Princeton University AI Policy for College Applications
Note: This policy classification has med confidence. We recommend verifying directly with Princeton University's admissions office.
Policy Changed Since September 2025
Permission: L1 → L0 (No explicit policy)
Disclosure: D0 (unchanged)
Enforcement: E1 (unchanged)
This school updated their AI admissions policy between our September 2025 and February 2026 reviews.
Quick Answer: Can you use AI at Princeton University?
Princeton University has no explicit AI policy for admissions essays. While not explicitly prohibited, the lack of clear guidance means students should be cautious.
Disclosure: Princeton University does not require disclosure of AI use in admissions materials.
Enforcement: Princeton University may conduct manual reviews to check for AI use, looking for inconsistencies in voice or style.
Last verified: 2026-02-17 • Confidence: Med
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
“any essay one writes with the help of AI is not going to be nearly as good or authentic”
— Testing, Rigor, AI, and What Are We Really Looking For? Your Questions Answered by Dean Richardson(Updated: 2025-08-18)
“Because Princeton has a writing-heavy curriculum, applicants do not set themselves up for success if they rely on AI”
— As more first-years turn to AI than ever, U. tells applicants: 'authenticity matters'(Updated: 2025-11-13)
“An essay generated by an AI platform is unlikely to be as rich and nuanced as a student's own words”
— Admitted students talk role of ChatGPT in essays amid changing admissions policies(Updated: 2024-04-08)
“you are asked to sign off on your application verifying that the work is yours alone”
— Testing, Rigor, AI, and What Are We Really Looking For? Your Questions Answered by Dean Richardson(Updated: 2025-08-18)
Sources Verified
All sources checked (10)
Policy Sources:
- https://admission.princeton.edu/blogs/testing-rigor-ai-and-what-are-we-really-looking-your-questions-answered-dean-richardson
- https://www.dailyprincetonian.com/article/2025/11/princeton-data-2029-frosh-survey-dlog-ai-advancement
- https://www.dailyprincetonian.com/article/2024/04/princeton-news-broadfocus-artificial-intelligence-chatgpt-chat-gpt-college-admissions-ivy-league-princeton-essay-essays
Additional Sources Checked:
- https://admission.princeton.edu/apply
- https://admission.princeton.edu/apply/princeton-specific-questions
- https://admission.princeton.edu/apply/before-you-apply/helpful-tips
- https://admission.princeton.edu/faqs
- https://admission.princeton.edu/apply/application-checklist
- https://admission.princeton.edu/blogs
- https://gradschool.princeton.edu/admission-onboarding/prepare/personal-statement
Policy History
| Date | Permission | Disclosure | Enforcement | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-17 (current) | L0 | D0 | E1 | Med |
| 2025-09-18 | L1 | D0 | E1 | High |
Additional Context
Princeton has no formal written AI policy for admissions essays. The Dean of Admissions and University spokesperson have made advisory statements strongly discouraging AI use, emphasizing that AI-generated essays are weaker and less authentic. Applicants must sign a general attestation that essays are their own work, but this predates AI and is not AI-specific. The requirement to submit a graded written paper may serve as an implicit authenticity check. Classified as L0 because the statements are advisory opinions rather than a defined policy with allowed/disallowed boundaries. Graduate admissions pages contain no AI guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Princeton University allow ChatGPT for essays?
Do I need to disclose AI use to Princeton University?
How does Princeton University check for AI?
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