The college selection process is a significant milestone in the life of many adolescents and hotly debated as to how it shapes their future. This journey usually plunges students and their families into a world of information overload. In this context, the emergence of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) can provide meaningful assistance for optimizing crucial steps. However, the question remains as to how best students can utilize AI and what challenges may lie ahead.
AI: A Helping Hand, Not a Replacement
As it is noted, AI has already been implemented by a large number of students for the purpose of aiding with college and major selection. It is further noted that AI cannot perform personal reflection, campus tours, and discussions with trusted mentors. Instead, it is emphasized that AI can assist in better organizing information and options, which gives students more time to address personal facets of the decision.
AI’s Unique Capability
An associate director of undergraduate admissions at Case Western, Pacheco, stated that AI can “assist students in deciphering the vast ocean of information surrounding the college decision in a simpler way.” Pacheco states that AI tools are able to “compare institutions based on highly personalized criteria.” This helps students gain a more focused perspective on what matters to them, allowing for the comparison of schools on more advanced and tailored frameworks.
Understanding the Power of AI
Students often look for ways to streamline their college searches. The article discusses their use of AI chatbots tailored to answer particular queries. For instance, consider the following suggestions, which are tailored to extract useful and relevant information:
- “Identify and explain the significant differences between the mission statements of (names of two or more colleges).”
- “For (college name), what does ROI mean for a degree and how active is the alumni network?”
- “From (name of college) student newspaper’s last two years of publications, summarize the 10 issues and areas of concern that were most frequently addressed.”
- “Examine all social media accounts from (name of college) for the past year. What themes frequently recur?”
- “I intend to major in (subject). What unique opportunities or challenges does (college name) present in regard to this major?”
The Decision Matrix: AI’s Analytical Approach
Jeff Neill, who serves as the college counselor at Graded, The American School of São Paulo, advocates for utilizing AI to develop a “decision matrix.” This is upon using AI to evaluate specific college options and expose “hidden risks, long-term consequences, and psychological factors” that might affect the choices made. This method of analysis offers a systematic method for assessing various options.
Deep Research: Digging Deeper Using AI
As Revolution Prep’s chief academic officer, Ben Neely recommends the use of “Deep Research” features offered in the paid version of ChatGPT and in Google Gemini’s free version. These programs do much better than ordinary chatbots in retrieving specific details and comparisons of colleges. Like other information sources, Neely cautions that content should be verified and information cited should be used for further exploration.
The Student Viewpoint: AI as a Productivity Tool
A high school student and journalist focused on technology in K-12 education, William Liang, shares a student’s view on the leading-edge trends. He observes that many senior students do play around with AI for comparing or ranking schools; however, they chiefly utilize it to “ sift through schools, financial aid packages, and even campus culture.” In fact, many students perceive AI as a tool that saves time that would otherwise be spent searching online to access numerous search engines.
The Human Element: Interpersonal Relations and Instincts
Even so, Liang emphasizes AI’s inability to replace the vital personal touch during the college decision process. He states, “The choice invariably comes down to gut feelings, in-person visits, and candid discussions with family.” Data and analysis are within the grasp of AI, but the bond and emotional investment involved in deciding the right college are beyond its reach.
Financial Aid: Aiding Affordability with AI
Navigating the complexities of securing financial aid showcases AI’s usefulness, according to Michael Kolowich, creator of the ParentGPS mobile app for CGN. He proposes prompts, indicating a clear focus for students, which would allow them to compare financial aid packages and identify potential offers for renegotiation.
A Final Note: Ensuring Control
Ending the article, the author focuses on a single caution: that AI serves only as a resource within the decision-making process and not the core aid. Students should not give control over to AI and bear in mind the personal touch of factors like campus visits and discussions with their trusted mentors.
The Role of AI in Easing a Student’s Academic Life
AI can significantly help students and their families with making the college choice. AI-powered systems aid a student’s journey through academic life. With technology at their fingertips, students have the potential to make smarter decisions aligned with their expectations. In this regard, it is vital to note that AI is a resource, and the decision should always involve introspection and personal engagement.
