Boston University AI Policy for College Applications
Quick Answer: Can you use AI at Boston University?
It depends on your program:
- •General/Undergraduate: Line-level editing allowed
- •Graduate Programs: Line-level editing allowed
Last verified: 2025-09-19 • Confidence: High
Policy Evidence
University General Policy
“Boston University encourages the exploration of new technologies and recognizes the growing importance of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT. However, the Board of Admissions believes that the most compelling personal statements are representative of the writer's authentic voice”
— Apply - Boston University Admissions(Updated: 2024)
“If you opt to use these tools at any point while writing your essays, they should only be used to support your original ideas rather than to write your essays in their entirety”
— Apply - Boston University Admissions(Updated: 2024)
“As potential future Terriers, we expect all applicants to adhere to the same standards of academic honesty and integrity as our current students”
— Apply - Boston University Admissions(Updated: 2024)
Program-Specific Policies
Graduate Programs
“If you elect to use these tools at any point while writing your essays or producing any other material for your admissions application, they should only be used to support your original ideas rather than to compose your work in its entirety”
— View source(Updated: 2024)
Applies to: personal statements, writing samples
Specific Guidelines
✓ Allowed Uses
- •supporting original ideas
- •limited assistance in essay development
✗ Not Allowed
- •writing essays in their entirety
- •composing work in its entirety
Policy Summary by Program
| Program | AI Allowed? | Disclosure | Enforcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/Undergraduate | Line-level editing allowed | No disclosure required | E1 • Manual review possible |
| Graduate Programs | Line-level editing allowed | No disclosure required | E1 • Manual review possible |
Sources Verified
All sources checked (4)
Policy Sources:
Additional Sources Checked:
Additional Context
BU has explicit AI policy allowing AI tools to support original ideas but prohibiting complete essay generation. Emphasizes authentic voice while encouraging exploration of new technologies. Same policy applies to undergraduate and graduate admissions. No disclosure requirement but academic integrity standards must be maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Boston University allow ChatGPT for essays?
Boston University allows limited AI use for editing and improving your own writing. AI can help with grammar, clarity, and sentence-level edits, but you must write the core content yourself.
Do I need to disclose AI use to Boston University?
Boston University does not require disclosure of AI use in admissions materials.
How does Boston University check for AI?
Boston University may conduct manual reviews to check for AI use, looking for inconsistencies in voice or style.
Which Boston University programs have different AI policies?
Graduate Programs have specific policies that differ from the general university policy.
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