How Is AI Changing the College Admissions Process?

I've heard that AI is playing a role in college admissions. How exactly is it being used, and what impact is it having on the selection of applicants? Is AI making the process fairer or more efficient?

AI is increasingly becoming a tool used by colleges and universities to streamline their admissions process. One of the main ways AI is used is through automated systems that evaluate applications. These systems can quickly scan and sort through thousands of applications, identifying key data such as GPA, courses taken, test scores (if the school is not test-blind), and involvement in extracurricular activities. This not only speeds up the initial evaluation process, but also helps to ensure the consistency of preliminary assessments.

Another notable application of AI is in analyzing essays. Some universities use AI to analyze application essays and personal statements for indications of a prospective student's character traits, such as determination, creativity, or leadership potential. The machine learning software, trained on a large dataset of previously accepted essays, can rate essays for these traits.

It's important to note that despite the use of AI, human judgement remains critical in the college admissions process. Generally, AI is only used for a preliminary review, and final decisions are made by admissions officers who thoroughly review each application in its entirety.

In terms of whether AI makes the process fairer or more efficient, opinions vary. On one hand, AI can help reduce bias by making initial evaluations based purely on data. This can increase fairness by providing an objective assessment without being influenced by subconscious biases. The efficiency of AI can also speed up the process, allowing more applications to be reviewed in less time.

On the other hand, some critics argue that by relying on AI, universities may inadvertently favor certain types of students who excel in measurable qualities but may overlook students with unique talents or experiences that cannot be easily quantified. Also, there's potential for AI models to inherit biases present in the training data, leading to skewed results.

In conclusion, like many other sectors, higher education is leveraging AI to enhance its operations, including the admissions process. However, the use of AI tools should complement, rather than replace, human judgement to ensure a holistic and fair consideration of every applicant. AI is not perfect and should be used with an understanding of its limitations.