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Does Franklin W Olin College of Engineering allow AI in college essays?

Brainstorming and grammar ok, no copy-paste from AI.

Allowed with limits Brainstorming and grammar ok, no copy-paste from AI.

Olin's official admissions blog states copying and pasting directly from an AI generator is not permitted, and heavy reliance on models like ChatGPT undermines an applicant's authentic voice. AI may be used for brainstorming, initial research, and grammar or spelling review, comparable to how a trusted adult might help. Essays must represent the applicant's own voice.

Allowed

Brainstorming, initial research, grammar and spelling review

Not allowed

Copying and pasting directly from an AI generator

Source: Olin College, How to Wisely Use AI in Your Olin Essays, official AI policy. Last checked August 2026. Policies change, so confirm on the school's site before you rely on it.

The rule underneath every school

Whatever a specific school says, one standard applies almost everywhere: the Common App counts submitting the substantive content or output of an AI platform as your own work as fraud, added to its policy in 2023, while still permitting grammar checks and early topic brainstorming. So the safe line is always the same, use AI to think, never to write the words you submit. (More in Is It OK to Use AI? and How to Use AI the Right Way.)

Use AI on your Franklin W Olin College of Engineering application the right way.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Franklin W Olin College of Engineering allow you to use AI on your application?

Olin's official admissions blog states copying and pasting directly from an AI generator is not permitted, and heavy reliance on models like ChatGPT undermines an applicant's authentic voice. AI may be used for brainstorming, initial research, and grammar or spelling review, comparable to how a trusted adult might help. Essays must represent the applicant's own voice.

Can Franklin W Olin College of Engineering detect AI in essays?

AI detectors are unreliable and no school treats a flag as proof, so detection is not the real risk. The real risk is that AI-written essays read generic to admissions officers. Write the essay yourself and use AI only to brainstorm and get feedback.

See AI policies for other schools or check your chances at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering.