The College Planning Personality Test You Didn’t Know You Needed

How different students navigate college planning

Let’s talk about how students really tackle college planning. Forget the stereotypes about Gen Z being glued to their phones or allergic to human interaction. Our latest research reveals something more interesting: there isn’t just one type of college searcher anymore.

In our recent research with TeenVoice we identified four distinct personalities in how students approach their college planning, especially when it comes to using AI tools. And trust me, the results might surprise you!

Meet the cast of characters

First are the AI Pioneers – your early adopters who aren’t afraid to try new things. They’re all over college websites (62% of them use them!), but here’s the kicker: they still heavily rely on counselors (46%) and family input (48%). These students aren’t replacing human connection with technology; they combine both. They’re natural experimenters, comfortable jumping between digital and traditional resources to find what works best for each task.

Then there’s the AI Resistors. Despite their name, these students aren’t living under a rock – they’re actually the most likely to use counselors (55%). They’re old school in the best way possible, preferring face-to-face conversations over digital solutions. They are the “let’s grab a coffee and talk about it” crowd. For them, learning is deeply personal and relationship-based.

The AI Aspirers are our “interested but cautious” group. They’re spread evenly across their resources – about 40% use college websites, counselors, and social media. They’re curious about AI but haven’t fully embraced it yet. Think of them as methodical learners who want to understand all their options before diving in.

Finally, we have the AI Fence Sitters. These students are taking a more minimal approach across the board. They use college websites (40%) and family advice (38%), but they’re less likely to engage with any resource intensively. They might be overwhelmed by choices or still finding their preferred learning style.

The bigger picture: it’s about learning styles, not just tools

Here’s what makes these personas so fascinating: they’re not just about technology preferences. They reveal fundamental differences in how students learn, process information, and make decisions. The AI Pioneer isn’t just tech-savvy; they’re likely an active learner who thrives on exploring multiple information channels. The AI Resistor isn’t anti-technology; they’re probably someone who processes information best through dialogue and personal interaction.

Remember when we started talking about differentiated instruction in education? How we recognized that students learn differently and need various pathways to success? Well, these personas are telling us the same story about college planning. Some students will grasp complex college decisions better through AI-powered interactive tools, while others need face-to-face conversations to process the same information, and that’s OK, or it should be!

The evolution of college planning

This isn’t just about adding new tools to the toolbox. It’s about recognizing that the college planning journey itself looks different for each student. An AI Pioneer might start their search with ChatGPT, bounce to a college’s website, then validate their findings with a counselor. An AI Resistor might begin with a counselor meeting, use that framework to explore college websites, and rely on family discussions to process what they’ve learned.

Think about it: we’ve spent decades in K-12 education adapting to different learning styles – visual, auditory, kinesthetic, you name it. Isn’t it time we brought that same thoughtful approach to college planning? Our research suggests students are already naturally gravitating toward their preferred learning styles. Now it’s our turn to meet them there!

What does this mean for institutions?

Understanding these personalities is only helpful if it leads to action. So, how can colleges adapt?

1. Mix it up, but keep it human

Every group, even the most tech-savvy, still values real human connections. AI can be useful, but it shouldn’t replace personalized outreach. Offer multiple ways for students to engage—AI chat tools, live Q&A sessions, and good old-fashioned phone calls.

2. Optimize college websites for different search styles

Since college websites are a top resource across all groups, they must serve different user preferences. Consider interactive AI tools for Pioneers and Aspirers while ensuring Resistors and Fence Sitters can easily find traditional contact options.

3. Equip counselors with the right tools

Counselors are still a major influence, especially for Resistors. Provide them with updated guides, resources, and training so they can confidently support all types of students—whether AI-driven or not.

4. Keep families in the loop

Parents remain a critical influence in college decisions. Institutions should create family-friendly resources that explain AI tools while reinforcing the importance of personal conversations.

5. Offer AI as an option—not a requirement

Some students love AI, and some won’t touch it. The key is providing flexibility. Let students decide how they engage rather than pushing AI as the default solution.

The bottom line

College planning isn’t one-size-fits-all (if it ever was). Some students will embrace AI, while others prefer traditional methods. The most successful institutions will be those that respect these differences, offering flexible pathways that meet students where they are—not where we think they should be. Because, at the end of the day, college search is personal. Whether students chat with AI, sit down with a counselor, or lean on family advice, what truly matters is that they feel supported in finding the right fit.

Learn more in our webinar

Be sure to watch our webinar, The Four Faces of AI In College Planning, where we will dive into these personas and what we have learned about them. During our session, we will discuss how to:

• Identify and understand student personas: Gain practical insights into the four distinct student personas.
• Optimize AI tool strategies: Develop actionable strategies to effectively integrate AI tools in college planning, tailored to meet the needs and preferences of each student persona, ensuring maximum engagement and support.
• Enhance communication and support systems: Learn how to implement communication and support systems that resonate with each persona, utilizing a blend of digital outreach, peer interaction, and traditional counseling to create a comprehensive support environment.