In an era where technological advancement is reshaping various industries, law schools seem to be trailing behind in adapting to the emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT. Recent findings from a survey conducted by Kaplan reveal a striking lack of official policies addressing the use of generative AI in law school applications.
The survey gathered insights from law school admissions officers, shedding light on the policies, or lack thereof, regarding the use of AI for different stages of the application process. When it comes to writing application essays, only 1% of the schools surveyed have policies that allow the use of generative AI, while 45% prohibit it. The majority, 54%, do not have any official stance on the matter. The numbers shift slightly when considering AI for brainstorming and feedback, yet a significant portion of schools still lack formal policies.
- Writing: 1% allow, 45% prohibit, 54% no official policy.
- Brainstorming: 16% allow, 16% prohibit, 68% no official policy.
- Feedback: 15% allow, 15% prohibit, 70% no official policy.
The absence of official guidelines is a source of concern for many admissions officers. An officer noted that the use of generative AI might diminish the authentic voice of the applicant while potentially impacting writing skills, which have already seen a decline. Another emphasized the importance of evaluating applicants’ writing abilities and learning more about them through personal statements, without the interference of AI-driven alternatives.
Amit Schlesinger, Kaplan’s executive director of legal and government programs, has expressed surprise at the prevailing lack of policies, suggesting that the current scenario creates ambiguity for applicants. Without clear pathways and guardrails, candidates might interpret the absence of policy as implicit permission to use AI, potentially leading to uneven playing fields during the admissions process.
It is imperative for law schools to promptly address this pressing issue, as the integration of generative AI continues to evolve in educational contexts. For further reading, you can access the original article on Above the Law.