University of California, Berkeley AI Policy for College Applications
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
What This Means For Your Application
✓Generally Safe
- Using AI to help draft and refine your essay
- AI-assisted brainstorming and editing
✗Avoid
- Submitting content you can't explain or defend
💡Even with permissive policies, your authentic voice should come through
💡Be transparent about any AI tools you used — honesty is always the safest approach
💡This school actively checks for AI — make sure your essay sounds like you
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
“explicitly prohibiting AI assistance entirely”
— View source(Updated: 2024)
Applies to: application materials
School of Information
“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
| Program | AI Allowed? | Disclosure | Enforcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/Undergraduate | AI use permitted | Must disclose AI use | E2 • Uses screening tools |
| UC Berkeley Law | AI use prohibited | No disclosure required | E2 • Uses screening tools |
| School of Information | Brainstorming only | Optional disclosure | E1 • Manual review possible |
Sources Verified
All sources checked (4)
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?
Do I need to disclose AI use to University of California, Berkeley?
How does University of California, Berkeley check for AI?
Which University of California, Berkeley programs have different AI policies?
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