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].

Core Insights - The competition among major internet companies to provide AI-driven college admission consulting services, dubbed "AI Zhang Xuefeng," has intensified as the 2025 college entrance examination results are released [2][8] - Alibaba's Quark has significantly increased its computing power by 100 times to handle the surge in demand for its college admission report generation service, which has produced over 3 million reports [1][2] - Tencent's AI application, Yuanbao, has answered over 30 million questions related to college admissions, providing personalized advice based on user data [1][4] Company Developments - Alibaba launched the first domestic AI model specifically for college admission scenarios on June 12, featuring core functions such as deep search, admission reports, and intelligent selection [2] - Tencent upgraded its Yuanbao application to include a "college admission consulting" service, offering unlimited free consultations to users [4] - Baidu integrated multiple AI models into its app to provide diverse recommendations for college admissions, leveraging its extensive search data [6] Market Dynamics - The introduction of AI-driven services has created a competitive landscape where traditional admission consultants, like Zhang Xuefeng, face challenges from free AI alternatives provided by tech giants [8][9] - Users have expressed a preference for human consultants over AI, citing the lack of human assistance in AI services [9] - The accuracy of data sources is emphasized by companies, with Quark and Tencent claiming to have robust databases to ensure the reliability of their recommendations [9][10] Technological Advancements - The emergence of advanced AI capabilities, such as DeepSeek, enhances the ability of AI to analyze and understand user needs, moving beyond simple search engine functions [7] - Quark's AI model has been trained using thousands of expert reports and decision-making processes, allowing it to simulate the reasoning of human experts [10] - The collaboration between AI tools and human experts is highlighted, with AI serving as a supplementary resource for traditional consultants [11]

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].

Core Insights - The article discusses the growing market for college admission counseling in China, particularly focusing on the high school entrance examination (Gaokao) and the increasing reliance on AI tools for filling out college applications. The market for paid services in this area is projected to grow from 1.02 billion yuan in 2024 to 1.09 billion yuan in 2025 [1]. Group 1: Market Overview - The paid scale of the college admission counseling market in China reached 1.02 billion yuan in 2024 and is expected to increase to 1.09 billion yuan in 2025 [1]. - The emergence of "志愿填报规划师" (college application planners) has turned the process of filling out college applications into a business, with some charging between 2,000 to 3,000 yuan for their services [1]. Group 2: AI Tools and Features - Major AI models have introduced college application reference functions, which are available for free, providing assistance to students and parents who may lack knowledge in this area [1]. - Quark has launched a "deep search" feature specifically for college application scenarios, allowing users to simulate and select colleges based on their scores and preferences [2][3]. - The deep search tool generates a personalized application list, categorizing colleges into "冲" (ambitious), "稳" (stable), and "难" (difficult) based on the user's estimated scores [3]. Group 3: Data-Driven Insights - Quark's platform provides additional tools such as college comparisons, major searches, and employment statistics, which help users make informed decisions based on data rather than hearsay [5]. - The platform also offers insights into the most popular colleges and majors for students with similar scores, enhancing the decision-making process for applicants [5][6]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape - Baidu's AI tool for college applications, "高考小智," offers a similar tiered strategy for college recommendations but has been noted for its limited variety in suggested colleges [10][14]. - Baidu's platform also includes a "考情分析" (exam analysis) feature that interprets scores and provides recommendations based on historical data, although it has been criticized for high "幻觉率" (illusion rate) in its recommendations [14][21]. Group 5: Conclusion - The increasing sophistication of AI tools in college application processes is lowering the barriers for students and parents, making it easier to navigate the complexities of college admissions [22]. - Despite the advancements, caution is advised when relying solely on AI recommendations, as human oversight remains crucial in the decision-making process [22].