How AI is Changing the Role of Admissions Officers: What to Expect in 2025

As AI tools become more common in higher ed, admissions professionals are feeling the pressure. Will AI replace the human judgment and nuance they bring to the table? 

This post reframes the fear and focuses on the opportunity: AI isn’t a threat—it’s a strategic partner. When used wisely, AI can reduce the administrative burden, enhance enrollment marketing strategies, and allow admissions teams to do what they do best—connect with students.

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Key Takeaways

• AI can streamline the admissions process by handling repetitive administrative tasks.
• Admissions officers can—and should—be trained to collaborate with AI, not fear it.
• Human insight remains essential, especially in evaluating applicant context and building relationships.
• Integrating AI into admissions workflows creates space for more personalized student engagement.
• The strategic use of AI in higher education enhances decision-making and recruitment performance.

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Why AI in Admissions Shouldn’t Feel Threatening

AI reduces busywork, not jobs

Let’s be honest—reviewing thousands of applications each cycle can feel like trying to drink from a firehose. From checking transcripts to confirming test scores to flagging incomplete files, much of the admissions process is repetitive. That’s exactly where AI shines. It can take over the tedious, time-consuming parts of the job—giving admissions officers time back for the work that matters.

AI isn’t here to make decisions for you; it’s here to tee them up. It can help prioritize which applications need a closer look, flag inconsistencies for human review, and automate basic communications with applicants. That doesn’t replace people—it amplifies their ability to operate at scale with precision.

When used well, AI tools create breathing room. Instead of getting buried in checklists and inboxes, your team can focus on strategy, storytelling, and relationship-building—the work only humans can do well.

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You can (and should) train your team to work with AI

Here’s the truth: the schools that are integrating AI most effectively aren’t hiring AI experts—they’re upskilling the staff they already have. Training admissions teams to work with AI doesn’t mean turning them into data scientists. It means giving them the tools and confidence to use AI-powered platforms and make smarter, faster decisions.

This can be as simple as learning to interpret AI-generated applicant insights or adopting new tools for communication workflows. The key is helping staff understand that AI is a collaborator, not a competitor. When teams know how to use AI, they become more agile, more strategic, and less burned out.

And let’s not forget—this isn’t just about admissions operations. Training your team to use AI also levels up your enrollment marketing strategy. With AI-driven segmentation and communication tools, you can target the right students with the right message at the right time, all while your team stays focused on high-impact activities.

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The human connection still drives enrollment

There’s one thing AI will never replace: your ability to build trust with a student. Admissions is a deeply human process. Beyond the numbers, applicants are telling you who they are and why they belong at your institution. It takes empathy, nuance, and experience to read between the lines—and that’s something only a person can do.

When the busy work is off your plate, you can lean into what makes your team invaluable. That means more time for meaningful conversations with prospective students, more personalized follow-ups, and a stronger sense of connection throughout the enrollment journey.

The smart use of AI strengthens the human side of admissions. By automating the transactional, you free your team to do the transformational. AI can’t offer reassurance to a first-gen student worried about leaving home—but your staff can. That’s where the magic happens.

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AI isn’t a replacement for admissions professionals—it’s a resource to help them thrive. The future of enrollment depends on teams that know how to combine data-driven efficiency with human-centered care. So let AI handle the repetitive stuff, and let your team do what they do best: build relationships, shape classes, and change lives.

Want more insights on how to integrate AI into your admissions strategy? Explore Enrollify’s latest guides and tools on AI in higher education and enrollment marketing to future-proof your admissions team today.