ChatGPT Helps 2 in 3 Law School Applicants — How to Avoid Overreliance

Which Tools Are Leading the Trend

The Future of AI in Law School Admissions

Overall across U.S. campuses, AI adoption rates are soaring. A 2025 Inside Higher Ed report survey of over 1,000 U.S. college students found that 85% have used generative AI for coursework. Yet, institutional policies haven’t kept pace. Only 28% of colleges have formal AI guidelines, and another 32% are still developing them.

However, as adoption accelerates, attitudes are shifting in the legal field. While many educational institutions, once discouraged AI use, The University of Michigan Law School and the University of Miami School of Law recently became the first in the nation to introduce AI-based essay questions that require applicants to use tools like ChatGPT. These essays are designed to gauge AI literacy and ethical reasoning, a signal that, rather than cracking down on AI, schools may begin formally integrating it into their admissions process.

“Students are inevitably using AI to strengthen how they communicate and present ideas. Now that's visible in law school applications too,” said Arush Chandna, co-founder of Juris Education. “This can change how law schools evaluate originality, critical thinking, and ethical judgment in the admissions process. Some are, hence, looking at ways to integrate AI literacy into the process than treat it only as a disruptive force."

How to Avoid "Hallucinated" AI Content

While most applicants use AI to enhance clarity and confidence, the findings raise questions about responsible use.

“AI has the capacity to serve as a valuable tool in the law school application process, as it can help many applicants uncover unexpected connections between their motivation for pursuing law school and their past personal / professional experiences,” said Jesse Wang, senior admissions consultant at Juris Education and an NY attorney. “However, the primary challenge lies in how AI is prompted and refined. Iteration is crucial, as students must learn to phrase follow-up questions carefully to avoid factual inaccuracies or “hallucinated” AI content.” 

Students also must be cognizant of the specific policies of each law school.

Wang added, “It is equally essential that applicants comply with each law school’s specific policies regarding the use of AI tools. Maintaining compliance with those guidelines ensures the integrity of the application process, and I recommend applicants do their due diligence by researching those policies and asking admissions representatives questions if they are confused about them or require further guidance.”