Cornell University AI Policy for College Applications
Quick Answer: Can you use AI at Cornell University?
Cornell 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.
Disclosure: Cornell University does not require disclosure of AI use in admissions materials.
Enforcement: Cornell University may conduct manual reviews to check for AI use, looking for inconsistencies in voice or style.
Last verified: 2025-09-18 • Confidence: High
Policy Evidence
University General Policy
“your words, your voice, your story”
— Application FAQ - Cornell Admissions(Updated: 2024)
“admissions essays must reflect authentic attributes”
— Application FAQ - Cornell Admissions(Updated: 2024)
Specific Guidelines
✓ Allowed Uses
- •researching colleges
- •brainstorming essay topics
- •grammar checking
✗ Not Allowed
- •outlining essays
- •drafting essays
- •writing essays
Sources Verified
All sources checked (4)
Additional Context
Cornell allows conditional AI use for research, brainstorming, and grammar but prohibits drafting essays. Emphasizes authentic voice and relies on admissions officers' detection abilities. Research shows AI essays tend to sound more generic and privileged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cornell University allow ChatGPT for essays?
Cornell 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 Cornell University?
Cornell University does not require disclosure of AI use in admissions materials.
How does Cornell University check for AI?
Cornell University may conduct manual reviews to check for AI use, looking for inconsistencies in voice or style.
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