Elon University AI Policy for College Applications
Policy Changed Since September 2025
Permission: L0 (unchanged)
Disclosure: D2 → D0 (Unknown policy)
Enforcement: E2 → E0 (Unknown policy)
This school updated their AI admissions policy between our September 2025 and February 2026 reviews.
Quick Answer: Can you use AI at Elon University?
Elon University has no explicit AI policy for admissions essays. While not explicitly prohibited, the lack of clear guidance means students should be cautious.
Disclosure: Elon University does not require disclosure of AI use in admissions materials.
Enforcement: Elon University has not indicated how they check for AI use in admissions essays.
Last verified: 2026-02-18 • Confidence: High
What This Means For Your Application
✓Generally Safe
- Grammar and spell-checking tools
- Getting human feedback on drafts
✗Avoid
- Submitting AI-generated paragraphs as your own
💡No explicit policy doesn't mean AI is allowed — err on the side of caution
Policy Evidence
University General Policy
“No AI-specific admissions essay policy found on admissions website”
— Apply | Undergraduate Admissions | Elon University(Verified: Feb 2026)
“The most important factors in Elon's admissions decision are the academic record followed by the application essay”
— Application Requirements | Undergraduate Admissions | Elon University(Verified: Feb 2026)
Sources Verified
All sources checked (12)
Policy Sources:
Additional Sources Checked:
- https://www.elon.edu/u/admissions/undergraduate/apply/
- https://www.elon.edu/u/admissions/undergraduate/apply/application-requirements/
- https://www.elon.edu/u/admissions/graduate/apply/how-to-apply/
- https://www.elon.edu/u/law/admissions/how-to-apply/
- https://www.elon.edu/u/admissions/undergraduate/international-admissions/frequently-asked-questions/
- https://www.elon.edu/u/administration/provost/statement-on-generative-ai/
- https://www.elon.edu/u/ai/elon-statements-and-policies-regarding-ai/
- https://elon.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2025-2026/academic-catalog/admissions/first-year-applications
- https://www.elon.edu/u/ai/your-ai-toolbox/
- https://www.elon.edu/u/academics/writing-excellence/ai-and-writing/ai-use-in-the-writing-center/
Policy History
| Date | Permission | Disclosure | Enforcement | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-18 (current) | L0 | D0 | E0 | High |
| 2025-09-19 | L0 | D2 | E2 | High |
Additional Context
Elon University has no admissions-specific AI policy for application essays. The provost's Generative AI Statement addresses only academic coursework, delegating AI policy to individual faculty and treating violations as honor code breaches. This statement makes no mention of admissions, applicants, or application materials. The application essay is the second most important factor in admissions decisions after academic record. The AI Hub and Writing Center resources similarly address only enrolled students and coursework, not applicants. Elon uses Common App supplemental essays (identity prompt, playlist, top 5 list) but provides no AI guidance for these.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Elon University allow ChatGPT for essays?
Do I need to disclose AI use to Elon University?
How does Elon University check for AI?
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