Disclosing Use of AI when Applying to Graduate or Professional School

An increasing number of graduate schools are now requiring applicants to disclose if they used artificial intelligence (AI) tools, like generative AI, when crafting their application materials, particularly in essays or personal statements, as part of their academic integrity policies; this is due to concerns regarding authenticity and potential plagiarism issues with AI-generated content. *When it comes to law schools, it’s critically important that you carefully review their rules related to the use of generative AI – some law schools explicity prohibit the use of generative AI whereas a few may explicitly permit the use of AI.

Key points about AI disclosure in graduate school applications:
Growing trend: Many institutions are adding specific questions about AI usage to their application forms, prompting applicants to be transparent about any AI assistance used in their application essays.
Ethical considerations: Schools want to ensure applicants are presenting their own work and capabilities, not relying heavily on AI to generate content.
Detection tools: While not foolproof, some schools may utilize AI detection software to identify potentially AI-generated content in applications.
Importance of transparency: If an applicant did use AI, it is crucial to disclose it honestly and explain how it was used to enhance their application, not replace their own writing.

What to consider if you used AI in your application:
Check program guidelines: Always review the specific application instructions of each program to understand their stance on AI use.
Be specific: If you disclose AI usage, explain which aspects of your application were assisted by AI and how it helped you communicate your ideas more effectively.
Focus on your own work: Ensure that the core content of your application represents your own thoughts, experiences, and achievements, even if AI was used for editing or brainstorming.

This summary was created using Google Gemini.