Rethinking Higher Education: AI for Admissions & Student Life

Rethinking Higher Education: AI for Admissions & Student Life

Completing and submitting college applications is a daunting and largely impersonal right of passage to higher education. Students submit their transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation, and then they wait for an answer. If communication is give and take, college admissions are a one-sided conversation. 

What if this wasn’t the case?

Imagine a prospective student. Maybe they are a working parent. Maybe they want to finish a program after some time away from school. Maybe they are a senior in high school and the first in the family to apply to college.  They are navigating a series of university websites, trying to gather information about programs, admission criteria, financial aid, and campus life. They are overwhelmed and confused. 

However, with artificial intelligence (AI), a generative AI agent could become the student’s personal interactive agent, a concierge who makes it easy to ask questions in conversational language and get immediate answers instead of combing through the website. Powered by sophisticated natural language processing algorithms, these AI agents, tailored to an institute-specific voice and tone, can understand and respond to a wide range of questions, providing accurate and relevant information around the clock.

Many higher education institutions are embracing innovative solutions to enhance their evaluation of applicants. According to

Forbes Magazine’s reporting on a 2023 survey of higher education admissions offices, more than half of the respondents were already using AI to review applications and most (80%) planning to integrate AI into their processes for 2024.  Using AI is an efficient way for admissions offices to review the transcripts and score reports of prospective students and evaluate them against a set of criteria. However, they could take it further with machine learning (ML) and AI agents. Higher education can reimagine the prospective student and enrolled student experience by providing instant, personalized assistance and support by harnessing the power of natural language models and generative AI agents.

One of the most compelling advantages of using AI agents in higher education recruitment and admissions is their ability to offer personalized guidance tailored to each student’s unique needs and preferences. AI agents can analyze user data and behavior through ML algorithms to deliver customized recommendations and suggestions. An AI agent can recommend programs, activities, and support services relevant to the student’s background, interests, and academic goals.

In addition to assisting prospective students, generative AI agents can support current students by offering academic advising, course registration assistance, and campus navigation services. AI agents could even answer the question, “What is there to do this weekend?” by filtering campus events by the student’s interests and rating of previously attended events. By serving as virtual mentors and guides, these AI agents contribute to student retention and success, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

On the backend of the student’s data input, the AI can monitor for risky behaviors and code of conduct violations. This would enable the student services counselors to offer early behavioral or substance interventions, and it could activate campus security in an emergency.

While AI agents hold immense potential for transforming higher education, it’s essential to acknowledge and address potential challenges such as data privacy concerns, algorithmic bias. This is why finding an ethical and transparent AI partner company is critical to AI-powered transformation. Universities must prioritize ethical AI practices and ensure transparency and accountability when using these technologies.

AI and Machine Learning can revolutionize higher education by leveraging natural language models and AI agents to enhance student services and student life. By embracing these innovative technologies, universities can create more accessible, efficient, and personalized experiences for prospective applicants, ultimately driving student success and satisfaction. 

Contact VertexInnovations to see how we can partner to bring AI and ML to your institution.

Mockup of Student Life Experience with an AI agent