How AI is Changing the College Search (And How to Use It Effectively)
Learn how to use AI ethically and effectively for your college search with expert guidance from St. John’s University.
Is your college search starting to feel like having way too many tabs open at once: rankings, tuition charts, program lists, and scholarship deadlines all competing for your attention? And the more you click, the harder it gets to figure out what actually matters to you and where to even begin. That feeling of information overload isn’t just about your browser; it’s about the whole process. And that’s exactly where artificial intelligence (AI) is starting to make a difference.
After all, you already use AI almost every day. Spotify recommends songs that match your mood, TikTok serves videos that feel almost too accurate, and maybe you’ve asked ChatGPT to help brainstorm or explain something. Now, students apply that same technology to one of the biggest decisions they’ll make: choosing a college. Instead of scrolling endlessly or relying on generic “top 10” lists, AI tools can help you narrow options, compare schools on the factors you care about most, and even generate smart questions to ask on campus tours.
AI might already be shaping your playlists and feeds, but when it comes to college, it’s becoming more than a convenience—it’s turning into a real research tool. And you’re not the only one trying it out.
Is AI Becoming More Common in College Searches?
The short answer: yes. AI is quickly moving from a curiosity to a core tool in how students explore colleges. In 2023, just 3 percent of graduating seniors reported using AI during their college search. By 2025, that number jumped to nearly one in four students. Platforms like Apply.com have seen a 377% increase in visitors from ChatGPT and similar tools in just the past year, showing how quickly students are adopting AI as part of their research.
At the same time, trust in AI remains mixed. In a 2025 Student Communication Preferences Survey, only 3 percent of students said they trust AI chatbots most for accurate college information, compared with 34 percent who preferred in-person events like tours or fairs and 30 percent who relied on official college websites. That means AI works best as a starting point, but real conversations and campus experiences still matter most.
What is the Best Way to Use AI in My College Search?
AI can be surprisingly helpful, but only if you know how to use it well. Think of it like asking a friend for advice: the more details you give, the better their answer will be. If you just ask, “Where should I go to college?” you’ll probably get a vague or generic response. But if you include specifics about your grade point average (GPA), location preferences, financial needs, or academic interests, you’ll start to see answers that feel tailored to your life.
That’s where AI really shines; it can act like a research partner, helping you cut through the noise and focus on the schools that actually align with what you want. Several students might use it to get a broad overview, while others dive into fine details like campus culture, internships, or financial aid.
Here are a few examples of how you could use AI to guide your search:
- “I have a 3.7 GPA and want a midsize East Coast college with strong biology programs. Can you suggest reach, target, and safety schools?”
- “Which colleges in the Midwest are known for journalism programs and also have Division I athletics?”
- “Create a one-week campus visit plan for Pennsylvania and New York schools with strong business programs.”
- “Compare St. John’s University, Fordham, and Hofstra by graduation rates, tuition, and internship opportunities.”
When you use AI this way you can
- Help filter options when thousands of schools feel overwhelming.
- Support application prep by brainstorming essay themes or clarifying requirements.
- Translate admission jargon into plain English (like what “test-optional” really means or knowing if you should do early admission or early decision).
- Point you toward scholarships that match your profile.
Pro tip: The clearer and more specific your prompts, the better your results will be.
What Can AI Do (and Not Do) When I’m Looking for Colleges?
Like any tool, AI has strengths and blind spots. Knowing both helps you use it more effectively.
What AI does well:
- Sorts through huge amounts of information quickly.
- Generates tailored starting points instead of generic lists.
- Provides structured comparisons (like class size, outcomes, or costs).
- Helps brainstorm questions you might not have thought to ask.
What AI can’t do:
- Tell you where you’ll “feel at home.”
- Replace visits, campus tours, or conversations with real students.
- Guarantee accuracy (always double-check key facts like deadlines).
- Capture your authentic voice in applications. Essays must be your own.
