University of San Diego AI Policy for College Applications
Policy Changed Since September 2025
Permission: L0 → L3 (Brainstorming only)
Disclosure: D0 (unchanged)
Enforcement: E0 → E1 (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 San Diego?
University of 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.
Disclosure: University of San Diego does not require disclosure of AI use in admissions materials.
Enforcement: University of San Diego may conduct manual reviews to check for AI use, looking for inconsistencies in voice or style.
Last verified: 2026-02-17 • Confidence: High
What This Means For Your Application
✓Generally Safe
- Brainstorming essay topics with AI
- Spell-check and basic grammar tools
✗Avoid
- Any AI rewriting or paraphrasing of your sentences
- Using AI-suggested phrasing in your final draft
Policy Evidence
University General Policy
“The personal statement and supplemental essays are your opportunity to share your story in your own words”
— USD Member Questions(Verified: Feb 2026)
“AI tools like ChatGPT can be helpful in many settings, but when it comes to your college essays, using them”
— USD Member Questions(Verified: Feb 2026)
“These uses blur the line between assistance and misrepresentation and don't reflect the level of integrity we expect”
— USD Member Questions(Verified: Feb 2026)
“The ones that stand out aren't perfect. Rather, they are personal, thoughtful and real.”
— USD Member Questions(Verified: Feb 2026)
Specific Guidelines
✓ Allowed Uses
- •grammar/spell check
- •brainstorming questions or topic ideas
- •researching general admissions or application strategies
✗ Not Allowed
- •submitting essays written entirely or mostly by AI
- •having AI create an outline or structure to fill in
- •adopting AI-generated language that doesn't reflect personal tone
- •translating full essays using AI rather than writing directly in English
Sources Verified
All sources checked (7)
Policy Sources:
Additional Sources Checked:
- https://www.sandiego.edu/admission-and-aid/undergraduate/apply/application-requirements.php
- https://www.sandiego.edu/admission-and-aid/undergraduate/apply/
- https://www.sandiego.edu/admission-and-aid/undergraduate/apply/decision-faq.php
- https://www.sandiego.edu/admission-and-aid/graduate/
- https://graduate.catalog.sandiego.edu/academics/admissions
- https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/
Policy History
| Date | Permission | Disclosure | Enforcement | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-17 (current) | L3 | D0 | E1 | High |
| 2025-09-19 | L0 | D0 | E0 | High |
Additional Context
USD has an explicit 'Using AI Responsibly in Your USD Application' section on their USD Member Questions page, linked from the undergraduate application requirements. Policy allows brainstorming and grammar checks but prohibits AI-generated drafts, outlines, language, and translations. No formal disclosure requirement or detection tools mentioned; enforcement is soft, based on integrity expectations and readers recognizing authentic voice. Policy applies to undergraduate admissions only; no equivalent AI policy found for graduate admissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of San Diego allow ChatGPT for essays?
Do I need to disclose AI use to University of San Diego?
How does University of San Diego check for AI?
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