Public school students increasingly competitive in top college admissions

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People walk past the John Harvard statue on Dec. 17 in Harvard Yard on the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. Steven Senne/ap

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By Gerald Bradshaw Post-Tribune

Dear Mr. Bradshaw,

I am a high school student. I have a question for you. Are top colleges partial to private school students over public school students in admissions?

Sincerely,

A public school student

Dear Student,

The short answer is yes — private schools have traditionally enjoyed certain advantages in college admissions, thanks in large part to longstanding networks and resources such as specialized college counseling. Historically, elite colleges have seen a disproportionately high number of applicants from prestigious private institutions — New York City prep schools and New England academies, for instance, have produced many admitted students. A Wall Street Journal study a few years back noted that Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, was a “virtual factory” for sending students to Harvard, with 19 matriculating in 2007. These advantages often stem from enhanced academic preparation, dedicated college counselors with insider knowledge, and well-funded extracurricular programs.

However, the landscape is evolving. Recent data indicates that while private school students still maintain some advantages, public school students are increasingly competitive — especially those from rigorous, specialized programs. Public institutions that emphasize math, science, and technology are now producing students with high standardized test scores and robust academic profiles. For example, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Virginia shows an average SAT score of 1520. The average ACT score is around 35 and has seen several of its graduates admitted to elite institutions like Princeton. This shift is also aided by improved resources in public schools and a growing focus on STEM education.

In addition, Artificial Intelligence has become an increasingly influential tool in college preparation, leveling the playing field further. AI-powered tutoring platforms and adaptive learning systems offer personalized instruction that helps students identify their strengths and areas needing improvement. Tools like ChatGPT are now commonly used for brainstorming essay ideas, refining writing drafts, and even managing time-consuming tasks such as grammar checking and organizing research. These platforms can provide students with quick feedback and allow them to experiment with different writing styles while still ensuring that the final product remains authentically their own. However, experts warn that overreliance on such tools may dilute a student’s unique voice, so it’s important to use AI as a supplement, not a substitute for genuine effort.

AI is also playing a transformative role on the admissions side. Colleges are increasingly employing AI-driven systems to streamline application reviews, from scanning transcripts and recommendation letters to even flagging essays for authenticity. A recent survey indicated that around 50% of admissions offices now use AI in some part of their review process, with plans to expand its role in the coming years. This use of AI can help admissions officers manage large volumes of applications more efficiently, allowing them to focus on the qualitative aspects of each candidate’s profile. While this development raises ethical questions and concerns about transparency, it also promises to reduce bias by standardizing the initial screening process.

Beyond direct tutoring and application review, AI is also influencing test preparation. Adaptive learning systems powered by AI can tailor practice tests to a student’s ability level, thereby improving their performance on standardized tests.

With some systems reporting learning gains that effectively move students from the 50th to the 75th percentile, these tools can significantly boost a student’s academic profile. Moreover, universities are beginning to incorporate AI literacy into their curricula, ensuring that students are not only consumers of these technologies but also understand their ethical use and limitations — a skill that is increasingly valuable in both academic and professional settings.

It is clear that the role of AI in college preparation is multifaceted. For students, AI offers support in writing, test preparation, and personalized learning that can help level the competitive landscape between public and private school applicants. For admissions offices, it provides efficiency gains and a more consistent, if sometimes opaque, method of reviewing applications. Ultimately, while AI may confer additional advantages, it is most effective when used to complement a strong academic foundation, genuine personal effort, and effective guidance — qualities that no machine can replicate entirely.

So, don’t rule out public schools. If you attend a public institution that prioritizes academic rigor and incorporates innovative tools like AI tutoring and adaptive learning platforms, you can certainly compete with applicants from top private prep schools. Regardless of the type of high school you attend, what matters most is your individual performance, achievements, and the authentic expression of your personality and potential in your application.

Gerald Bradshaw is an international college admissions consultant with Bradshaw College Consulting in Crown Point.