Duke University AI Policy for College Applications

General Policy:L2Line-level editing allowedD0No disclosure requiredE1Manual review possible
Important:Some programs have stricter policies - see details below

Quick Answer: Can you use AI at Duke University?

It depends on your program:

  • General/Undergraduate: Line-level editing allowed
  • Duke Law School (LLM): AI use prohibited
  • Duke Nursing (MSN): Line-level editing allowed

Last verified: 2025-09-18 • Confidence: High

Policy Evidence

University General Policy

We're just no longer assuming that the essay is an accurate reflection of the student's actual writing ability

Duke Admissions - Dean Guttentag Statement(Updated: 2024)

They are not given a numerical rating, but considered as we think holistically about a candidate

Duke Admissions Policy Change(Updated: 2024)

Program-Specific Policies

Duke Law School (LLM)

L4AI use prohibitedD0No disclosure requiredE2Uses screening tools

All written products must be your own work without the assistance of generative artificial intelligence

View source(Updated: 2024)

Applies to: written products

Duke Nursing (MSN)

L2Line-level editing allowedD0No disclosure requiredE1Manual review possible

while there is a place for generative AI-based tools to assist applicants in polishing written statements, we believe application statements should be written in the applicant's own words

View source(Updated: 2024)

Applies to: written statements

Policy Summary by Program

ProgramAI Allowed?DisclosureEnforcement
General/UndergraduateLine-level editing allowedNo disclosure requiredE1Manual review possible
Duke Law School (LLM)AI use prohibitedNo disclosure requiredE2Uses screening tools
Duke Nursing (MSN)Line-level editing allowedNo disclosure requiredE1Manual review possible

Sources Verified

All sources checked (4)
Confidence: HighLast verified: 2025-09-18

Additional Context

Duke eliminated numerical scoring of admissions essays in 2024 due to AI concerns. Now evaluates essays holistically for content rather than writing ability. Introduced optional AI-focused essay prompt for 2025-2026. Program-specific policies vary significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Duke University allow ChatGPT for essays?

Duke 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 Duke University?

Duke University does not require disclosure of AI use in admissions materials.

How does Duke University check for AI?

Duke University may conduct manual reviews to check for AI use, looking for inconsistencies in voice or style.

Which Duke University programs have different AI policies?

Duke Law School (LLM), Duke Nursing (MSN) have specific policies that differ from the general university policy. Programs that prohibit AI entirely: Duke Law School (LLM).

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