UC Santa Barbara AI Policy for College Applications
Quick Answer: Can you use AI at UC Santa Barbara?
It depends on your program:
- •General/Undergraduate: Brainstorming only
- •UCSB Writing Program: 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)
“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)
“Students may receive advice on content and editing, including the use of generative artificial intelligence software to assist with readability, but content and final written text must be their own”
— UC System Statement of Integrity(Updated: 2024)
Program-Specific Policies
UCSB Writing Program
“If you incorporate ideas, text, or inspiration from AI writing tools in your work, be sure to acknowledge their use in your author's notes or attributions”
— View source(Updated: 2024)
Applies to: academic writing, assignments
Specific Guidelines
✓ Allowed Uses
- •brainstorming and prompting ideas
- •readability and editing assistance
- •help with structure and organization
✗ Not Allowed
- •submitting AI-generated content as original work
- •using AI to write PIQs out of whole cloth
- •failing to acknowledge AI assistance when used
Policy Summary by Program
| Program | AI Allowed? | Disclosure | Enforcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/Undergraduate | Brainstorming only | Optional disclosure | E2 • Uses screening tools |
| UCSB Writing Program | Brainstorming only | Optional disclosure | E1 • Manual review possible |
Sources Verified
All sources checked (5)
Policy Sources:
Additional Context
UCSB follows UC system-wide policy allowing limited AI assistance for brainstorming and editing but requiring authentic student work. Runs plagiarism checks and can disqualify for inappropriate AI use. Writing Program requires acknowledgment of AI assistance. Emphasizes maintaining personal voice and authentic narratives in application materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UC Santa Barbara allow ChatGPT for essays?
UC Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara?
UC Santa Barbara encourages but does not require students to disclose AI use. There may be an optional field to describe how AI was used.
How does UC Santa Barbara check for AI?
UC Santa Barbara uses AI detection tools and screening software to identify potential AI-generated content in applications.
Which UC Santa Barbara programs have different AI policies?
UCSB Writing Program have specific policies that differ from the general university policy.
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