"Beacon, which last year saw 4,210 applicants vie for 282 seats, is making the move due to concerns that students have been getting help on their essays from several sources, whether artificial intelligence, families, or paid tutors, educators at the school said. "It became disheartening to see in the past couple of years, we're reading things that don't feel authentic," said a Beacon teacher, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the change."
"The school posted a note about the shift on its website this weekend, and is expecting to soon share "several dates" in November for eighth graders to come to its campus to complete two 500-word essays. The school has already shared the essay prompts, along with the rubric on how the writing will be graded. The high school application process runs from Oct. 7 through Dec. 5. Offers are expected to be sent March 5, 2026."
Manhattan's Beacon High School changed its admissions process to require applicants to complete essays on campus instead of at home. The change responds to concerns that some eighth graders receive essay help from artificial intelligence, families, or paid tutors. Beacon received 4,210 applicants for 282 seats last year. Teachers grading the essays reported increasingly polished writing that did not seem authentic for 12- or 13-year-olds. The school posted a notice and will offer several November dates for eighth graders to write two 500-word essays in person. Essay prompts and the grading rubric have been published. The application window runs Oct. 7 through Dec. 5, with offers expected March 5, 2026.
Read at Chalkbeat
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