Duke University AI Policy for College Applications
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)
“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)
“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
Program | AI Allowed? | Disclosure | Enforcement |
---|---|---|---|
General/Undergraduate | Line-level editing allowed | No disclosure required | E1 • Manual review possible |
Duke Law School (LLM) | AI use prohibited | No disclosure required | E2 • Uses screening tools |
Duke Nursing (MSN) | Line-level editing allowed | No disclosure required | E1 • Manual review possible |
Sources Verified
All sources checked (4)
Policy Sources:
Additional Sources Checked:
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).
See outdated information? Let us know: support@gradpilot.com