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RISD explicitly embraces the ethical use of AI in the creative process for applicants. Any work supported or created by AI in the portfolio must include a description of the applicant's process and the tools used, acknowledged within SlideRoom.
Allowed
AI use in portfolio and creative work when disclosed and attributed
Not allowed
Undisclosed AI use, or passing AI work off as your own without describing your process
Source: RISD Admissions, Apply, 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 Rhode Island School of Design application the right way.
Start with AdmissionsOSFrequently asked questions
Does Rhode Island School of Design allow you to use AI on your application?
RISD explicitly embraces the ethical use of AI in the creative process for applicants. Any work supported or created by AI in the portfolio must include a description of the applicant's process and the tools used, acknowledged within SlideRoom.
Can Rhode Island School of Design 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 Rhode Island School of Design.