University of California, Berkeley AI Policy for College Applications

General Policy:L1AI use permittedD2Must disclose AI useE2Uses screening tools
Important:Some programs have stricter policies - see details below

Quick Answer: Can you use AI at University of California, Berkeley?

It depends on your program:

  • General/Undergraduate: AI use permitted
  • UC Berkeley Law: AI use prohibited
  • School of Information: Brainstorming only

Last verified: 2025-09-18 • Confidence: High

Policy Evidence

University General Policy

content and final written text must be their own

UC Statement of Integrity - Berkeley Admissions(Updated: 2024)

authentic student voice cannot be generated by machines

UC Statement of Integrity - Berkeley Admissions(Updated: 2024)

Program-Specific Policies

UC Berkeley Law

L4AI use prohibitedD0No disclosure requiredE2Uses screening tools

explicitly prohibiting AI assistance entirely

View source(Updated: 2024)

Applies to: application materials

School of Information

L3Brainstorming onlyD1Optional disclosureE1Manual review possible

strongly discourages AI use and emphasizes original, authentic responses

View source(Updated: 2024)

Applies to: personal statements

Specific Guidelines

Allowed Uses

  • advice on content and editing
  • assistance with readability

Not Allowed

  • generating content or final written text
  • replacing authentic student voice

Policy Summary by Program

ProgramAI Allowed?DisclosureEnforcement
General/UndergraduateAI use permittedMust disclose AI useE2Uses screening tools
UC Berkeley LawAI use prohibitedNo disclosure requiredE2Uses screening tools
School of InformationBrainstorming onlyOptional disclosureE1Manual review possible

Sources Verified

All sources checked (4)
Confidence: HighLast verified: 2025-09-18

Additional Context

UC Berkeley follows UC system-wide policy allowing limited AI for advice/editing while requiring authentic content. Students must sign UC Statement of Integrity. Regular screenings and authentication checks conducted. Law school prohibits AI entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does University of California, Berkeley allow ChatGPT for essays?

Yes, University of California, Berkeley permits AI use in application essays. Students may include AI-generated content as long as it's accurate and they take responsibility for it.

Do I need to disclose AI use to University of California, Berkeley?

Yes, University of California, Berkeley requires disclosure of any AI assistance. You must indicate what AI tools were used and how they helped.

How does University of California, Berkeley check for AI?

University of California, Berkeley uses AI detection tools and screening software to identify potential AI-generated content in applications.

Which University of California, Berkeley programs have different AI policies?

UC Berkeley Law, School of Information have specific policies that differ from the general university policy. Programs that prohibit AI entirely: UC Berkeley Law.

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