OpenAI is expanding the capabilities of ChatGPT for Teens with new features designed to assist high school students in navigating the college application process and improving their study habits.
What Happened
The company announced that a new "College Planner" feature will be added to the teen-focused mode of ChatGPT. According to OpenAI, the tool is designed to consolidate application requirements, deadlines, tasks, and financial-aid steps for schools on a student’s list into a single plan. Users can track their progress, view a timeline to see what remains to be done, and ask the AI questions about specific requirements or how to get started.
In addition to the college planning tools, OpenAI is introducing updates to help with general studying. iOS users will now have access to a continuous, multi-photo capture function that allows them to upload multiple images at once and convert them into a single PDF. The system will also enable the generation of flashcards directly from a user’s notes.
Why It Matters
The updates target US students in grades 10 through 12 who are planning to attend four-year colleges, marking a shift toward positioning the AI assistant as a logistical support tool for academic milestones. This expansion comes amid increased scrutiny of the platform's impact on youth. The announcement follows a recent report by Common Sense Media, which labeled ChatGPT for Teens an "unacceptable risk," citing concerns that the tool "still does kids’ homework" and lacks adequate parental alerts.
In response to these concerns and to contextualize the new features, OpenAI stated in its announcement that, "on average," teens spend "under 15 minutes a day" using ChatGPT. The company has not provided a specific release date for the College Planner, describing its arrival as "soon."
The Bottom Line
OpenAI is integrating structured planning and study aids into ChatGPT for Teens to support US high school students, while facing ongoing criticism from safety advocates regarding the tool's role in academic work.