By Fernanda Munoz
As technology continues to advance, more and more sectors are being disrupted by the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI). One area that has seen considerable changes is the education sector. But to what extent will AI Revolutionize College Applications?
AI technology is used for various purposes, including automation, data analysis, and decision-making.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been around since the 1950s, but it wasn’t until recent years that it gained widespread popularity and use. In the past, AI was primarily used for complex calculations and simulations. However, advancements in machine learning and natural language processing have led to the development of more user-friendly applications such as ChatGPT, which is a conversational AI tool that relies on natural language processing to understand and respond to users’ queries. It is an example of how AI can be used to improve user experience and simplify complex tasks.
According to a report by Forbes, the global artificial intelligence market is expected to reach $191 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of 37% from 2020 to 2024. The report also states that AI is increasingly used in various industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail, to improve efficiency, productivity, and customer experience. Additionally, a survey by Deloitte found that 56% of companies have already implemented some form of AI, while 41% plan to do so in the next two years.
The education industry is one of the industries leading this change, causing systematic changes in how we teach, learn and even apply to universities. Here are five noticeable changes:
- Personalizing the learning experience: AI has helped educators personalize the learning experience by analyzing student data and providing tailored recommendations. For example, AI-powered learning platforms can recommend courses and materials based on a student’s interests, learning style, and performance. This can help students stay engaged and motivated, leading to better academic outcomes.
- Improving student retention: AI helps colleges and universities identify at-risk students and provide early interventions to prevent them from dropping out. By analyzing data such as attendance, grades, and behavioural patterns, AI algorithms can identify students who may need additional support and provide personalized interventions to help them succeed.
- Enhancing research: AI also helps researchers analyze vast amounts of data quickly and efficiently, leading to new discoveries and insights. This leads to innovations and constant changes in the science and health curriculum.
- Automating administrative tasks: AI automates administrative tasks such as scheduling, grading, and record-keeping, freeing up faculty and staff to focus on more complex tasks.
- Streamlining the application process: AI algorithms can help colleges and universities process applications more efficiently, saving time and resources. By using AI-powered chatbots, institutions can also provide students instant answers to common questions, reducing the wait time and enhancing the overall application experience.
University and College Applications
One of the biggest changes brought about by AI in the scholarship application process is the ability to generate essays automatically. With the help of AI-powered software, students can now input their ideas and let the software generate an essay for them. This not only saves time but also ensures that the essay is grammatically correct and free of spelling errors. However, it is essential to note that while AI-generated essays may be technically sound, they lack the authenticity and personal touch of writing an essay from scratch.
While AI-generated essays may seem like a quick and easy way to produce content, it is crucial to maintain a balance between AI-generated content and students’ original ideas. A well-written essay is not just about impeccable grammar and correct spelling; it is also about authenticity and originality. Scholarship providers are looking for students who can express their ideas in a clear, concise, and compelling manner. When students rely too much on AI-generated content, they risk losing their unique voice and perspective, negatively impacting their chances of getting selected.
To strike the right balance between AI-generated content and students’ original ideas, it is essential to use AI as a tool rather than a replacement. AI can be helpful when generating initial ideas on how to tackle a prompt; however, once the writing starts, it is better to use one’s unique tone and voice to make such applications stand out. The most prestigious institutions pay more and more attention to the essay sections of their applications as the number of applicants increases yearly. This means that having a personal brand, genuine tone, and vivid descriptions of one’s experience will be worth even more. Writing a winning essay might be what grants you acceptance.
Universities are also turning to interview their candidate before sending an offer. In this scenario, committees expect students to walk the talk and be introspective and well-versed in their essays. Nevertheless, if the author happened to be AI, this process might quickly lead to disappointment from both parties once the discrepancies are revealed.
AI is changing the landscape of scholarship applications by introducing new tools and techniques to improve the essay writing process. However, it is important to remember that while AI-generated essays may be technically sound, they lack the authenticity and personal touch of an essay written from scratch. A reliable way to ensure you fit the profile of your dream school and use new technology to the max would be by checking out GrantMe. GrantMe is a program that guides and supports students along their education & career planning journey to having a future full of options. They offer students access to a platform with tools to foster skills toward a debt-free education, unlocking career and community involvement opportunities.
