The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the landscape of school admissions. AI is being utilized in diverse ways for streamlining the enrollment process. Chatbots, such as those powered by Element451 and Salesforce, are now prevalent on university websites, promptly addressing applicant inquiries and serving as virtual counselors. However, AI’s role extends beyond these automated assistants. Advanced AI applications are now undertaking the intricate task of scrutinizing academic records, evaluating AP courses, and exploring various facets of a student’s profile, including extracurricular engagements and essays.
In the realm of assessing application materials, Diane Gayeski, a Communication Professor at Ithaca College and Higher Education Consultant, emphasizes the significance of AI. According to Gayeski, AI has the capability to assess the breadth of extracurricular involvements, distinguishing between leadership roles in societies or sports teams. This technology enables AI to streamline the initial screening of candidates’ documents, essays, extracurricular pursuits, and overall profile details, as outlined in the checklists provided to admission officers.
Preliminary trials indicate that this transition is well underway, with colleges poised to leverage AI not only for initial evaluations but also for making final admissions decisions. A study by intelligent.com revealed that 87% of the 223 surveyed institutions utilize AI for conclusive admission determinations. Among the sample, comprising 156 higher education establishments, 43% occasionally use AI for final decisions, while 44% employ it consistently. The majority of these institutions (119) are classified as “large.”
Despite the potential benefits, educational institutions harbor concerns that AI deployment in admissions processes could inadvertently perpetuate biases. For instance, the University of Texas at Austin experimented with AI-assisted evaluations for PhD applicants in computer science but discontinued the practice due to fears of reinforcing existing biases. Similarly, Georgia Tech is exploring AI integration in admissions but has yet to implement it as of May 2023. These instances underscore the imperative of ongoing scrutiny and evaluation as AI becomes integrated into admission protocols.
Transparency emerges as a critical issue in the context of AI-driven admissions. While advocates for admissions transparency call for clearer guidelines, some admission criteria remain opaque until institutions disclose them through platforms like the Common Data Set. The advent of AI could potentially restore clarity to the admissions process, especially amidst the test-optional trend. However, publicizing AI’s parameters could also invite strategic gaming of the system by applicants. Nonetheless, transparency holds the promise of fostering a more equitable admissions environment where candidates from diverse backgrounds comprehend the valued attributes and selection criteria.
Students are advised to maintain autonomy in crafting their applications rather than conforming to AI-driven standards. To effectively convey their interests and unique experiences to prospective colleges, students must stay abreast of evolving admission prerequisites.
While AI excels at categorizing applications efficiently, the nuanced decision-making process in admissions necessitates human judgment aligned with institutional priorities. Personalized human analysis remains indispensable for nuanced evaluations where the distinction between acceptance and rejection is subtle. Schools must clarify AI’s role in admissions decisions, ensuring that it complements individual perspectives rather than supplanting them.
