In 2024, the Common App updated its Fraud Policy to include “the substantive content or output of an artificial intelligence platform, technology, or algorithm” as fraud. However, where do colleges stand on the integration of AI in their applications and classrooms? Our college essay advisors researched the AI policies of forty colleges, consisting of schools to which the students in our College Essay Program have been accepted.
Can You Use AI in College Applications?
Colleges vary widely in how they regulate AI in applications. Do colleges check for ChatGPT in application essays? We found three general categories: banned, limited use allowed, and no explicit policy.
Colleges that Ban AI in Applications
Only three of the forty schools explicitly prohibited the use of AI in the college application process. Brown University declared that “the use of artificial intelligence by an applicant is not permitted under any circumstances.” While an applicant may use AI to assist with spelling and grammar, the content of the application material submitted “must be the work of that individual.” Brown University will also be verifying a sample of their applications to deter admission fraud. Meanwhile, students applying to Duke University must confirm upon submitting their application that their “application materials were not created by another person or by a generative artificial intelligence system”, and the University of California, San Diego discourages the use of AI, considering a completely AI-generated answer to be equivalent to academic dishonesty.
Colleges that Allow Limited AI Use
Seven out of the forty schools have guidelines on how AI can be used in the application process. The Washington University in Saint Louis permits AI tools such as Grammarly to check for spelling or clarity. The University of Connecticut, Emory University, Boston College, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emerson College, and Vanderbilt University permit the use of AI as a collaborator or writing coach. AI tools can be utilized in the brainstorming process, but the student should remain the primary author. These schools heavily discourage copying and pasting AI-generated content and claiming it as one’s own. Ultimately, the essay submitted should reflect the student’s voice and life experiences.
Colleges without Clear AI Policies
The majority of the colleges researched do not have an explicit policy on the use of AI in the college application process. This list includes schools such as Harvard University, Columbia University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Students should assume that, in the absence of guidance, their essays should be entirely original.
AI in the College Classroom
Similarly, the vast majority of colleges do not have a school-wide approach to AI use in the classroom. Colleges such as Boston University have argued against a universal prohibition of AI tools, stating that the school should “critically embrace the use of GenAI, support AI literacy among faculty and students, supply resources needed to maximize GenAI benefits in research and education, and exercise leadership in helping faculty and students craft adaptive responses.” Instead, colleges defer to their faculty to define their own AI policies in their classrooms, which may include a blanket ban towards AI tools, permitted use on specific assignments with citations, or even a free-for-all approach. In the absence of permission or guidance from the instructor, schools treat unauthorized use of AI tools as plagiarism and violations of academic integrity. When in doubt, students should review their classroom syllabus and clarify with their instructors.
AI Detection Tools and Their Limitations
While most schools have not taken a stance on AI detection tools, six schools—Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Middlebury College, Hofstra University, Rivier University, and University of Massachusetts Lowell—discourage faculty from using AI detection tools. Dr. Brian Ernsting, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Rivier University, stated that “Current software tools that purport to identify AI-generated text and other work have unacceptable false-positive rates.” Columbia University and Drexel permit their faculty to use AI detection tools, but with caution. Many schools already use plagiarism checkers such as Turnitin.
What This Means for Students Writing College Essays
As schools continue to grapple with the integration of AI in classrooms, students should check with their instructors and follow their school news for the most up-to-date information. At Write the World, we strongly encourage students to write their essays independently. This not only helps avoid potential issues with college policies but also allows students to strengthen their personal voice and storytelling skills. We encourage students to check out Write the World’s blog posts for resources, such as the difference between human and AI-generated writing and tips for starting, writing and revising a Common App Essay.
Learning to write your college essay without relying on AI tools hones essential college skills such as idea generation and clear communication. And most importantly, as summarized by Boston College’s application policy, “The submission of original content not only adheres to the ethical expectations in applying to college, but benefits the applicant by having their authentic personal story valued by the Admission Committee.”
About the Vivian Zhi
Vivian Zhi is an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto majoring in English and Book & Media Studies. Beyond academic pursuits, their journey has been shaped by hands-on editorial experience. As a former intern at Renaissance Press and Canadian Mennonite University Press, they honed their skills in acquisition editing, crafting promotional copy, and building audience connections. Vivian looks forward to continuing to help young writers create a personal essay that authentically captures their story and spirit.
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