College admissions try to balance innovation, ethics and equity.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the college admissions process, introducing both new opportunities and significant challenges for institutions and applicants alike. As AI tools become more common, questions about fairness, ethics and transparency are taking center stage. Colleges are now trying to figure out how to embrace the advantages of AI in the admissions process while ensuring the tools students use uphold fairness and authenticity in representing their abilities.

The Growing Role of AI in College Admissions

Rick Clark, assistant vice provost and executive director of undergraduate admissions at Georgia Institute of Technology, emphasized the need for quality controls to evaluate AI’s role fairly. 

“Selective colleges must run quality controls to ensure that the information extracted aligns with their mission and goals,” Clark said. 

He pointed out that most colleges, especially those with high acceptance rates, rely on numbers rather than holistic reviews.

As AI tools evolve to summarize essays, letters of recommendation and interviews, institutions will need to ensure their integration supports their broader objectives without compromising fairness.

Addressing Ethical and Equity Concerns

The ethical implications of AI in admissions remain contentious. Many applicants worry that AI tools might give some students an unfair advantage. Clark candidly noted that inequities have long existed in the admissions process. 

“The current admission process is not equitable. It always has and continues to favor well-resourced students,” he said.

At the same time, AI has the potential to democratize resources. 

“Access to large language models and other AI tools offers an additional resource that many students currently lack,” Clark said. 

He suggested that expanding application formats to include audio and video submissions could allow students to express themselves in ways that reflect their true voice.

Dr. Diane M. Gayeski, professor of strategic communication at Ithaca College, drew parallels between AI assistance and traditional help with essays. 

“Many college applicants have gotten help with their admissions essays, whether from parents, teachers, or paid counselors. Using AI is just another tool,” Gayeski said. 

She argued that prohibiting AI use would also require regulating other forms of external help, making enforcement impractical.

Setting Clear Guidelines for AI Use

Confusion about the acceptable use of AI in applications is widespread, with 63% of applicants unsure of its boundaries, according to the Acuity Insights report. Clark urged colleges to develop clear guidelines. 

“This is an easy and logical place for colleges to be transparent,” he said. 

Georgia Tech has already taken steps by issuing a public statement on AI use in applications, which Clark shared as an example.

Gayeski highlighted another advantage of AI: consistency in applying rubrics for applicant evaluations. 

“AI does a great job of ensuring rubrics are used consistently,” she said. 

This reduces the risk of human errors or implicit biases. Transparent rubrics could also help demystify the admissions process for applicants and their families.

Transparency and Trust in AI-Driven Admissions

While AI’s critics worry about fairness, many applicants see it as a bridge to equity. The Acuity Insights report found that 93% of students believe AI can level the playing field for underrepresented groups.

Clark, however, was cautious about endorsing specific AI applications, focusing instead on their broader potential. 

“It’s only going to mention someone’s athletic leadership or volunteer activity if the applicant provides that info,” Gayeski said. 

This underscores the importance of guiding students on effectively presenting their achievements.

The Future of AI in College Applications

As AI becomes more prevalent, balancing its benefits with transparency is paramount, experts said. Clark reiterated the importance of open communication about how AI tools are integrated into the process. 

“Standard AI-written essays are unlikely to help students stand out,” Gayeski said. 

This suggests that while AI can aid in polishing applications, it should not replace the personal narratives that make each applicant unique.

Colleges are at a pivotal moment. The Acuity Insights report found that most applicants believe their peers will continue using AI regardless of rules, making outright bans on these tools unrealistic. Instead, institutions are focused on establishing thoughtful guidelines that reflect AI’s role in everyday life while maintaining fairness in admissions.

One pressing question is how AI will impact the future of application formats. Clark suggested that tools like video or audio submissions could become more prominent, allowing applicants to express themselves in ways that feel more natural and personal. 

However, implementing these changes will require institutions to confront logistical and ethical hurdles. Gayeski highlighted the potential for AI to enhance transparency in admissions by creating consistent evaluation criteria. 

“When colleges use AI to refine their rubrics and make them publicly available, it could help applicants better understand how decisions are made,” she said. 

This transparency could foster trust between applicants and admissions offices as concerns about bias and fairness persist.

Additionally, institutions may need to invest in educating students and professionals about proper use. For students, this might include workshops or online resources. For staff, training could focus on recognizing and addressing biases in AI-generated data.

Ultimately, the success of AI in college admissions will depend on collaboration across the higher education ecosystem. As Clark noted, the integration of AI is an opportunity for progress that requires constant evaluation and adaptation.