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Does University of Michigan-Ann Arbor allow AI in college essays?

Brainstorm and proofread ok, but do not copy-paste AI text.

Allowed with limits Brainstorm and proofread ok, but do not copy-paste AI text.

Michigan's undergraduate essay-questions guidance says AI tools can help when used thoughtfully for brainstorming, outlining, proofreading, or organizing information, and can be especially useful for applicants with limited guidance. It prohibits copying and pasting AI-generated text or submitting work that does not represent you, and reminds applicants of the Common App fraud policy.

Allowed

Brainstorming, outlining, proofreading, organizing information

Not allowed

Copying and pasting AI-generated text; submitting work that is not your own

Source: University of Michigan Office of Undergraduate Admissions, 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 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor application the right way.

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Frequently asked questions

Does University of Michigan-Ann Arbor allow you to use AI on your application?

Michigan's undergraduate essay-questions guidance says AI tools can help when used thoughtfully for brainstorming, outlining, proofreading, or organizing information, and can be especially useful for applicants with limited guidance. It prohibits copying and pasting AI-generated text or submitting work that does not represent you, and reminds applicants of the Common App fraud policy.

Can University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 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 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.