Author: Judy Young

The Shift to AI in College Admission Screenings AI Isn’t Making the Final Decision. But It Is Dictating Which Applications Reach Humans. The college admissions landscape is changing rapidly, and one of the biggest shifts happening now is the quiet integration of artificial intelligence into the first stage of application review. While admissions officers still make the final decision, AI is increasingly determining which applications get routed to a human reader in the first place.For students aiming at Ivy League and Top 30 universities, this change means one thing:Strategy matters more than ever. Why Colleges Are Using AI to Screen Applications Application volume has exploded. Many top universities receive 50,000–80,000 applications each year, far more than human readers can manage within the admissions timeline.To handle this surge, colleges are adopting AI tools that can:Sort applications quicklyFlag missing or weak componentsIdentify alignment with institutional prioritiesDetect inconsistencies or overly assisted writingRecommend which applications deserve full human review AI doesn’t replace human judgment, it shapes who gets to the human judgment stage. What AI Looks For: Academic Strength, Consistency, and Authenticity. 1. Strong Grades and Academic Rigor Matter More Than EverAI screening heavily favors objective academic metrics, including:Course rigorGrades across multiple yearsAP/IB/Honors participationEarly test scores (SAT/ACT) Because AI evaluates applications relative to the entire applicant pool, students who test early (before the peak application season) face less competition during initial screening. This improves the likelihood of clearing the first AI filter. A significant advantage for current 9th-, 10th-, and 11th-graders. 2. AI Can Detect When Essays Have Been Heavily AssistedWith the rise of essay consultants, editors, and rewriting services, AI is now used to assess the authenticity of student writing. These systems can flag:Overly polished essaysInconsistent writing voice between sectionsDifferences between essays and short-answer responsesEvidence of AI-generated or AI-polished content This is why colleges are shifting toward new forms of voice verification. 3. Video Submissions Are Becoming More CommonTo protect the integrity of the process, several selective universities now allow or require video components:Brown University: Optional 2-minute videoUniversity of Chicago: Optional 2-minute videoCaltech: Requires a “viva voce” oral examination for certain research pathways These formats help admissions officers hear a student’s natural voice, enthusiasm, and clarity of thought, things AI cannot fully duplicate.This doesn’t diminish the value of essay coaching. It simply means students must emphasize authenticity and maintain a consistent personal voice throughout the application. How AI Screens Applications Before Humans See Them1. Structure and CompletenessAI systems quickly identify:Missing sectionsUnclear activity descriptionsGaps in courseworkLow-rigor academic patterns This is why students must build well-organized, complete, and coherent applications; rushed or last-minute submissions are more likely to be filtered early. 2. Narrative Consistency Across ComponentsAdmissions AI scans for alignment between:CourseworkActivitiesEssaysRecommendationsVideo submissions A scattered application without a clear academic or personal through-line appears unfocused, and is often deprioritized.Students must present a cohesive story that highlights their strengths over time, not a collection of unrelated achievements. 3. Clear Evidence of Initiative and ImpactAI evaluates activity lists using measurable elements such as:Leadership rolesDuration and commitmentQuantifiable outcomesDepth of involvement Generic or vague descriptions are ranked lower than those with specific verbs, context, and impact.Students Who Don’t Plan Strategically Risk Being Filtered Out EarlyThe biggest admissions risk today is not rejection; it’s being filtered out before a human ever reads the application. Students who:Delay test preparationSubmit weak or inconsistent essaysDon’t demonstrate sustained interestScatter their extracurriculars across unrelated fieldsLack depth in one academic areaRely too heavily on external editing are more likely to fall in the “algorithmic shadow.”This shift means that strategy, clarity, and authenticity are now essential for visibility.Human Readers Still Make Decisions.AI is not replacing admissions officers. But it is shaping the applicant pool they see.This new reality requires students to:Strengthen academic rigor and test earlyBuild a consistent, authentic narrative Use essays to express their genuine voicePrepare for optional or required video submissionsAlign activities with long-term interestsPlan ahead to ensure every component reinforces the same story At College Excellence, we help students build applications that stand out to both AI screening tools and the admissions officers behind them.If you’re applying in 2026 or later, now is the moment to align your strategy with the evolving admissions process, before the gatekeeping stage gets even more competitive. Judy Young Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin-in If you're ready to take your next step, schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation with one of our experts. Schedule a Call Today

Author: Judy Young

The Shift to AI in College Admission Screenings

4 Stats That Show Summer 2026 Planning Starts Now

How Many Colleges Should I Apply to on the Common App?

Is Pursuing an Ivy League Education Still Worth the Investment?

When Do You Start Applying For College?

What you need to know about Changes to FAFSA 2024-25

Ready to take your college application to the next level? Schedule a call today

Products

About

Free Guides