Santa Clara University AI Policy for College Applications
Quick Answer: Can you use AI at Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University has no explicit AI policy for admissions essays. While not explicitly prohibited, the lack of clear guidance means students should be cautious.
Disclosure: Santa Clara University does not require disclosure of AI use in admissions materials.
Enforcement: Santa Clara University has not indicated how they check for AI use in admissions essays.
Last verified: 2025-09-19 • Confidence: High
Policy Evidence
University General Policy
“Choose a topic that is exciting and meaningful to you personally”
— SCU Supplementals Demystified - Santa Clara Admission Blog(Updated: 2024)
“NEVER directly copy any words used by ChatGPT or any generative AI”
— Guidelines for Ethical Use of Generative AI - SCU Markkula Center(Updated: 2024)
“Students are expected to do their own work and to cite any sources they use”
— Academic Integrity - Santa Clara University Bulletin(Updated: 2024)
Sources Verified
All sources checked (6)
Policy Sources:
- https://www.scu.edu/admission/choosing-scu/scu-admission-blog/authors/sowmya/scu-supplementals-demystified---sage-advice-from-a-current-student.html
- https://www.scu.edu/ethics/focus-areas/campus-ethics/guidelines-for-the-ethical-use-of-generative-ai-ie-chatgpt-on-campus/
- https://www.scu.edu/bulletin/undergraduate/chapter-8-academic-and-administrative-policies-and-regulations/academic-integrity.html
Additional Sources Checked:
Additional Context
Santa Clara has no explicit AI policy for admissions essays but emphasizes choosing meaningful personal topics and being genuine. General AI guidelines prohibit directly copying from ChatGPT or AI. Academic integrity requires students to do their own work. Two supplemental essays required (diversity/community and ethical dilemma prompts) plus optional major interest question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Santa Clara University allow ChatGPT for essays?
Santa Clara University has no explicit AI policy for admissions essays. While not explicitly prohibited, the lack of clear guidance means students should be cautious.
Do I need to disclose AI use to Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University does not require disclosure of AI use in admissions materials.
How does Santa Clara University check for AI?
Santa Clara University has not indicated how they check for AI use in admissions essays.
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