University of Virginia AI Policy for College Applications
Policy Changed Since September 2025
Permission: L2 (unchanged)
Disclosure: D1 → D3 (Unknown policy)
Enforcement: E2 → 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 Virginia?
It depends on your program:
- •General/Undergraduate: Line-level editing allowed
- •School of Law (J.D.): AI use prohibited
Last verified: 2026-02-17 • Confidence: High
What This Means For Your Application
✓Generally Safe
- AI grammar and clarity suggestions
- Rephrasing individual sentences with AI
✗Avoid
- Having AI write entire paragraphs or essays
- Using AI to generate ideas you present as your own
💡Be transparent about any AI tools you used — honesty is always the safest approach
Policy Evidence
University General Policy
“We ask that you do not cut and paste any part of your essay or personal statements from an AI tool.”
— Is there a policy about Large Language Models or Generative AI?(Verified: Feb 2026)
“Generative AI may play a minor role in your final product by helping you brainstorm essay topics or check for grammar mistakes.”
— Is there a policy about Large Language Models or Generative AI?(Verified: Feb 2026)
“You are pledging that the application materials you submit are your original work, not primarily a product of AI.”
— FAQs - UVA Admission(Verified: Feb 2026)
“They lack your voice, your ideas, and your very personal reflection on how your experiences have shaped you.”
— Is there a policy about Large Language Models or Generative AI?(Verified: Feb 2026)
Program-Specific Policies
School of Law (J.D.)
“The personal statement should be written in your own voice without the help of artificial intelligence tools.”
— View source(Verified: Feb 2026)
Applies to: personal statement
Specific Guidelines
✓ Allowed Uses
- •brainstorming essay topics
- •grammar and spelling checks
✗ Not Allowed
- •cutting and pasting any part of essay or personal statement from an AI tool
- •submitting work that is primarily a product of AI
Policy Summary by Program
| Program | AI Allowed? | Disclosure | Enforcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/Undergraduate | Line-level editing allowed | Must attest no AI used | E1 • Manual review possible |
| School of Law (J.D.) | AI use prohibited | No disclosure required | E0 • No enforcement stated |
Sources Verified
All sources checked (9)
Additional Sources Checked:
- https://admission.virginia.edu/node/1146
- https://admission.virginia.edu/faqs
- https://admission.virginia.edu/admission/application-review-process
- https://admission.virginia.edu/admission/deadlines-instructions
- https://www.law.virginia.edu/admissions/admissions/jd-admissions/faqs
- https://www.law.virginia.edu/admissions/admissions/jd-application-information
- https://www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2025/10/uva-removes-supplemental-essay-prompt-from-2025-2026-undergraduate-application
Policy History
| Date | Permission | Disclosure | Enforcement | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-17 (current) | L2 | D3 | E1 | High |
| 2025-09-18 | L2 | D1 | E2 | High |
Additional Context
UVA has a clear L2 policy for undergraduate admissions: AI may help brainstorm topics or check grammar, but applicants must not cut and paste AI-generated content. For 2025-2026, UVA added an honor statement addendum requiring applicants to certify their materials are original work and not primarily a product of AI (D3 attestation). UVA also removed the supplemental identity essay for 2025-2026, leaving only the School of Nursing supplement. The School of Law has a stricter L4 policy prohibiting any AI assistance in personal statements. No AI detection tools or formal verification processes were found (E1).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Virginia allow ChatGPT for essays?
Do I need to disclose AI use to University of Virginia?
How does University of Virginia check for AI?
Which University of Virginia programs have different AI policies?
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