Can AI chatbots replace college counselors for the kids that need it most?
AI-powered chatbots are being used to provide college counseling to students, particularly those in underserved communities who lack access to human counselors. These chatbots offer immediate answers and personalized advice, but skeptics argue that they cannot replicate the empathy and support of a human counselor.
Devonte Teixeira, a junior at Charlestown High School, uses Apply Genius, an AI-powered college counselor. The school has a better counselor-to-student ratio than many, but AI can provide immediate answers around the clock. Education companies market AI college counselors as a way to level the playing field for kids in underserved communities. Kollegio, another company, offers free advice worth up to $10,000 and earns revenue by selling user data to colleges. Massachusetts schools average 341 students per counselor, a heavier workload than recommended. AI companies are popping up to help with college applications, but it's too soon to say if they can increase counseling availability. Human counselors are still necessary to filter information and guide students.
This content was automatically generated and/or translated by AI. It may contain inaccuracies. Please refer to the original sources for verification.