The Four Faces of AI in College Planning: Are You Meeting Students Where They Are?

As AI continues to weave its way into our lives, it’s no surprise that high school students are increasingly turning to these tools for college planning. However, our recent study, The AI Divide in College Planning: Students Adoption, Resistance, and Impact, conducted by RNL and TeenVoice, reveals that students aren’t all the same when it comes to AI. Some love it, some are curious but cautious, and some are unsure. Our study identified “Four Faces” of AI adoption among high school students, each with distinct characteristics:

1. AI Pioneers (33%): These tech-savvy students embrace AI with enthusiasm and trust its capabilities. Representing a significant portion of younger teens, they actively use AI in their college search.
2. AI Aspirers (33%): The largest group, they are curious but cautious, motivated by the practical benefits AI offers, especially in helping with making scholarship searches, career planning, and college research more efficient. They are prevalent among 15- and 16-year-old teens.
3. AI Fence Sitters (19%): Uncertain about AI’s role, they rely on traditional methods but are open to compelling evidence. This group, often older teens, requires more information and reassurance.
4. AI Resistors (9%): Preferring human interaction, they resist AI due to unfamiliarity. However, they are open to learning from trusted advisors like school counselors. This group is more common among Asian/Pacific Islanders and older teens, and in the West and Northeast.

Overall, the Pioneers and Aspirers tended to be the younger high school students, while those hesitant about using AI in the college planning were more likely to be from the 2025 incoming class. A key takeaway from this study is that if you are not already thinking about how to “wow” potential students with AI tools, you need to start. Similar to how admitted student portals evolved from a novelty to a necessity, intuitive AI tools for college planning will soon become a student expectation.

AI can deliver the 24/7 engagement that prospective students expect

Consider the potential of AI-powered chat tools or digital assistants that provide instant application status updates, personalized program recommendations, or streamlined scholarship searches. Students expect 24/7 accessibility and seamless navigation throughout the application process and their college experience. Or use AI to add personalized videos throughout your enrollment communication plan. AI can help you identify what is important to individual students and build video content that speaks directly to them like never before.

In addition, the research clearly shows students still rely on the people in their circle they trust the most—their family, high school guidance counselors, and friends. That’s not at risk of changing anytime soon. AI is an addition, not a replacement. It gives us another way to connect, becoming more important every day. However, as more students move into the AI Pioneer group, integrating AI becomes an essential part of your recruitment mix.

Understanding how students adopt AI will help you meet their expectations

Here’s the bottom line: AI isn’t some far-off idea anymore; its already changing what students expect from us. By understanding the “Four Faces of AI Adoption,” you can tailor your engagement strategies to meet students where they are. And embracing AI tools like digital assistants and personalized content creation will not only enhance your university’s appeal but also streamline the study journey and free up time for you to have more real conversations with them.

Are you ready to embrace the AI revolution in higher education? If you’re new to AI or seeking to enhance your understanding, RNL’s free online course, “AI Essentials for Higher Education Professionals,” is an excellent starting point. Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate this evolving landscape and ensure your institution remains at the forefront of student engagement. Start your AI education today!