College Grad Turns to Controversial 'AI Humanizing' to Pay Rent

After struggling to find a job, a UC-Berkeley alum resorts to rewriting AI-generated college admissions essays for pay.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 9:40am

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After graduating from UC-Berkeley with a degree in comparative literature, the author found themselves in a bleak job market and struggling to make ends meet. To supplement their inconsistent substitute teaching income, they turned to marketing themselves as an 'academic editor' and 'admissions essay advisor' on freelancing websites. However, they soon realized that one job description could pay their rent more than most: 'A.I. humanizer.' The author confesses to rewriting chatbot-generated personal statements to make them sound more 'authentic' and 'personal' for college applicants, for a fee.

Why it matters

This story highlights the growing reliance on AI technology in the college admissions process, as well as the ethical dilemmas faced by those who participate in 'AI humanizing' to make a living. It raises questions about the integrity of the admissions system and the impact of AI on the college application experience for students.

The details

The author initially created a profile on the freelancing website Upwork, hoping to supplement their substitute teaching income by rewriting college application essays during the busy season. They soon received a request from a client to 'rewrite' an essay to have a more personal voice, which led the author to the world of 'AI humanization.' The author explains the delicate dance of contract negotiations, where they cannot explicitly market ghostwriting or rewriting services, but can discuss 'revision, commentary, and any form of feedback' in direct messages. Despite their initial apprehension, the author's financial reality led them to accept the work, which quickly became lucrative, earning them thousands of dollars per month at the height of application season.

  • The author created their Upwork profile last fall, as college application season was beginning.
  • The author received their first 'AI humanization' request in September.

The players

UC-Berkeley

The university where the author graduated with a degree in comparative literature.

Upwork

The freelancing website where the author created a profile and found clients for their 'AI humanization' services.

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What they’re saying

“I wish I could say that when I received my first A.I.-humanization request, I felt more apprehensive about taking the job. I wish I could tell you that my staunch hatred of this technology, especially in academics, made me turn my head in disgust. My financial reality, however, left less space for such moral dilemmas.”

— The author

The takeaway

This story highlights the growing ethical concerns around the use of AI technology in the college admissions process, as well as the financial pressures that can drive individuals to participate in questionable practices to make ends meet. It raises important questions about the integrity of the admissions system and the impact of AI on the college application experience for students.