How can AI be used by university students?

Thanks to artificial intelligence (AI), university admissions and assignments are undergoing a revolution, and now is the time for students to take advantage of the opportunities this presents.

Although it is entirely common – even natural – to feel apprehensive about the rise of AI, there is a silver lining that cannot be ignored: students can use AI programmes to help them with university applications and university work in a way that is accepted by universities.

At my school in Brazil, we are working to make sure that our students are prepared for the realities of the world around them, including the impact of AI. So let’s dive in and explore how to make AI work for all students. 

University admissions 

It is important to acknowledge that some university admissions offices have already been using AI in their application review processes for years. From automated essay grading to data-driven decision-making to admissions chatbots, AI has been streamlining admissions processes and helping universities select their candidates since at least 2016.

There are many ways in which AI, particularly generative AI, can assist student applicants in their journeys.

It is of course important to note here that using AI to simply write your application will not be looked upon kindly by admissions officers. Using these tools can help you to explore your interests and goals, but you must also take the time to research your institution, what it is looking for and write your application in your own words. 

All students’ college applications should be reflections of their authentic selves. As such, students should use AI to enhance their natural talents and showcase their genuine interests, rather than to create a false persona or to misrepresent or deceive.

Here are some programmes that students can use to help them with their applications. 

• Writing tools: As AI becomes more sophisticated, so too do the writing tools available to students. These platforms can help to improve essay-writing and refine personal statements. By using AI-powered grammar checkers and style editors, students can polish their own writing, ensuring it is free of errors and effectively communicates their unique stories.
• Subject and career exploration: AI-driven career exploration tools can help students make informed decisions about their future careers, majors or programmes. By analysing interests, strengths and goals, these platforms can recommend majors and programmes that align with students’ aspirations.
• College selection: With tens of thousands of universities worldwide, choosing the right one can be an overwhelming process. But with AI-driven college selection tools, students can receive personalised recommendations based on their academic profiles, preferences and financial needs.
• Resumé enhancement: As students continue to explore their university options, what they have accomplished by the time of application seems to become more important with every year. Having a well-crafted resumé is becoming essential for university applicants, and there are a host of AI tools on the market to assist with this process. Additionally, generative AI can make suggestions for activities, clubs or hobbies a student might pursue to grow their passions or interests. 
• Interview preparation: AI-driven interview coaching tools can help students practise and improve their interviewing skills, boosting their confidence and performance during college admission interviews.
• Portfolio development and evaluation: AI-powered platforms can help students create and curate digital portfolios showcasing their talents, skills and accomplishments. Additionally, there are many ways to engage AI to evaluate such portfolios and bodies of work, enhancing their college applications and increasing their chances of acceptance.
• Study guides or customised test preparation: Some AI tools can create personalised study plans based on students’ strengths and weaknesses. Of course, these tools can be set up to learn virtually anything, creating customised plans for learning. They can also be used for preparing for tests such as SATs, ACTs or English proficiency tests. 

University assignments

Many experts believe that AI will soon start to be incorporated into classwork and study habits. From research and study tools to note-taking, AI could be used in a range of ways to help you study.

As such, it is likely that professors will place greater emphasis on AI across all disciplines. In this way, students seeking to excel in university life and their careers will benefit from learning how to use AI now.

By tapping into AI’s potential, students can make their college applications stand out in the increasingly competitive admissions landscape. A student can use AI to hone their writing, improve their test scores, find the perfect college match and so many other things. However, although AI can be a powerful tool, it is always a student’s unique qualities and aspirations that will truly make the difference, so it is alway important to use these tools to help you rather than do the work for you.