Over the past year, conversations have circulated about how MBA Adcoms will react to applicants using AI tools to write their applications. Two speculations have emerged – adcoms will introduce or add additional video components to the application and they will employ plagiarism tools to detect AI written materials.

Berkely Haas recently published their application for the full-time MBA class of 2026 and added a video essay question for the first time. Candidates are asked to introduce themselves to the admissions committee in two minutes or less. Video elements are not a new concept for MBA applications, at the moment nearly 20 MBA programs use either video essays or prompted video Q&A as part of their application. These videos give adcoms the opportunity to meet the candidate as well as see a little bit of their personality.  As the usage of AI increases, MBA programs will rely on these “live” tools to get a better understanding of who the candidate is as person and what they will contribute to the program.

As for the second speculation, many educational plagiarism tools are starting to adapt and add AI detection to their suite of services for higher education institutions.  Turnitin was one of the first to offer this service, but even students are starting to develop AI detection tools (see GPTZero). Universities have always included an honor and professional conduct code, which may be enforced with AI detection tools.

If you are struggling with how to craft your video essay or where to start with writing your MBA application, we can help. ARINGO.com has a wide range of MBA application resources and we’re always happy to chat (schedule a time here).