On the Parcoursup platform, cover letters play an important role in evaluating applications. However, a trend (which we definitely saw coming) is gaining momentum: according to a study by Diplomeo, about 80% of young people aged 16 to 25 are turning to artificial intelligence tools, like ChatGPT or Yiaho, for their writing—especially for these essential letters!
While the idea seems attractive for saving time, the results are ultimately counterproductive. Examiners, used to spotting authenticity, quickly identify these standardized texts that struggle to convince, as reported in a recent article by Le Monde.
A letter written with AI: A lack of authenticity?
Letters produced by AI stand out for their lack of personality. Often overly polite, they adopt a generic tone with a vocabulary that doesn’t always match the level expected of a high school student.
For example, teachers note that these letters frequently start with stereotypical descriptions, such as exaggerated praise for the city where the target school is located. These mechanical formulations betray the intervention of a machine and fail to reflect the candidate’s real motivation. Additionally, teachers are now using AI detectors, which makes their job even easier.
Read more on this topic: How do students bypass the detection of AI-generated texts?
Examiners prioritize sincerity!
For admissions officers, the goal of a cover letter isn’t to achieve formal perfection, but to reveal the candidate’s personality and aspirations.
Also in the Le Monde article, a management professor emphasizes that these artificial texts lack depth and convincing arguments, making them ineffective. Another teacher, specializing in mathematics, insists on the importance of simplicity: a sober but sincere letter has a much better chance of grabbing attention than an overly polished text, obviously written by an AI or even by a relative of the candidate.
AI for writing: A double-edged sword?
Using AI isn’t strictly forbidden, but it requires great caution. Tools like our free online ChatGPT can help structure ideas or overcome writer’s block, but they don’t replace personal expression.
Examiners, trained to detect these tricks, value authenticity and clear motivations above all else. A 17-year-old high school student from Paris, who applied to many programs on Parcoursup, admitted to using AI for his letters. The result? Texts that, while appearing correct, failed to stand out.
See also: How to remove watermarks from texts generated by ChatGPT?
4 tips for a successful Parcoursup cover letter
To avoid AI pitfalls, candidates should:
- prioritize authenticity,
- tell a personal story,
- sincerely explain why the program or school matches their aspirations,
- not try to impress with a sophisticated style.
In short, clear and honest writing is more effective than a robotic, soulless text!
And one last tip: with Yiaho, candidates can rely on an AI that respects their unique voice, helping them structure their ideas while avoiding clichés!
In 2024, a survey showed that the majority of young people use AI for their writing, including on Parcoursup. But when facing examiners who value the human touch, this strategy can ultimately be risky.
To stand out, an authentic voice remains essential! We wish students good luck with their Parcoursup applications—and be smart about it!
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