In such a short time, artificial intelligence has completely changed numerous industries and professions. It made it possible to conduct business operations much more efficiently, while reducing common human errors.
Among other things, it has affected college admission consulting. As more and more colleges start using high tech for their admission process, students will have to adapt to this new norm. In this article, we’ll explain how AI affects student onboarding and how you can adapt to it.
Artificial Intelligence in College Admissions
Nowadays, public and private organizations use AI software to streamline various parts of their daily processes. These programs are especially valuable for colleges as they allow admissions officers to sift through tens of thousands of applications.
Right now, about 50% to 60% of colleges are using AI-driven solutions. However, everything indicates that these percentages will increase in the following years.
The great thing about AI is its versatility. It allows college teams to gather information at a much faster pace and process it with minimal errors. Here are the main ways colleges use AI in their daily operations:
- Application Screening: With the help of artificial intelligence, college officers are able to quickly and easily sift through thousands of resumes. By introducing a few filters, officers are able to eliminate everyone who isn’t eligible. AI assists you in filtering resumes based on test scores and GPA.
- Review Essays: As artificial intelligence becomes a common tool among students, schools will start using anti-plagiarism software to counter any malpractice. AI allows officers to check essays’ originality against numerous online sources.
- Analyze Recommendation Letters: AI can pinpoint certain relevant keywords within transcripts and recommendation letters. That way, you can find prospects who are best suited for a particular program. Among other things, AI is vital for identifying patterns in coursework rigor and analyzing academic performance.
- Simplify Communication: During the application season, admissions officers have a hard time reading and answering thousands of applications. AI is especially valuable for answering common questions. By tapping into your knowledge base, software can answer the FAQs that students repeatedly ask your staff.
AI Versus Human Staff
Like in many other professions, there is already a lot of chatter about AI potentially replacing the human workforce. Although artificial intelligence software processes applications much faster than admission officers, many people are appalled by the idea of computers making this type of decision.
The biggest thing that colleges would lose with AI is the professional judgment of the veteran officers. Accepting students into college programs is much more than simple GPA comparisons. It requires a human expert who can assess the long-term impact of that person on the college’s reputation.
Future of Application Grading
Although software can’t truly replace human staff, AI has already changed how students approach the application process. Back in the day, high school graduates would place emphasis on extracurricular activities, sports, and art. They would talk at length about their motivation to join a program.
Today, students (especially those with good grades) place emphasis on various grades and other figures. They use keywords to their advantage by placing the “GPA” phrase close to the numerical score. AI can interpret scores within an application text and compare them with scores of other applicants.
Potential Dangers
AI can cause some major issues during the application process. For example, there were a few situations in the US where students used ChatGPT for the examination process. Students were able to use technology to pass finals exams and get to their school of choice with minimal effort.
Artificial intelligence has the power to mimic students’ performance by utilizing online sources. The software can tap into various studies and other academic work, and perform tasks that are otherwise reserved for veteran consultants and analysts.
Another major issue is that AI tools can be concealed on your phone or other mobile devices. Examiners wouldn’t even know that you’re cheating, allowing you to get into just about any school just because you nailed a few interviews.
Benefits of AI in College Applications
As mentioned, the traditional application process mainly revolves around human judgment and interaction. Students usually have back-and-forth with admissions officers, sharing documents and their life stories. During this time, admissions officers get a better grasp of a person and how this individual can help their college.
During the process, admissions officers will go through lots of essays, applications, and recommendation letters. To select the right people for the program, the college staff will have to rely on their past knowledge and experience. They must eliminate bias, inconsistencies, and subjectivity to select the right people for the remaining spots.
On the other hand, the AI application process introduces machine learning into the mix. The computer programs are able to analyze thousands of documents within seconds, systematizing them according to important parameters. Artificial intelligence is able to assess scores, grades, and extra activities and compare them with an ideal college profile.
Although AI software can’t compare with human officers, the technology has progressed significantly in the last few years. Nowadays, AI is even able to analyze students’ soft skills by relying on behavioral analysis and NLP.
Preparing for AI Applications
Perhaps the biggest issue with AI is that you can easily manipulate it. By inserting specific keywords and changing your scores, you can be perceived as a much better candidate than you are. Here are a few strategies students can implement to increase their acceptance rates:
- Enhance your personal brand and introduce as many extracurricular activities as possible.
- Make your letter of recommendation as unique as possible. Add relevant contacts that will make a better impression on the computer.
- Inform yourself about the latest AI technology. Learn how to manipulate the system to your advantage. Specifically, learn about the criteria AI takes into consideration when analyzing applications.
Conclusion
Several years from now, the college application process might be completely different from what we have today. AI will definitely leave a mark, so it’s important for high school graduates to get acquainted with this technology and adapt to it.
