How AI Can Assist in College Selection
Navigating College Admissions with AI Assistance
Key Decisions in College Admissions
As college admission letters are now out, students face a crucial choice about where to study. With the National Candidate Reply Date set for May 1, newly admitted students, along with their families and supporters, must now decide where to deposit. This decision, often one of the most significant in their lives, can bring feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. According to a 2023 survey from the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), a staggering 76% of students view the college application process as a pivotal moment, with 61% feeling overwhelmed by the advice and information they receive during this time.
The Role of Personal Insight
Making the right choice about a college can feel very personal, yet support is available through various means, including artificial intelligence (AI). AI excels in managing large volumes of data, which can greatly assist students in analyzing their options. While many resources exist on the college selection process, understanding personal priorities is essential.
Emily Pacheco, an associate director of undergraduate admissions at Case Western Reserve University and founder of an NACAC AI special interest group, emphasizes the potential of AI in providing personalized insights. Instead of wading through endless information, students can utilize AI tools to compare schools based on specific criteria that matter to them. For instance, a student can inquire how well two colleges cater to introverted students passionate about music and STEM.
Essential Prompts for AI Tools
When interacting with AI, students should consider their unique criteria and formulate specific questions. Here are a few prompts to get started:
- “Compare the mission statements of [College A] and [College B]. What are the differences?”
- “What is the return on investment for a degree from [College Name]? How strong is the alumni network?”
- “Please analyze the last two years of articles from the [College Name] student newspaper to identify common issues or concerns for students.”
Decision-Making Tools
For a deeper analysis, students can create decision matrices using AI. Jeff Neill, director of college counseling at Graded, The American School of São Paulo, suggests using AI to transform complex college choices into clear decision matrices. This tool might help reveal hidden risks and psychological factors influencing the decision. For example, comparing Boston College and the University of Notre Dame using AI can yield valuable insights that are not immediately apparent.
Comprehensive Research
AI platforms also enable students to perform extensive research on various aspects of prospective colleges. Ben Neely from Revolution Prep encourages students to dive into in-depth comparisons using advanced tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Google Gemini. These platforms can provide tailored responses based on carefully formulated questions regarding factors such as campus climate, culture, and academic opportunities.
Gathering Student Perspectives
High school journalist William Liang highlights that many seniors are using AI tools to streamline their decision-making processes. While they still rely on gut feelings and conversations with family, AI serves as a rapid aggregator of information that might require extensive searches otherwise. Liang notes recurring themes students focus on: comparing financial aid packages, evaluating program strengths, and determining factors like location and student life.
Financial Considerations
Understanding financial aid offers is a critical part of the decision process. Michael Kolowich, founder of the ParentGPS mobile app, provides insights into using AI for financial comparisons. By entering details such as financial aid packages from multiple colleges, students can generate a clear comparative analysis. This can help identify the most financially viable options and uncover opportunities for appeal where necessary. AI tools can parse through complex financial jargon, making it easier to digest important information.
Maintaining Control of the Decision
While AI can provide valuable insights and streamline research, it should not dictate a student’s college choice. The final decision must stem from a combination of personal feelings, meaningful visits, and in-depth discussions with family and trusted advisors. By leveraging AI effectively, students can be well-informed consumers in their college search, transforming a potentially overwhelming task into a more manageable and insightful experience.
