AI & High School College Counselors = A work in progress

Two weeks later, I am still reflecting on my experience at this year’s NACAC Conference in Los Angeles. One insight stands out above all: AI is no longer just an emerging technology—it’s a necessary tool for leveling the playing field in college admissions. For schools committed to ensuring their students succeed, particularly those from underserved communities, AI represents a crucial advantage that can no longer be ignored.

More importantly, the class of 2026—your current 11th graders—must start their college admissions process now. The future of admissions is unfolding quickly, and those who don’t begin preparing early will find themselves left behind, scrambling to catch up in a landscape that demands strategy, information, and precision.

At NACAC, it became abundantly clear that both college counseling and admissions offices are using AI in unprecedented ways. From predicting the likelihood of acceptance at specific schools to helping students identify the right fit based on personality and academic goals, AI is becoming an indispensable part of the admissions process.

But here’s the catch: if your counseling team isn’t using these tools, your students are already at a disadvantage. Schools that integrate AI into their college counseling are giving their students access to data-driven insights that can guide smarter decisions about where to apply, how to craft their applications, and how to maximize financial aid opportunities. Without this, your students are navigating the admissions process with fewer resources than their peers.

The urgency for your current 11th graders to start their college process now cannot be overstated.

The class of 2026 is facing a college admissions environment where acceptance rates are lower than ever, and admissions committees are looking beyond traditional metrics like GPA and test scores. To stand out, students need to present holistic, compelling narratives that demonstrate not just academic excellence but also leadership, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose.?

But they can’t do that if they wait until the last minute to begin preparing. Starting now means they can build stronger relationships with counselors, craft thoughtful and authentic essays, and apply to a balanced college list that reflects both their aspirations and their realistic chances of admission.?

The difference between students who are prepared and those who are scrambling often comes down to one thing: access to information. AI offers students a competitive edge by providing personalized insights based on data that can predict which schools are most likely to accept them and how to optimize their applications. But access to these insights is not universal—schools that aren’t using AI are leaving their students in the dark.

As someone who has spent over 25 years in the college admissions field, and as the author of The Black Family’s Guide to College Admissions: A Conversation About Education, Parenting and Race, I know that this process can feel overwhelming for students and families alike. That’s why it’s so important to start early, arm yourself with the right information, and create a strategy that gives your students the best possible chance of success.

Here’s how we can support your 11th graders and your team:

AI-Driven Insights for Smarter Decision Making: We’ll help your counseling team integrate AI tools that give your students data-driven insights into where they should apply, how to optimize their applications, and how to approach financial aid. This levels the playing field and gives them a competitive edge.

Early, Strategic Planning for the Class of 2026: The time to start is now. We offer personalized, strategic planning for your 11th graders, helping them create a balanced college list, build compelling applications, and write essays that capture their unique stories. This gives them the confidence and clarity they need to succeed.

Comprehensive College Counseling Support: We offer full-service counseling support, including training for your counselors on the latest admissions trends, tools for engaging families, and ongoing resources to ensure your school stays ahead of the curve.

Schedule a call to learn more about how Strategic Admissions Advice can help your school and your students make the most of these opportunities. https://calendly.com/strategicadmissionsadvice-michelle/exploratorycall