University of Michigan–Ann Arbor AI Policy for College Applications
Policy Changed Since September 2025
Permission: L0 → L4 (AI use prohibited)
Disclosure: D0 (unchanged)
Enforcement: E1 → E0 (Unknown policy)
This school updated their AI admissions policy between our September 2025 and February 2026 reviews.
Quick Answer: Can you use AI at University of Michigan–Ann Arbor?
It depends on your program:
- •General/Undergraduate: AI use prohibited
- •Rackham Graduate School: Brainstorming only
- •Law School: AI use prohibited
- •Ross School of Business (Graduate Programs): AI use permitted
Last verified: 2026-02-17 • Confidence: High
What This Means For Your Application
✓Generally Safe
- Writing entirely on your own
- Human feedback from teachers, counselors, family
✗Avoid
- Any AI tool, including grammar checkers in some cases
- Using ChatGPT even for brainstorming
💡This school takes a hard line — even brainstorming with AI could be a problem
Policy Evidence
University General Policy
“The Policy also prohibits the use of AI systems to generate content.”
— Apply | University of Michigan Office of Undergraduate Admissions(Verified: Feb 2026)
“The University of Michigan expects all applicants to be familiar with and abide by the Common App Fraud Policy.”
— Apply | University of Michigan Office of Undergraduate Admissions(Verified: Feb 2026)
Program-Specific Policies
Rackham Graduate School
“You should be the sole author of all written passages in your essays.”
— View source(Verified: Feb 2026)
Applies to: academic statement of purpose, personal statement
Law School
“Applicants ought not use ChatGPT or other generative artificial intelligence tools as part of their drafting process.”
— View source(Verified: Feb 2026)
Applies to: personal statement, supplemental essays
Ross School of Business (Graduate Programs)
“If you use AI software in the creation of your essay answers, you are required to use the APA in-text citation.”
— View source(Verified: Feb 2026)
Applies to: application essays
Specific Guidelines
✗ Not Allowed
- •using AI systems to generate content per Common App Fraud Policy
Policy Summary by Program
| Program | AI Allowed? | Disclosure | Enforcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/Undergraduate | AI use prohibited | No disclosure required | E0 • No enforcement stated |
| Rackham Graduate School | Brainstorming only | Must attest no AI used | E2 • Uses screening tools |
| Law School | AI use prohibited | Must attest no AI used | E2 • Uses screening tools |
| Ross School of Business (Graduate Programs) | AI use permitted | Must disclose AI use | E2 • Uses screening tools |
Sources Verified
All sources checked (11)
Policy Sources:
Additional Sources Checked:
- https://admissions.umich.edu/apply
- https://admissions.umich.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/essay-questions
- https://admissions.umich.edu/explore-visit/blog/writing-your-college-application-essay-heres-what-you-need-know
- https://admissions.umich.edu/explore-visit/blog/5-tips-writing-essays
- https://rackham.umich.edu/admissions/applying/guidance-and-policies-related-to-use-of-genai-for-rackham-applicants/
- https://michigan.law.umich.edu/admissions/apply-jd-program
- https://michiganross.umich.edu/graduate/online-mba/admissions/application-requirements
- https://michiganross.umich.edu/graduate/full-time-mba/admissions/application-requirements
- https://seas.umich.edu/admissions/how-apply
- https://admissions.umich.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/requirements-deadlines/application-changes
Policy History
| Date | Permission | Disclosure | Enforcement | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-17 (current) | L4 | D0 | E0 | High |
| 2025-09-18 | L0 | D0 | E1 | High |
Additional Context
UMich undergraduate admissions explicitly adopts Common App Fraud Policy prohibiting AI content generation. Upgraded from L0 to L4 as the admissions page explicitly names AI systems in its prohibition. Program-specific policies vary significantly: Rackham Graduate School (L3) allows grammar/spelling tools like Grammarly but prohibits AI drafting with required sole-authorship attestation and revocation consequences. Law School (L4) broadly prohibits generative AI in drafting but uniquely requires AI for one optional essay (Essay Ten about AI use predictions) and compares LSAT writing samples to application essays. Ross graduate programs (L1) are permissive, allowing AI use with required APA citation. SEAS defers to Rackham's policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Michigan–Ann Arbor allow ChatGPT for essays?
Do I need to disclose AI use to University of Michigan–Ann Arbor?
How does University of Michigan–Ann Arbor check for AI?
Which University of Michigan–Ann Arbor programs have different AI policies?
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