How AI Is Changing the College Admissions Process

As a new academic year begins, artificial intelligence continues to dominate conversations—especially in the world of college admissions. But before you go sprinting away from AI like it’s a flashing red flag, take a moment to consider this: rather than being a threat, AI has the potential to revolutionize the way educators navigate the application process—if, of course, used properly. Applicants, families, and educators alike can embrace these tools to unlock new possibilities, making the journey to college smoother and more accessible.

In this blog, we’ll explore the increasing role of AI in college admissions and how it is transforming the traditional practices of application review, college matching, and even the essay writing process.

AI in College Application Screening

Automating Application Review

One of the most prominent ways AI is impacting college admissions is through the automation of application review. With thousands of applications flooding in every year, college admissions officers have the tedious task of reviewing each one in a timely manner.

However, AI systems now help speed up this process by automatically sorting, prioritizing, and even evaluating applications based on predetermined criteria. These systems are able to sift through enormous amounts of data, including grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters, to provide a first pass that highlights the most promising candidates.

How AI Helps Admissions Officers Identify Top Candidates

AI can assist admissions officers by utilizing machine learning algorithms to identify patterns and key indicators that correlate with student success at a particular institution. By analyzing past admission data and student outcomes, AI systems can predict which applicants are most likely to thrive in the college environment. This allows admissions officers to focus their attention on the candidates who are most likely to succeed rather than wading through a sea of applications with limited time and resources.

Can AI Reduce Bias in Admissions?

One of the biggest criticisms of traditional college admissions has been the potential for bias—whether it’s due to socioeconomic status, race, or personal connections. AI systems, when designed and trained properly, have the potential to reduce these biases by focusing strictly on measurable performance metrics such as GPA, test scores, and other objective data. Additionally, AI can identify patterns of bias in human decision-making and flag them for review. While it’s not a perfect solution, AI has the potential to make the admissions process more equitable by minimizing human prejudices.

The Limits of AI in College Admissions

While AI can help speed up application reviews, it cannot assess some important qualities that matter in admissions decisions. Things like virtual interviews, campus visits, and attending admissions events help colleges understand an applicant’s personality, character, and whether they would be a good fit for the school. AI cannot measure these human aspects, which is why a mix of AI and human judgment is needed to make fair and well-rounded decisions. 

AI in Admissions Essays and Personal Statements

Now, here’s the real issue at hand: Can students actually use AI to craft their admissions essays and personal statements? And if they do, could it impact their chances of getting in? Keep reading to learn what the experts have to say.

How AI Tools Help Students Improve Essays

AI tools designed for writing assistance are increasingly being used by students to improve their admissions essays and personal statements. These tools provide suggestions on grammar, style, and even content structure, helping students to create polished, compelling essays that stand out. But should they deliberately write their essays using AI? 

The answer is a resounding no. While AI can write your essays for you, can you truly call it your story if a machine generates it? Admissions officers are looking for authenticity, personal experiences, and a unique voice—qualities that AI simply can’t replicate. It can’t capture your real-life experiences or tell personal anecdotes that make your essay uniquely you.

Georgia Tech, for instance, provides students with guidance on AI usage through its insightful statement on AI:

“Tools like ChatGPT, Bard, and other AI-based assistance programs are powerful and valuable tools. We believe there is a place for them in helping you generate ideas, but your ultimate submission should be your own. As with all other sources, you should not copy and paste content you did not create directly into your application. Instead, if you choose to utilize AI-based assistance while working on your writing submissions for Georgia Tech, we encourage you to take the same approach you would when collaborating with people. Use it to brainstorm, edit, and refine your ideas. AI can also be a useful tool as you consider how to construct your resume in the Activities portion of the Common Application. We think AI could be a helpful collaborator, particularly when you do not have access to other assistance to help you complete your application.”

Relying on AI to write your personal statement or college essays is a risky move. Admissions officers are already using AI to help process applications, and chances are, they have tools to detect AI-generated content. But even without those detectors, they’ve been reading applications for years—they know when an essay lacks a real, human voice. A personal statement should be just that—*personal*. No AI can tell your story the way you can.

Ethical Concerns Around AI-Assisted Writing

While AI-assisted writing tools can be incredibly helpful, there are ethical concerns surrounding their use. Some argue that AI-generated essays could diminish the authenticity of an applicant’s voice, leading to a situation where many students submit essays that sound overly polished and formulaic. 

Moreover, the potential for over-reliance on AI tools may lead to students losing the opportunity to develop their writing skills fully. It’s important for students to use these tools as a supplement to their own efforts, rather than as a replacement.

Ethical Concerns and Limitations of AI in Admissions

One major concern with AI in college admissions is protecting student data. AI tools process large amounts of personal information, including academic records, test scores, and even writing styles, to provide suggestions or evaluate applications. If not properly secured, this data could be vulnerable to hackers, leaks, or unauthorized access.

