Fordham University AI Policy for College Applications
Quick Answer: Can you use AI at Fordham University?
Fordham 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: Fordham University does not require disclosure of AI use in admissions materials.
Enforcement: Fordham University may conduct manual reviews to check for AI use, looking for inconsistencies in voice or style.
Last verified: 2026-02-17 (no change from 2025-09-19) • Confidence: High
What This Means For Your Application
✓Generally Safe
- AI grammar and clarity suggestions
- Rephrasing individual sentences with AI
✗Avoid
- Having AI write entire paragraphs or essays
- Using AI to generate ideas you present as your own
Policy Evidence
University General Policy
“You can use AI as a tool—but proceed with caution.”
— AI Policy for Application Writing(Verified: Feb 2026)
“Using AI in its proper place, such as brainstorming ideas or polishing a draft, ensures that your work remains original”
— AI Policy for Application Writing(Verified: Feb 2026)
“AI can't capture how you think or what you value.”
— AI Policy for Application Writing(Verified: Feb 2026)
“Your application writing is our best way to get to know you—the real you.”
— AI Policy for Application Writing(Verified: Feb 2026)
“We expect all Fordham students to adhere to the highest level of academic integrity.”
— AI Policy for Application Writing(Verified: Feb 2026)
Specific Guidelines
✓ Allowed Uses
- •brainstorming ideas
- •polishing drafts
✗ Not Allowed
- •wholesale drafting or generating essays
- •replacing original thought or authentic voice
Sources Verified
All sources checked (7)
Additional Sources Checked:
- https://www.fordham.edu/undergraduate-admission/apply/what-were-looking-for/writing-for-the-common-application/
- https://www.fordham.edu/school-of-law/admissions/jd-admissions/apply-to-fordham-law/application-requirements/
- https://www.fordham.edu/graduate-school-of-arts-and-sciences/admissions/how-to-apply/
- https://www.fordham.edu/about/leadership-and-administration/administrative-offices/office-of-the-provost/about-us/our-work/academics/teaching-and-learning/
- https://www.fordham.edu/about/leadership-and-administration/administrative-offices/office-of-the-provost/about-us/our-work/academic-initiatives/ai-vision-committee/
- https://news.law.fordham.edu/blog/2024/02/29/llm-guide-should-you-use-ai-tools-to-write-ll-m-personal-statements/
Policy History
| Date | Permission | Disclosure | Enforcement | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-17 (current) | L2 | D0 | E1 | High |
| 2025-09-19 | L2 | D0 | E1 | High |
Additional Context
Fordham has a dedicated AI Policy for Application Writing page under undergraduate admission. The policy explicitly allows limited AI use for brainstorming and polishing while requiring original work and authentic voice. The page emphasizes Jesuit values and warns that AI cannot capture how applicants think or what they value. The parent Common App writing page reinforces this with 'if the words are not yours, revise the revision!' Enforcement is soft — the page warns that manufactured content undermines narrative cohesion, implying readers watch for voice consistency. No AI-specific disclosure requirement. No equivalent AI admissions policy found for Fordham Law or graduate programs — only the undergraduate admissions office has published explicit guidance. A 2024 Fordham Law blog post discussed AI in LL.M. personal statements but was advisory, not formal policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fordham University allow ChatGPT for essays?
Do I need to disclose AI use to Fordham University?
How does Fordham University check for AI?
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