Admission offices should be transparent about their AI-detection policies and procedures, according to Finn Anderson, director of writing at Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America. Students, particularly those from first-generation, low-income backgrounds, are increasingly worried about demonstrating “AI literacy” in their admissions essays. However, there is a lack of transparency regarding how colleges detect AI-generated content.

The Common App treats AI-generated content as “fraud,” but colleges do not typically disclose their detection methods. This uncertainty has led students to try to mimic AI prose styles to avoid triggering colleges’ AI radar. Additionally, some colleges encourage the use of AI to support original ideas or allow AI proofreading tools like Grammarly, which further complicates the situation. Other colleges include supplemental prompts about AI, requiring students to discuss it intelligently even if they do not use it.

This digital divide in AI literacy is widening the gap between affluent and economically disadvantaged students. A December 2025 College Board study found that private school teachers have far greater access to generative AI tools compared to public school teachers. This disparity means that FGLI students often learn AI skills on their own, without oversight or cultural guidance, increasing the risk of AI misuse in admissions essays. Colleges should disclose their AI-detection methods to level the playing field for students without admissions support.

News is prepared from public university announcements for general guidance. Policies change frequently; confirm current details with each university admissions office.