Privacy and Data Security in AI Systems

In terms of privacy and data security, colleges and universities must take strong measures to safeguard student information. This includes using encryption, limiting who can access the data, and ensuring AI tools comply with privacy regulations. Without proper protections, sensitive details could be exposed, leading to identity theft, misuse of personal information, or unfair admissions decisions.

As AI becomes more common in the application process, students should also be mindful of what information they share with AI-powered platforms. Not all tools guarantee data privacy, and once personal details are entered, they may be stored indefinitely or even used to train future AI models. Students should research the tools they use and only trust platforms with clear privacy policies.

Can AI Truly Make College Admissions Fairer?

AI has the potential to reduce human bias in college admissions, but it is not without its challenges. If these systems are trained on historical data that contains biases, they may unintentionally reinforce existing inequities. To ensure fairness, it is essential that AI models are continuously reviewed, updated, and refined.

While AI can make admissions decisions more objective, it should not be seen as a cure-all for the issues that persist in the admissions process.

The Future of AI in College Admissions

Will AI Replace Human Admissions Officers?

AI is changing the college admissions game, helping schools sort applications, analyze data, and even personalize recruitment. But will it replace human admissions officers? Not likely. While AI can speed up the process, final decisions still come down to human judgment—because no algorithm can fully understand a student’s story, potential, or unique personality the way a real person can.

That’s why it’s more important than ever to focus on the human side of admissions. To pass AI selection, students need strong portfolios that showcase their achievements, experiences, and skills. AI may be the first filter, but what really sets an application apart is how well it reflects the person behind it. Solid essays, well-documented projects, and meaningful extracurriculars can help make sure an application makes it past the AI review and into the hands of an admissions officer.

But beyond just submitting a great application, don’t forget the power of real connections. Interviews, open houses, and other admissions events are your chance to show your enthusiasm and how well you’d fit into a school’s community. AI might be handling more of the process, but at the end of the day, colleges still want to admit people, not just data points.

What Students Should Know About AI in Admissions

Students applying to colleges should be aware that AI is becoming an integral part of the admissions process. While AI can provide remarkable ideas, feedback, and insights and even streamline many aspects of the process, students should still focus on presenting their authentic selves in their applications. The human touch will always be a part of college admissions, and it’s important not to lose sight of personal growth and self-expression in the race for acceptance.

However, as with any technological advancement, it’s important to consider the ethical implications and limitations of AI in the admissions process to ensure that it benefits all students equally.

That said, AI is transforming the college admissions process in numerous ways. From streamlining application reviews and enhancing college matching to revolutionizing essay writing, AI is making the process more efficient and, potentially, more equitable.

If you’re looking to refine your essays or strengthen your writing skills for college, our Program in Writing and Reading can help. Enroll today and take your writing to the next level—contact us to get started!

______________________________________________________________________________

Like what you see here? We are happy to permit you to use our material as long as you link back! Please refer to us as the Cardinal Education Blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is AI changing college admissions?

    AI is making college admissions faster and more efficient. It helps admissions officers by quickly reviewing applications, analyzing academic records, and even evaluating essays. This allows them to focus more on making thoughtful decisions rather than getting stuck in paperwork. AI also helps students by offering personalized college recommendations and even simulating interview experiences. However, while AI makes the process more data-driven, it doesn’t replace the human touch—final decisions still come down to real people assessing whether a student is the right fit for their institution. In short, AI is streamlining the process, but the heart of admissions still lies in human judgment and personal stories.

  • Do college admissions officers check for AI?

    Yes, many colleges now use AI detection tools to check if students have used AI to write their essays or personal statements. Universities want to ensure that applications reflect a student’s real thoughts, experiences, and writing style. While AI can be a helpful tool for brainstorming or improving grammar, relying too much on it can raise concerns about authenticity. Even without detection tools, experienced admissions officers can often tell when an essay lacks a genuine human voice. Since personal statements are meant to showcase individuality, students should focus on telling their own stories rather than letting AI do the work for them.

  • What are the advantages of using AI in college admissions?

    AI brings many benefits to college admissions. It speeds up the process by helping admissions officers sort through thousands of applications efficiently. AI can also help reduce bias by focusing on data rather than personal opinions. For students, AI-powered tools offer essay feedback, test prep assistance, and college recommendations tailored to their interests and strengths. This can make applying to college less stressful and more strategic. However, while AI makes things smoother, final decisions still require human judgment. The key is using AI as a tool to assist rather than replace the personal and thoughtful aspects of the admissions process.

  • How is AI impacting universities?

    AI is transforming universities in many ways, making education more efficient and personalized. Schools use AI to predict how many students will enroll, helping them plan better. It also tailors learning by suggesting courses and study materials based on each student’s strengths. Chatbots answer questions about applications, financial aid, and classes, making it easier for students to get the help they need. AI even tracks student progress, identifying those who may be struggling so universities can offer support early on. But while AI is a powerful tool, it doesn’t replace the human connection. Professors, advisors, and mentors still play a crucial role in guiding students, fostering growth, and creating a meaningful college experience beyond just data and automation.