What's Happening?
A recent survey by the research and consulting firm EAB reveals a significant increase in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by high school students during their college search process. In 2025, 46% of surveyed students reported using AI, a notable
rise from 26% earlier that year. Students are leveraging AI tools to personalize and streamline their college search, often using chatbots to match their academic profiles with suitable institutions. This shift is partly due to the high caseloads of school counselors, who serve an average of 372 students each, limiting personalized guidance. AI tools like Appily and Kollegio are becoming popular for their ability to assist with college selection, application tracking, and even essay writing. Despite the growing reliance on AI, students remain skeptical, with 37% expressing skepticism about AI's role in their decision-making process.
Why It's Important?
The increasing use of AI in college searches highlights a shift in how students approach higher education decisions, potentially reducing reliance on traditional counseling. This trend could democratize access to college information, especially for students in under-resourced schools. However, it also raises concerns about the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated recommendations. The skepticism among students suggests a need for better AI literacy and understanding of its pervasive role in digital life. As AI tools become more integrated into educational processes, they could influence the future landscape of college admissions and student support services.
What's Next?
As AI continues to evolve, its role in education is likely to expand, potentially leading to more sophisticated tools that offer deeper insights into college selection and career planning. Educational institutions may need to adapt by integrating AI literacy into their curricula to prepare students for a future where AI plays a central role in decision-making. Additionally, there may be increased scrutiny on the ethical use of AI in education, ensuring that these tools provide equitable and unbiased support to all students.
