AI Won’t Replace College Counselors—But It May Bring Their Best Skill To Millions Of Students

AI Won’t Replace College Counselors—But It May Bring Their Best Skill To Millions Of Students

AI Won’t Replace College Counselors—But It May Bring Their Best Skill To Millions Of Students

https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottwhite/2026/06/10/ai-wont-replace-college-counselors-but-it-may-bring-their-best-skill-to-millions-of-students/

Publish Date: 2026-06-10 19:55:00

Source Domain: www.forbes.com

  • Role of College Counselors: The most valuable aspect of college counseling is helping students discover and understand themselves, rather than just finding colleges for them.
  • Transition from Search Engine to Socratic Guide: AI tools transition from merely answering queries to becoming counselors who ask probing questions to guide self-discovery.
  • Identifying Patterns: Experienced counselors and AI can uncover underlying patterns in students’ preferences, helping them identify what truly motivates their choices in a college.
  • Guiding Essay Writing: AI can assist in constructing strong college essays by helping students identify unique traits and experiences that reveal their identity, instead of just listing accomplishments.
  • Potential for AI in Counseling: AI can scale the valuable role of counselors by functioning as thoughtful interviewers, reflective listeners, and guides to self-discovery for students who might not afford private counseling.
  • Ultimate Goal of Counseling: The primary aim is for students to understand themselves well enough to find the right college that aligns with their true desires and personality.