UC San Diego AI Policy for College Applications
Quick Answer: Can you use AI at UC San Diego?
It depends on your program:
- •General/Undergraduate: Brainstorming only
- •Medical School (AMCAS): Brainstorming only
Last verified: 2025-09-19 • Confidence: High
Policy Evidence
University General Policy
“A personal insight question written by AI is not going to be very good, because it's not going to teach us anything about the student”
— How the University of California Evaluates Student Applications(Updated: 2024)
“While using AI as a tool is one thing, using a completely AI-generated answer is another — and one that is equivalent to academic dishonesty”
— How the University of California Evaluates Student Applications(Updated: 2024)
“UC runs plagiarism checks on applications, and if your PIQs are found to have been generated by AI with unattributed sources, you could be disqualified from UC admission entirely”
— How the University of California Evaluates Student Applications(Updated: 2024)
Program-Specific Policies
Medical School (AMCAS)
“I certify that all my writing, including personal comments, essays for MD-PhD applicants, and descriptions of work/activities, is my own. Although I may utilize mentors, peers, advisors, and/or AI tools for brainstorming, proofreading, or editing, my final submission is a true reflection of my own work”
— View source(Updated: 2024)
Applies to: personal comments, essays, work descriptions
Specific Guidelines
✓ Allowed Uses
- •brainstorming assistance
- •proofreading
- •editing assistance
✗ Not Allowed
- •completely AI-generated answers
- •AI-generated PIQs without attribution
Policy Summary by Program
| Program | AI Allowed? | Disclosure | Enforcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/Undergraduate | Brainstorming only | No disclosure required | E2 • Uses screening tools |
| Medical School (AMCAS) | Brainstorming only | Optional disclosure | E2 • Uses screening tools |
Sources Verified
All sources checked (4)
Additional Context
UCSD follows UC system-wide policy treating completely AI-generated PIQs as academic dishonesty. Allows AI for brainstorming, proofreading, and editing but requires authentic student voice. UC runs plagiarism checks and can disqualify students for inappropriate AI use. Medical school requires disclosure of AI assistance through AMCAS certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UC San Diego allow ChatGPT for essays?
UC San Diego 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.
Do I need to disclose AI use to UC San Diego?
UC San Diego does not require disclosure of AI use in admissions materials.
How does UC San Diego check for AI?
UC San Diego uses AI detection tools and screening software to identify potential AI-generated content in applications.
Which UC San Diego programs have different AI policies?
Medical School (AMCAS) have specific policies that differ from the general university policy.
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