Core Insights - The article discusses the increasing reliance on AI technology in the college admission process in China, particularly for high school students filling out their college applications after the national college entrance examination [1][6][11] - Major internet companies like Quark, Baidu, and Tencent are providing free AI-assisted services to help students and parents navigate the complex college application landscape, emphasizing the importance of information equity [5][13] Group 1: AI in College Admission - AI technology is bridging the information gap in college admissions, providing valuable insights and support to students, especially in rural areas where access to information is limited [6][7] - Quark has significantly increased its computational resources, reportedly by 100 times compared to the previous year, to handle the surge in demand for college application reports [3][4] - The AI tools developed by these companies can analyze vast amounts of data, including student preferences and academic performance, to generate tailored application suggestions [9][10] Group 2: Market Dynamics and User Engagement - Over the past seven years, Quark has served more than 120 million students and parents, with over 50% of users coming from third-tier cities and below, highlighting the demand for quality information in underdeveloped regions [7] - The article notes that AI tools can address 80% of standardized needs in the application process, but human experts remain essential for nuanced decision-making and emotional support [11][12] - The ongoing free services provided by these tech giants reflect a strategic move to build user loyalty and engagement within the young demographic of college applicants [13][14]

Core Viewpoint - The rise of AI-powered college application tools is transforming the way students approach the college admission process, with major tech companies like Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent launching free applications to assist students in filling out their college applications [1][2]. Group 1: AI College Application Tools - Major internet companies have introduced AI college application tools that provide personalized recommendations based on students' input, such as province, subject, and scores, marking a shift from traditional methods [2][3]. - The tools utilize large model technology to analyze admission data and offer tailored suggestions, enhancing the user experience compared to previous years [2][3]. - Some platforms have integrated personality tests to suggest suitable majors, although these recommendations are still basic and rely on simple matching [2][3]. Group 2: Business Strategy Behind Free Services - Despite claiming not to profit from these services, major companies embed these tools within their browsers to capture user traffic, indicating a strategic move to dominate the market [3][4]. - Data from these companies shows significant user engagement, with Baidu reporting over 95% of families using its service during the exam period, and QQ Browser claiming to have served 400 million users [3][4]. - The ultimate goal for these companies is to retain users and create future monetization opportunities through AI models or search services [3][4]. Group 3: Effectiveness and Concerns - There are notable discrepancies in the recommendations provided by different platforms, raising questions about the reliability of the algorithms used [4][5]. - The lack of transparency regarding the recommendation algorithms has led to confusion among users, as they receive conflicting advice [4][5]. - Experts suggest that while AI tools can provide valuable data analysis, they should not replace personal decision-making, and students should consider multiple factors when making their final choices [5].

Group 1 - The core point of the article highlights that over ten million candidates and parents have utilized Quark's services related to the college entrance examination in the past three days [1] - Among these, more than 5 million college application reports generated by the college application model were created, with nearly half of the demand coming from third-tier cities and below [1]

Core Viewpoint - The 2025 National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao) has concluded, with AI technology playing a significant role in ensuring fairness and assisting students in the application process. Major platforms like Quark, Baidu, and Tencent have launched AI tools to aid students and parents in making informed decisions during the college application process [1][2]. Group 1: AI Tools for College Application - Quark, Baidu, and Tencent have developed AI tools specifically for the college application process, each with unique features and functionalities [2][3]. - Quark focuses on "deep search" capabilities, allowing students to simulate their application process based on their predicted scores and providing tailored recommendations for colleges and majors [3][6]. - Baidu's AI tool integrates multiple models to provide comprehensive recommendations, including employment rates and salary comparisons for different majors, making it the only platform to combine search popularity and salary data [13][16]. - Tencent's AI Gaokao Assistant offers a conversational interface, guiding students through the entire application process and providing personalized recommendations based on user input [21][22]. Group 2: Comparative Analysis of Platforms - Quark's AI tool is noted for its structured logic and ease of use, but it may lack in understanding complex user intentions [25][30]. - Baidu's platform supports multi-model comparisons but has been criticized for its coordination and integration of functionalities [30]. - Tencent's AI Gaokao Assistant stands out for its ability to combine traditional web search with AI-generated responses, enhancing user experience and providing a smooth application process [21][22]. Group 3: Data Sources and Limitations - All three platforms synchronize their data with official educational resources, covering essential metrics such as admission scores and historical data [2][3]. - However, there are gaps in "soft indicators" like employment rates and further education paths due to limited data disclosure from some universities, necessitating users to conduct additional research [3][30].