The Rise of AI in High School Counseling
As the college admissions process becomes increasingly competitive and time-consuming, high school counselors are turning to AI tools to lighten their load and assist students more effectively. With mounting responsibilities and a growing student-to-counselor ratio, generative AI like ChatGPT is emerging as a practical solution for both overburdened counselors and students navigating the complexities of college applications.
AI as a Letter-Writing Assistant
Counselors like Stephanie Nelson in North Carolina and Richard Tench in West Virginia are using AI to help craft personalized letters of recommendation. The process begins with students filling out a “brag sheet” detailing their challenges, successes, and standout moments. Counselors then use AI tools to help draft compelling and well-structured recommendation letters—not to replace their voice, but to enhance it.
Nelson explains, “I’m still using my counseling skills and adding the AI as a support.” Tench agrees, saying that AI helps him avoid writer’s block, especially when writing up to 150 letters a year. “It allows us to highlight students’ strengths more effectively while keeping it genuine,” he says.
Students Are Already Turning to AI—Why Not Counselors?
Students have been leveraging AI for everything from essay brainstorming to mental health support. The use of AI by counselors simply mirrors a broader trend. A 2024 study by foundry10 revealed that 1 in 3 students and teachers admitted to using generative AI for help with college essays and recommendation letters. This number is expected to grow as awareness and comfort with AI tools increase.
But not everyone is on board. According to foundry10’s Riddhi Divanji, some educators are “shocked” that AI is used for such personal writing tasks. The divide lies between tech-forward educators and those unfamiliar with AI’s potential. Still, for underserved students and overworked counselors, AI might offer a fair and practical edge.
Ethical Usage and Guardrails
Experts agree that AI should be used responsibly. Hannah Quay-de la Vallee from the Center for Democracy & Technology emphasizes that AI should support—not replace—students’ own work. For example, students should draft essays themselves and use AI to fine-tune specific parts like thesis statements or conclusions. “Always keep a human in the loop,” she advises.
Moreover, not all AI tools marketed for education are truly educational. Many are merely repackaged versions of ChatGPT or other large language models, with no real pedagogical oversight. “If that’s the case, just use ChatGPT directly,” Quay-de la Vallee says frankly.
Transparency and Policy Awareness Matter
Both Nelson and Tench stress transparency. They’re upfront about their own use of AI and encourage students to do the same. Just as importantly, they remind everyone to check school and college policies on AI usage. Some universities encourage AI-assisted applications, while others ban them outright.
AI policies are often linked within the college application portals, but Tench warns that they’re not always easy to find. He advises students to take the time to research and follow both their school’s and the college’s guidelines to ensure they are within ethical and policy boundaries.
Conclusion: A Balanced Future for AI in Counseling
While some educators remain skeptical, AI is already reshaping how students and counselors prepare for college. Used responsibly, it can be an invaluable tool to support creativity, efficiency, and accessibility in the admissions process. For first-generation students or those without access to expensive admissions consultants, AI might even serve as a game-changer. But like any tool, its power depends on how—and how wisely—it’s used.
