AI Literacy Essentials for Adults
Are you AI Literate?
Guest/Host
Dr. Jeffrey Neill, Instructor, UCLA Extension: Counselor, Graded, The American School of Sao Paulo, Brazil http://www.jeffreyneill.com
Cyndy McDonald, PPA/MA, The College Counselor's Coach | www.cyndymcdonald.com
Show Notes
AI Approaches in Applications
What are the college application AI policies? They are all over the place!
Common Application
The Common Application does not forbid use of AI, but it has a strict fraud policy in regard to what constitutes a student's "own original work". The Common App policy currently states:
"Submitting plagiarized essays or other written or oral material, or intentionally misrepresenting as one’s own original work: (1) another person’s thoughts, language, ideas, expressions, or experiences or (2) the substantive content or output of an artificial intelligence platform, technology, or algorithm..."
UCAS Application
The UCAS application takes a different approach. They know students are exposed to ChatGPT and AI. The topic is addressed in a straight forward mannerl. "A Guide to Using Ai and ChatGPT With Your Personal Statement".
"If you're not already using ChatGPT or other AI tools, you've probably heard about them. But should they be used to help with your UCAS personal statement? Is it cheating? Or can they be helpful in crafting your personal statement?"
Other College Application Policies
The AICA group (see below) has created an organic, ever growing list of college policies. You can review the list to see individual college application policies for use of AI. Schools such as CalTech, Georgia Tech to BYU and Washington Lee are listed.
AI in College Admissions
Emily Pacheco founded the NACAC Special Interest Group (SIG) AI in College Admissions (AICA). Here are resources and recommendations for you.
- Join the conversation through the Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14462636
- Learn about upcoming AICA events: https://www.edhub.ai/events-calendar
- Catch past events: https://www.edhub.ai/events-calendar
More Professional Development
AI Series Continues
Join Cyndy in December for two more live shows on AI.
- AI Literacy for Students | Dec. 5 | Register Here
- Admission 2035: The Future of AI in College Decision Making | Dec. 19 | Register Here
HECA Virtual PDI
Learn from leaders in our industry, hear from college admissions deans, and so much more! HECA's Virtual Professional Development Institute (PDI) is January 20-21, 2026. PDI is open to everyone. You do not need to be a HECA member to participate. It is designed for college advisors at all levels of experience.
- Learn more about the agenda, tlhe speakers, the faculty and the costs.
Stay In Touch
You can follow both Jeff Neill and Cyndy McDonald to stay in touch and be informed.
Jeff Neill
- Subscribe to Jeff Neill's absolutely fabulous AI newsletter: https://techneillogy.beehiiv.com/
- Subscribe to Jeff Neill's YouTube Channel. He offers demonstrations and resources: https://www.youtube.com/@JeffNeill1009/videos
- Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyrneill/
Cyndy McDonald
- Subscribe to my mailing list (if you are not on it already): https://mailchi.mp/72b3855fa366/email-sign-up-form
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CyndyMcDonaldsChannel
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7TqHAD0PpzEWviWmIiVY0pY69g2HnZ6h
- Connect with me on Linkein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndymcdonald/
- Connect with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cyndycoach
