Rice University AI Policy for College Applications
Policy Changed Since September 2025
Permission: L1 → L0 (No explicit policy)
Disclosure: D0 (unchanged)
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 Rice University?
It depends on your program:
- •General/Undergraduate: No explicit policy (No explicit policy)
- •Glasscock School of Continuing Studies - Master of Interdisciplinary Studies: AI use prohibited
Last verified: 2026-02-17 • 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 undergraduate or graduate admissions websites”
— First-Year Domestic Applicants | Office of Admission | Rice University(Verified: Feb 2026)
Program-Specific Policies
Glasscock School of Continuing Studies - Master of Interdisciplinary Studies
“The use of generative AI, such as ChatGPT, in writing your essay undermines the integrity of the admissions process”
— View source(Verified: Feb 2026)
Applies to: admissions essay, writing sample
Policy Summary by Program
| Program | AI Allowed? | Disclosure | Enforcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/Undergraduate | No explicit policy | No disclosure required | E0 • No enforcement stated |
| Glasscock School of Continuing Studies - Master of Interdisciplinary Studies | AI use prohibited | No disclosure required | E2 • Uses screening tools |
Sources Verified
All sources checked (12)
Additional Sources Checked:
- https://admission.rice.edu/apply/first-year-domestic-applicants
- https://admission.rice.edu/apply
- https://admission.rice.edu/blog/in-the-know/writing-supplemental-essays
- https://admission.rice.edu/blog/in-the-know/applying-to-rice-tips
- https://admission.rice.edu/blog/in-the-know/application-advice-series
- https://graduate.rice.edu/admissions
- https://graduate.rice.edu/admissions/application-faq
- https://honor.rice.edu/ai-policy-information/
- https://responsibleai.rice.edu/guidelines-resources-students
- https://oit.rice.edu/ai-usage-guidelines
- https://glasscock.rice.edu/master-interdisciplinary-studies/admissions
Policy History
| Date | Permission | Disclosure | Enforcement | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-17 (current) | L0 | D0 | E0 | High |
| 2025-09-18 | L1 | D0 | E1 | High |
Additional Context
Rice University's main undergraduate and graduate admissions offices have no AI-specific policy for application essays. The Rice Honor Code treats AI-generated work passed off as one's own as plagiarism, but this applies to enrolled students' coursework, not to applicants. The Responsible AI student guidelines similarly address coursework only. The Glasscock School of Continuing Studies MIS program is the sole exception, explicitly prohibiting generative AI in admissions essays and stating essays will be screened for AI use. The admissions blog emphasizes authenticity and personal voice but does not mention AI tools. Previous L1 classification was based on the Honor Code, which is not admissions-specific guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Rice University allow ChatGPT for essays?
Do I need to disclose AI use to Rice University?
How does Rice University check for AI?
Which Rice University programs have different AI policies?
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