Using AI for Grad or Law School
AI AND GRADUATE SCHOOL ADMISSIONS
As of Fall 2024, most graduate schools do not have specific policies that explicitly address the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in preparing applications. As with any application essay, or student work broadly, however, there are academic integrity and ethical concerns that arise around the use of generative AI. It is imperative that applicants prepare essays and other application materials that are in the applicant’s own voice, free from plagiarism, and authentic to the writer’s experiences and thought processes.
AI policies are evolving, and it is very important to read each graduate school’s application instructions carefully and follow their specific guidelines regarding filling out the application, especially when it comes to the use of AI. If there are concerns about a graduate school’s specific policies, we encourage the applicant to reach out directly to the graduate school's admissions office for guidance and clarification.
AI AND LAW SCHOOL ADMISSIONS
As of Fall 2024, most law schools prohibit the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially pertaining to any application essays, while a handful of law schools explicitly permit the use generative AI. It is imperative that applicants prepare essays and other application materials that are in the applicant’s own voice, free from plagiarism, and authentic to the writer’s experiences and thought processes. Many law schools ask applicants to verify through the application certification process that they have not used generative AI in the preparation of their law school application. Some law schools explicitly have applicants certify that they did not use generative AI, while other law school certification statements ask applicants to verify that all work is the applicant’s own and would consider the use of generative AI to be in violation of the certification statement.
If it is discovered that an applicant used generative AI in the preparation of their application, that can result in a Character and Fitness issue for state bar admission purposes for the applicant. It is recommended that when writing a personal statement or any other law school essay that applicants save copies of all their drafts with their name and draft number in the case the application material is ever called into question for the use of generative AI.
AI policies are evolving, and it is very important to carefully read each law school’s application instructions and application certification closely. If there are any doubts about a law schools’ policy on using AI in an application, it is always a good idea to consult the specific law school’s admissions office or Northwestern’s prelaw adviser for guidance.