Elite College Admissions in the Age of AI

Jason Ma, founder of ThreeEQ, suggests that parents often rely on outdated strategies—prioritizing high test scores and rigid extracurriculars—which now represent mere table stakes in a hyper-competitive environment. While AI offers tools for research and organization, its misuse can lead to generic, flattened essays that fail to capture a student's authentic voice. Admissions officers are increasingly adept at distinguishing between genuine initiative and adult-orchestrated packaging, making the development of a student's "inner operating system" more critical than ever.

For ultra-high net worth families, the danger lies in relying on resources that create noise rather than focus. True preparation requires a shift away from short-term application mechanics toward long-term mentorship that fosters resilience, discernment, and leadership intelligence. Success is no longer defined by the prestige of the institution, but by a student's ability to demonstrate real-world impact and character. Ma emphasizes that the goal should be to help a student build the clarity and capability to thrive beyond the campus gates, rather than viewing admission as the final arbiter of future potential.