Brigham Young University AI Policy for College Applications
Quick Answer: Can you use AI at Brigham Young University?
No, Brigham Young University explicitly prohibits all AI use in admissions essays. This includes brainstorming, editing, and any form of content generation.
Disclosure: Brigham Young University requires an attestation that you did not use AI or used it only within specified limits. False attestation may result in application rejection.
Enforcement: Brigham Young University uses AI detection tools and screening software to identify potential AI-generated content in applications.
Last verified: 2026-02-18 (no change from 2025-09-19) • Confidence: High
What This Means For Your Application
✓Generally Safe
- Writing entirely on your own
- Human feedback from teachers, counselors, family
✗Avoid
- Any AI tool, including grammar checkers in some cases
- Using ChatGPT even for brainstorming
💡This school takes a hard line — even brainstorming with AI could be a problem
💡Be transparent about any AI tools you used — honesty is always the safest approach
💡This school actively checks for AI — make sure your essay sounds like you
Policy Evidence
University General Policy
“You may not use generative AI tools (like ChatGPT) as you compose your responses”
— Essays & Activities(Verified: Feb 2026)
“We use software tools to analyze the admission essays and activity responses of all students”
— Essays & Activities(Verified: Feb 2026)
“BYU may rescind the admission offer of any student whose essay is found to have been generated by AI”
— Essays & Activities(Verified: Feb 2026)
Specific Guidelines
✓ Allowed Uses
- •having others read and review essays for clarity
- •asking BYU representatives for free help with essay questions
✗ Not Allowed
- •using generative AI tools like ChatGPT for composing responses
- •paying anyone to help with application essays
- •submitting AI-generated content
Sources Verified
All sources checked (8)
Policy Sources:
Additional Sources Checked:
- https://enrollment.byu.edu/admissions/application-help
- https://enrollment.byu.edu/admissions/how-to-apply
- https://genai.byu.edu/academic-integrity
- https://policy.byu.edu/view/academic-honesty-policy
- https://gradstudies.byu.edu/admissions
- https://gradprogram.chem.byu.edu/graduate-program/ai-policy
- https://rwc.byu.edu/writinghelp/generative-ai
Policy History
| Date | Permission | Disclosure | Enforcement | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-18 (current) | L4 | D3 | E2 | High |
| 2025-09-19 | L4 | D3 | E2 | High |
Additional Context
Clear prohibition on AI use for admissions essays with software-based enforcement and admission rescission consequences. Applicants must agree to the Essays and Activities Commitment which explicitly bans generative AI tools. The policy applies specifically to undergraduate and transfer admissions; no equivalent AI policy was found for graduate admissions applications. BYU's Chemistry graduate program has a separate AI policy for scholarly work (theses/dissertations) but that does not apply to admissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Brigham Young University allow ChatGPT for essays?
Do I need to disclose AI use to Brigham Young University?
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