How Will AI Affect College Admissions?

AI is evolving faster than I can type this blog post. Every day, new platforms and tools emerge, making it nearly impossible to keep up. Meanwhile, college admissions (and higher education in general) is stuck in the past. Think about it—universities have been around for centuries, many professors still prefer handwritten notes (looking at you, Harvard), and the entire system is built on slow-moving policies and traditions.

Let’s be real: colleges won’t keep up with AI’s rapid evolution anytime soon. Why?

• It would require dismantling a system that’s been in place for over 100 years.

• There are board members, chairpeople, and bureaucratic policies that slow down decision-making.

• Change in higher education is glacial at best—while AI is moving at light speed.

So, Where Does AI Fit into College Admissions?

Right now, different universities have different takes on AI. MIT encourages students to use AI as a tool, while other institutions won’t even comment on it. But here’s the thing—AI isn’t going anywhere. And if universities truly want students to be “changemakers” and “thought leaders”, they need to embrace emerging technologies like AI.

Can You Use AI for College Applications?

As of now, there’s no official policy banning students from using AI to help with applications. My take? Use AI—ethically and resourcefully. If you can still maintain your unique voice throughout your application, there’s no harm in using AI as a tool.

(Heck, this post? Brought to you by ChatGPT.)

Want to learn how to use AI to generate your college list or streamline your application process? Email me! Have thoughts on AI’s role in admissions? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear them.

Caffeinated by Coke Zero.