Johns Hopkins University AI Policy for College Applications
Policy Changed Since September 2025
Permission: L2 → L3 (Brainstorming only)
Disclosure: D0 → D3 (Unknown policy)
Enforcement: E1 → 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 Johns Hopkins University?
Johns Hopkins University only allows AI for brainstorming and basic mechanics. You can use AI to generate ideas or check spelling/grammar, but cannot use it to write or rewrite any sentences.
Disclosure: Johns Hopkins University requires an attestation that you did not use AI or used it only within specified limits. False attestation may result in application rejection.
Enforcement: Johns Hopkins University has not indicated how they check for AI use in admissions essays.
Last verified: 2026-02-17 • Confidence: High
What This Means For Your Application
✓Generally Safe
- Brainstorming essay topics with AI
- Spell-check and basic grammar tools
✗Avoid
- Any AI rewriting or paraphrasing of your sentences
- Using AI-suggested phrasing in your final draft
💡Be transparent about any AI tools you used — honesty is always the safest approach
Policy Evidence
University General Policy
“the substantive content or output of an artificial intelligence platform, technology, or algorithm”
— Frequently Asked Questions | Johns Hopkins University Admissions(Verified: Feb 2026)
“basic proofreading of your own writing, such as spelling and grammar review”
— Frequently Asked Questions | Johns Hopkins University Admissions(Verified: Feb 2026)
Specific Guidelines
✓ Allowed Uses
- •brainstorming or refining ideas before writing
- •basic proofreading such as spelling and grammar review
✗ Not Allowed
- •submitting substantive content or output of an AI platform
- •using AI to generate application essay text
Sources Verified
All sources checked (6)
Policy Sources:
Additional Sources Checked:
Policy History
| Date | Permission | Disclosure | Enforcement | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-17 (current) | L3 | D3 | E0 | High |
| 2025-09-18 | L2 | D0 | E1 | High |
Additional Context
JHU's FAQ explicitly addresses AI use in applications. Brainstorming and basic proofreading (spelling/grammar) are permitted; submitting substantive AI content or output is treated as application fraud under Common Application affirmation statements and fraud policies. The policy references Common App's affirmation and fraud framework as the governing standard. Previous medical school-specific quote from hopkinsmedicine.org could not be verified (page returns 403). Policy applies to undergraduate admissions; no AI-specific graduate admissions policies found on jhu.edu. Changed from L2 to L3 because the policy only permits brainstorming and basic proofreading, not paraphrasing or line edits. Changed from D0 to D3 because JHU explicitly ties to Common App affirmation statements that reference AI, with fraud consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Johns Hopkins University allow ChatGPT for essays?
Do I need to disclose AI use to Johns Hopkins University?
How does Johns Hopkins University check for AI?
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