Think of AI as the filter, not the final word. It can speed up your research and make your questions sharper, but it’s not a substitute for your judgment, values, or lived experience on campus.
Quick Tips for Using AI Responsibly
AI can be a great helper in your college search, but only if you use it wisely. Since the tech is still new in education, it’s worth setting some ground rules:
Protect your privacy. Don’t share personal details like your full name, address, or financial info in public AI tools.
Cross-check answers. AI can point you in the right direction, but always verify key details like deadlines, admission policies, or costs on official college websites.
Stay authentic. Brainstorming with AI is fine, but your essays and personal statements need to sound like you, not a chatbot.
Ask the “awkward” stuff. AI can be a safe space for questions you might not want to ask a counselor or admission rep, like how merit scholarships really work, or whether a smaller school might feel too quiet for you.
The key is to treat AI like a research assistant, not a decision maker. Use it to spark ideas, but let your own goals and instincts lead the way.
AI as a Tool, Not a Shortcut
AI is becoming a regular part of the college search, and the numbers show it’s here to stay. Used well, it can cut down the noise, help you focus on schools that align with your goals, and give you smarter questions to ask once you connect with real people.
But remember: college isn’t just about finding the “best” school on paper—it’s about finding your best fit. AI can point you in the right direction, but the conversations you’ll have, the visits you’ll make, and the gut feelings you develop will ultimately guide your decision.
At St. John’s University, we believe tools like AI are most powerful when paired with real-world support. Our experts can help you take what you learn from AI and turn it into action, whether that’s refining your list, preparing applications, or navigating financial aid. And because AI is shaping the world students are entering, it’s also woven into the very fabric of a St. John’s education. From AI-focused degree pathways to research opportunities and campus-wide events, St. John’s prepares students not just to use AI, but to lead with it responsibly.
When you choose St. John’s, you’re not only gaining access to strong academic programs and supportive mentors, you’re stepping into a university that is helping to define what it means to thrive in the age of AI.
Ready to start your search?
Discover your potential and join a university community that empowers your future.
Related Blog Posts
4 Flexible Ways to Earn a College Degree on Your Schedule
The traditional college model wasn’t designed for the way most students live today. Work schedules, family responsibilities, financial realities, and shifting timelines all influence how—and when—you pursue your degree. For many, the biggest challenge isn’t choosing a major; it’s finding a pathway that actually aligns with the life you’re already managing. That’s why colleges and universities like St. John’s University are reshaping what flexible learning can look like.
In this guide, we break down four realistic pathways that give you more control over how you learn so you can find an option that truly fits.
Core Curriculum, Prereqs, Electives: College Class Terms Explained
Confused by core curriculum or prereqs? Get a clear guide to college course types and learn how St. John’s University supports your academic success.
How to Find a Strong Academic Program That Supports Your Goals
What does it really mean when someone says a university has a strong nursing program or a great business school? How do they know? And more importantly, how can you know?
In this post, we walk through the telling signs of a high-quality academic program and how to do your college research successfully, using St. John’s University as a real-world example.
College Support 101: What is Academic Advising?
Starting college represents a new level of independence. You’ll have the opportunity to shape what you study, explore new interests, and set a direction for your future. But with so many decisions in front of you, it’s natural to wonder if you’re choosing the right path or spending your time in the most meaningful way.
That’s where academic advising plays a transformative role.
How to Balance Academics and a Social Life Without Burning Out
College life looks exciting from the outside: freedom, friends, opportunities, and the chance to finally study what you care about. But behind the highlight reels, most students are quietly juggling an impossible mix of classes, work, social plans, and the pressure to keep up.
Finding balance isn’t just about managing a schedule. It’s about managing yourself. It means recognizing that energy, focus, and mental health all have limits (and learning how to use them wisely). The truth is, balance in college is not a fixed point you reach. It’s a skill you develop, week by week, through awareness, boundaries, and small daily choices that protect your peace and your purpose.