About the Episode
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About the Episode:
Julia Dixon, Forbes 30 Under 30 and founder of ESAI, joins Dustin live from the AI Show at ASU+GSV to unpack how her AI-powered platform is helping students craft authentic, compelling college essays—without crossing ethical lines.
Drawing from her years as an admissions advisor, Julia explains why storytelling is the ultimate soft skill in today’s AI-driven world—and how the right tools can empower students to own their narrative, impress admissions officers, and build a lifelong practice of self-expression.
Key Takeaways
- AI in college admissions can democratize access to individualized storytelling support for students from all backgrounds.
- Generic AI tools like ChatGPT lack the context-specific guidance students need — platforms like ESAI fill this gap by providing tailored, ethical AI assistance.
- Storytelling is a lifelong skill — college admissions is just the first major test.
- ESAI’s platform is built to guide students in self-discovery, helping them craft authentic narratives that resonate with admissions officers.
- Ethical and transparent use of AI in higher ed can empower students and make it easier for institutions to find students who are the right fit.
- Visual storytelling tools and dynamic personal profiles are on the horizon, giving students even more control over how they present themselves.
- Higher ed leaders are encouraged to stay curious and open-minded about AI tools while ensuring responsible and equitable implementation.
What is ESAI and how does it help students?
ESAI is an AI-native platform designed to help students navigate the college admissions process through personalized storytelling. Julia Dixon, the founder, draws from nearly a decade of experience as an independent college advisor. Her mission? To scale individualized support for students who might not otherwise afford private counseling. ESAI assists students in everything from choosing essay topics to identifying schools and programs that align with their goals. The platform focuses on helping students see and shape their narrative through intelligent prompts and ethical AI support.
Why is storytelling so hard for students — and so important?
Storytelling is both a crucial skill and a common stumbling block for students. As Julia points out, asking a teenager to "list your core values" or write a personal narrative is often met with confusion or insecurity. The problem? Those questions are abstract and not always age-appropriate. Instead, ESAI prompts students with questions like "What could you talk about for an hour without stopping?" to get at authentic insights. It's not just about helping students write better essays — it’s about giving them tools to explore and express their identity in a way that’s compelling and unique.
How does ESAI differ from generic AI tools like ChatGPT?
While ChatGPT is useful for basic outlining and editing, it lacks the depth and specificity needed for college admissions support. It doesn’t have real-time admissions data or the nuanced understanding of what makes an essay stand out to admissions officers. More critically, using generic AI tools to write entire essays can easily cross ethical lines. ESAI is intentionally designed to guide, not replace, the student's voice — similar to a human advisor. It prompts students with contextual questions, helps them make connections between their experiences and their goals, and ultimately supports ethical, empowering use of AI.
What are the benefits for admissions officers and institutions?
While ESAI is primarily student-facing, its ripple effects benefit admissions teams too. By helping students tell richer, more authentic stories, ESAI makes it easier for admissions officers to evaluate applicants in a more human and nuanced way. Rather than reading generic or templated essays, they encounter narratives that reflect real interests, personality, and potential fit for their institution. In turn, this can lead to better matches between schools and students — enhancing overall outcomes and satisfaction on both ends.
How does ESAI support nontraditional or adult learners?
While the conversation often centers around high school seniors, Julia highlights that adult learners also need support in crafting compelling narratives — perhaps even more so. Whether they’re returning to school after years in the workforce or applying for scholarships, the need to articulate one’s story effectively transcends age. ESAI’s tools are adaptable for any stage of life, helping users build confidence and clarity in their communication, whether it’s for college admissions, a job application, or a professional bio.
What’s next for ESAI?
Julia reveals that ESAI is expanding beyond essay coaching into visual storytelling tools. New features will include dynamic student profiles — think a personalized admissions-ready version of LinkedIn — where users can see how their story shifts depending on the schools they're applying to. With plans to scale their reach beyond 500,000 students and support storytelling across multiple life stages, ESAI aims to be the lifelong companion for narrative development in an increasingly AI-driven world.
What advice does Julia have for higher ed leaders?
Julia encourages higher ed professionals to approach AI with curiosity, not fear. AI is already part of students’ daily lives, and resisting it outright is as futile as trying to ban Google in the classroom. The key is to guide students toward ethical, transparent tools like ESAI that empower — not shortcut — the self-discovery process. For admissions leaders, embracing AI means gaining deeper insights into applicants and ultimately supporting more holistic, equitable admissions practices.
About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
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About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
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