UCAS has warned students not to rely on Artificial Intelligence for up-to-date information about university places as they receive their A-level results and consider their next steps.
The university admissions service has issued guidance on the use of AI during results day and Clearing, highlighting the risk of students receiving incorrect or outdated information from the technology.
UCAS said 73% of students who use AI reported having received incorrect or misleading information from it at some point.
The organisation is advising students to think of AI as a starting point for research rather than as a decision-maker, particularly as university decisions and Clearing vacancies can change quickly around results day.
AI tools may not reflect those changes and can sometimes present outdated or incorrect information as fact, UCAS warned.
The admissions service said students should instead check important information through official sources, including UCAS and university and college websites, before making decisions.
AI can help students research their options
Despite the warning, UCAS said AI can be useful for a range of tasks during the university admissions process.
Students can use the technology to explain unfamiliar terms and processes, summarise information from different sources and organise information into tables or lists.
AI can also be used to research courses and institutions, or to generate questions that students may want to ask universities and colleges.
It can similarly help applicants come up with questions to ask themselves when deciding between different options.
However, UCAS said students should use official sources when looking for information that is particularly important or liable to change.
That includes live course availability, entry requirements, university application decisions and the current status of an application.
Students should also turn to UCAS and universities for official advice about what they need to do next.
Clearing information can change quickly
The limitations of AI are particularly important during Clearing, according to UCAS, because university and college decisions and available places can change rapidly.
Students considering Clearing are advised to search for live vacancies through the UCAS website and contact universities and colleges directly to discuss available courses, entry requirements and their eligibility.
Applicants can also check their application status through the UCAS Hub and speak to their school, college or careers adviser if they are unsure about their next steps.
UCAS also recommends talking through options with a parent, carer or another trusted person.
The organisation cautioned students against relying on AI to decide which university or course is right for them or making an important decision based solely on information generated by AI.
UCAS warns students not to share personal information with AI
UCAS has also highlighted data privacy as a concern when using the technology.
Students have been told not to provide AI tools with personal information including their UCAS Personal ID, UCAS Hub password or bank details.
The guidance reflects a distinction between using AI to help understand and organise information and relying on it as an authoritative source.
UCAS said students can use the technology to explore ideas, research options, explain and summarise information and prepare questions.
But when it comes to information that can determine their next steps on results day, students are being urged to check the source.
“Whatever your next step, checking official sources means you can be confident you’re making decisions based on the latest information available,” UCAS said.
