How AI Is Changing the College Application Process - Sallie

Key takeaways about AI and college applications

• Both colleges and students applying to them are using AI in different ways.
• It can help with brainstorming and organizing, but don’t let it take over your voice.
• Colleges are using AI to sort through apps they may want to take a closer look at.
•  AI comes with benefits, but also some real red flags.
• You can use it in a smart way without losing what makes your college app uniquely you.

You’ve probably noticed it already—AI is showing up everywhere. Your favorite playlists? Curated by AI. Your photo filters? AI again. And it’s made its way into college applications too.

Whether you're looking to use AI to help with your college essays or wondering how college admissions uses it, there's a lot to take in. And that's why we're here to help.

So, let’s break it down—what AI is actually doing in the college admissions world, how it can help you, and where to be careful.

Why AI is now part of the college admissions game

The number of students applying to colleges has gone up by a lot in the past few years—and they're applying to more schools. That’s where AI steps in—helping everyone handle the overload.

For students, AI tools can do things like help brainstorm essay ideas, suggest edits, or keep your deadlines straight. For admissions teams, AI can help sort huge piles of applications and flag ones that deserve a closer look.

How colleges are actually using AI (and what it means for you)

Some colleges are starting to test out AI tools to make the admissions process a little smoother. Think of it like this: instead of reading every single essay word-for-word right away, they might use tech to spot certain themes or flag apps that deserve a closer look.

Some schools are even trying AI that predicts which students are most likely to say “yes” to an offer—basically a smarter way to figure out who’s actually interested.

But don’t worry—real people are still the ones making the final call. AI might help organize the pile, but your story still matters.

How students are using AI in college apps

AI is already part of a lot of students’ college app routines. Here’s what that looks like:

• Getting unstuck on essays: AI can help you brainstorm topics or outline your thoughts when you hit a wall.
• Cleaning up drafts: Tools like Grammarly help polish your writing so it’s clear and typo-free.
• Staying organized: AI planners or apps can track deadlines and materials across multiple schools.
• Finding your best-fit college: AI tools use smart matching to help you discover schools you might love. You can also try Scout College Search to find colleges based on majors, location, cost, and more.

All super useful. Just don’t let AI do the whole thing for you. Admissions officers can tell when an essay feels too “perfect”—and not in a good way.

What are pros and cons of AI in admissions?

AI can be a huge help but may also cause problems. It all depends how you use it.

The upside:

• It saves time: AI can do the heavy lifting on stuff like spelling and essay structure.
• It makes writing less scary: If you’re not a confident writer, it can help you get going.
• It shows you more options: Personalized school and scholarship suggestions? Yes, please.

But on the flip side:

• It can dull your voice: If AI writes too much, it stops sounding like you.
• It’s not always fair: Some AI tools reflect the same biases humans have. That’s a problem if schools are using them.
• Not everyone has access: Some students don’t know these tools exist—or how to use them right.

Be mindful of these AI issues

AI can be super helpful—but there are some real issues to think about.

• Bias in the system: AI tech may favor some students over others. Not cool.
• Plagiarism worries: If you let AI write your essay, it could cross a line (and colleges are cracking down).
• Privacy stuff: Some AI tools collect your data. Always read the fine print—or at least, know what you’re clicking.

Lots of folks are pushing for better AI guidelines. Until then, it’s up to you to use it wisely.

How to use AI like a pro (and still be 100% you)

Yes, you can use AI to help make your application awesome, without losing what's unique about you. Here are some tips to help:

• Let it spark ideas, not write your story. Use AI to brainstorm. Then write it in your voice.
• Fact-check everything. AI gets things wrong more than you think. Don't trust it blindly.
• Keep your personality in there. Your essay should sound like a conversation with you, not a super formal robot.
• Be honest. Don’t let AI puff up your resume or make up accomplishments.

Want more tips? Check out our guide on how to use AI in scholarship essays.

What’s next: The future of AI in college apps

AI’s not going anywhere, so expect it to keep evolving.

More colleges might use it to handle big application loads. Others might stay hands-on and human-first. The rules are still being written.

Your job? Stay adaptable. Use AI when it helps, but don’t let it replace your real voice. That’s what colleges care about most. Still figuring out your college app game? Check out our college application FAQs and essay tips. 

How to level up your next steps

AI can definitely make applying to college feel less overwhelming—but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. The real power comes from your own voice, your story, and how you show up on paper (and maybe one day, in person!).