Kaplan Survey: Most Colleges and Universities Take Laissez Faire Approach Towards Use of GenAI in Admissions
January 03 2024 - 8:55AM
Business Wire
The vast majority of colleges and universities are taking a
hands off approach, so far, when it comes to the use of generative
AI programs like ChatGPT in both the admissions and recruitment
processes, according to a new survey by global educational services
provider Kaplan*. The survey’s findings come at a time when schools
are increasingly exploring its use in both admissions and
academics. Among the findings, according to the more than 200
admissions officers polled:
- Few AI Rules in Essays: 85 percent of admissions
officers say that they have no rules regulating how prospective
students can use GenAI in their admissions essays. Of the few
schools that do have policies, most ban its use. As one admissions
officer shared, “We just feel that it is a ‘given’ that students
know their essay should be made from their own brain power and not
a computer's. We do not directly state or search for any AI
use.”
- Few Schools Use GenAI-Detecting Software: Just 9 percent
of schools use GenAI detection software when evaluating admissions
essays, although some did say they are exploring different tools to
use in the future. One admissions officer said, “We aren't worried
about the role of AI. It’s just not a factor that carries much
weight.”
- AI Having Little Impact on Recruiting Efforts: Only 14
percent of admissions officers say that they use AI to help them do
their jobs or as a way to reach prospective students, preferring to
rely on more traditional methods like direct mail and texts. One
admissions officer said this may soon change: “At this point, it is
mostly used to help create basic marketing copy that is then
refined and improved by human writers. However, we are exploring
other areas where AI might help improve the selection
process.”
“Results from Kaplan’s college admissions officers survey show
that as we dive deeper into the 2023-2024 application cycle, most
schools have no policy at all when it comes to using GenAI in
admissions essays. We largely chalk that up to the newness of the
technology. Keep in mind that ChatGPT only launched in November
2022 and admissions officers are probably still navigating GenAI’s
potential. But we expect this to change quickly. It’s likely that
they are going to get more questions from prospective students and
their parents who want clear guidance and guardrails effectively
communicated about what is permitted, and we think schools will be
responsive,” says Isaac Botier, vice president, innovation and
advising, Kaplan.
To speak with a college admissions expert at Kaplan, contact
russell.schaffer@kaplan.com.
*Admissions officers from 208 of the nation’s top national,
regional and liberal arts colleges and universities – as compiled
by U.S. News & World Report – were polled by e-mail and phone
between August and November 2023.
About Kaplan
Kaplan, Inc. is a global educational services company that helps
individuals and institutions advance their goals in an
ever-changing world. Our broad portfolio of solutions help students
and professionals further their education and careers, universities
and educational institutions attract and support students, and
businesses maximize employee recruitment, retainment, and
development. Stanley Kaplan founded our company in 1938 with a
mission to expand educational opportunities for students of all
backgrounds. Today, our thousands of employees working in 26
countries continue Stanley’s mission as they serve about 1.2
million students and professionals, 13,000 corporate clients, and
4,000 schools, school districts, colleges, and universities
worldwide. Kaplan is a subsidiary of the Graham Holdings Company
(NYSE: GHC). Learn more at kaplan.com.
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Press Contact: Russell Schaffer, russell.schaffer@kaplan.com,
917.822.8190 Twitter: @KaplanEdNews
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