google, it is apparent something is happening in customizing and detailing your 1-2 page personal profile sheet.

The college resume is uniquely you!  From the name in the header to the final entry, it is many parts of your life that demonstrate the whole of you in experience and accomplishment.  It's key and critical in assisting in telling your story and maximizing opportunities to do so is equally critical.

As little as ten years ago, resumes, moreso for the workplace, were pretty standard.  Very little graphics, if any at all, with organized lines of information delivered in a typically one-page fashion so as not to bore the viewer, offering you better success in being recognized and considered.  But with today's technology and need for visual spice, the resume is taking a turn.  It's need for being catchy is almost a requirement, but having it strike a pleasant balance between catchy and professional is one with which many students wrestle.

As a minimum, many new resumes include a single photo to allow the reader to connect -- put a face with a name so-to-speak.  Further, in the world of creating PDF documents, the resume can now hold LIVE links allowing the reader to go places now, beyond the scope of the one-page presentation and discover more flavor about your life, your world, your passion.  My only word of caution here is to make sure if you are linking to videos, to make certain they are short and to the point.

Remember, the resume is all about YOU -- not organizations, foundations or programs -- so be sure if the reader clicks a link, they are learning more about what makes you uniquely YOU!

Taking a year off from school can seem like a great idea for the most part.  But before you decide to wait another year to apply to college, there are several critical questions to ask yourself first. 

1. Do I have a plan during this "gap year?"  --  Without a plan for this year between high school and college, it is likely going to go against you in the long run! 
2. Will this gap year have purpose and contribute to my future? -- The gap year can include a prescribed experience, an immersion, or even a job or internship.  It should be a year with a purpose!
3. Am I able to articulate my intentions for taking a gap year?  --  Clear intent is important!  Do you intend on participating in a residential internship, experience wilderness education, immerse yourself into the world of music or take on local work to support your family?  These and many more are excellent choices, so long as you are able to articulate your intention.
4. When do I need to decide on what I'm doing for a gap year and who needs to know?  --  It's important to begin thinking as early in your high school years as possible about whether or not a gap year is right for you.  In most, if not all cases, students will apply for admissions at the beginning of their senior year, clearly communicating with the admissions office, through their application, of their intent to have a gap year experience.  Communicating your plan, purpose and intent will provide the insight necessary in the office of admissions to move forward.  In the event you are accepted, your decision day remains the same as everyone else's (May 1) and will likely include an enrollment deposit too.  The only difference between you and your fellow classmates is your first day on the college campus will be the following year after successfully completing the gap year experience.