The increasing use of generative AI tools by teenagers to navigate their college and university choices has sparked discussions about the reliability of the advice provided by such technology. As young individuals strive to make informed decisions about their education, it is crucial to understand how these tools are reshaping their college search processes.
A recent report based on a survey of over 5,000 high school students reveals that approximately half of the respondents are utilizing AI to aid in selecting a higher education institution. This technology is not only influencing where students choose to apply but also their fields of study, and may even affect their decisions on whether to pursue a college education at all.
Although AI can serve as a valuable resource—especially for students who may lack access to effective school counseling—there are risks involved. Madeleine Rhyneer, vice president of consulting services and dean of enrollment management at EAB, notes that while AI can be beneficial, the accuracy of its advice often depends on the quality of the questions posed. “If individuals place too much weight on AI’s recommendations rather than seeking guidance from family, school counselors, teachers, or other mentors, it could lead to misguided decisions,” she remarked.
So, how are teens actually leveraging AI in their college research and planning?
Initially, more teens are recognizing AI as a valuable resource for exploring post-secondary options. In the spring of 2025, 26 percent reported using the technology for this purpose, escalating to 46 percent by the year’s end.
High schoolers are turning to AI for various tasks, such as finding suitable schools, understanding the application process, uncovering unfamiliar institutions, assembling college applications, and preparing for standardized tests.
Additionally, they’re employing generative AI chatbots to compile lists of schools, which allows them to compare different institutions effectively.
More than half of the teens surveyed indicated that AI has simplified their college search, with a quarter of them actively engaging in conversations with these AI tools about their educational options.
One student reflected on the experience: “I appreciate how the [ChatGPT] chat box resembles instant messaging; it feels like I’m having a real conversation with an admissions officer.”
AI is shaping decisions about where to go to college
In addition to facilitating research on admission processes, AI is significantly impacting students’ choices regarding colleges. Approximately one-third of high schoolers report that their interest in a specific college has intensified due to AI-generated information, while about 20 percent have eliminated a college from their list based on insights provided by a chatbot. Nearly half of those surveyed discovered a school they were previously unaware of.
“AI can be a valuable tool in the decision-making process,” Rhyneer commented. “Given the evolving landscape of college applications compared to previous generations, every student can gain from neutral advice.”
Furthermore, a quarter of the respondents indicated that their AI research has led them to reconsider certain majors, while 17 percent now find themselves exploring new fields of study due to AI insights.
Despite the increasing prevalence of AI in the college search process, many students express skepticism about its overall benefits. The report found that 37 percent of participants were doubtful about AI, making skepticism the most common sentiment over curiosity, concern, or optimism.
This skepticism is likely a healthy reflex, Rhyneer suggests. While chatbots can efficiently pull information and assist in brainstorming, they should not replace guidance from trusted adults who understand the student’s unique needs.
Moreover, AI tools have the potential to generate misleading or inaccurate information, may harbor biases that reflect their input data, and often lack the nuanced understanding that a counselor, teacher, or parent can provide regarding college selection, experts caution.
Rhyneer imagined a scenario where a student lacking adult support in their college research opts out of applying because an AI suggested the fastest path to financial success is becoming an influencer.
Conversely, it is important to note that not all high school students have access to effective school counseling. Even competent counselors often juggle heavy caseloads, making it challenging to cater to each student’s needs, Rhyneer stated.
“Counselors are needed now more than ever,” she asserted. “However, for those who either lack a counselor or have limited counseling time, AI can provide important information that they might otherwise miss.”
Students are also sharing their thoughts on how AI might impact their career paths. Forty-three percent believe that AI will play a role in determining their professional trajectories, while 38 percent think it could decrease the number of jobs requiring a college degree.
Nearly 40 percent indicated that AI, along with shifting workforce dynamics, is prompting them to explore alternatives to traditional college, such as entrepreneurship or apprenticeships.
In conclusion, as generative AI tools become more prevalent in the college search process, they offer both opportunities and challenges for high school students. While these technologies can augment research and decision-making, they should be used in conjunction with guidance from trusted adults to navigate the complexities of higher education.
