Students applying to college know they can’t — or at least shouldn’t — use AI chatbots to write their essays and personal statements. So it might come as a surprise that some schools are now using artificial intelligence to read them.
AI tools are now being incorporated into how student applications are screened and analyzed, admissions directors say. It can be a delicate topic, and not all colleges are eager to talk about it, but higher education is among many industries where artificial intelligence is rapidly taking on tasks once reserved for humans.
In some cases, schools are quietly integrating AI into their evaluation processes. Others tout its potential to speed application reviews and even perform some tasks more consistently than humans.
“Humans get tired; some days are better than others. The AI does not get tired. It doesn’t get grumpy,” says Juan Espinoza of Virginia Tech.
This fall, Virginia Tech is debuting an AI-powered essay reader, aiming to inform applicants of decisions a month earlier by sorting through thousands of applications efficiently.
Colleges stress they are not relying on AI solely to make admissions decisions; instead, they employ it to review transcripts and eliminate manual data entry tasks. However, AI is also being utilized in evaluating applicants’ submissions, particularly in elite schools where curated application packages are common.
The California Institute of Technology is rolling out a tool that assesses the authenticity of research projects submitted alongside applications. Admissions director Ashley Pallie emphasized the importance of genuine passion in a student's work.
The rise of AI usage is still not fully understood, as noted by Ruby Bhattacharya from the National Association for College Admission Counseling. New guidance emphasizes transparency and fairness in how colleges use AI technology.
Concerns and Backlash
Virginia Tech's AI tool aims to act as a supplementary reader, confirming human scores rather than replacing them. With dramatic increases in applications, efficient methods are becoming critical for maintaining timely communications with prospective students.
Ultimately, while AI promises efficiency, the intricacies of integrating technology into the admissions realm continue to evoke mixed reactions from stakeholders. Understanding the balance between human oversight and technological advancement remains crucial for colleges.
