Who reads college application essays?

Your essay will be read by the admission committee, which will include admission counselors and in some cases professors.

Do college admissions officers read all essays?

Yes, admissions officers do actually read essays, but they might have already screened candidates first in a preliminary round. Every admissions office has a different process and it's impossible to sum up the exact step-by-step process for each admission office in one blog post.

Who should read your college essay?

Turn to your school counselor for review. They understand what college admissions panels are looking for, and they can provide valuable insight into your piece's quality.

Who views your college application?

Each college is different, so you probably won't know for sure who reviewed your application specifically. Rest assured; however, admissions readers, admissions officers, and admissions committees are all professionals who take each application seriously.

Who is the audience for a college application essay?

The Admissions Committee

Usually, the people who read your application are part of that university's admissions committee. They read through all the applications received that year and can go through several applications in just one hour.

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How many admissions officers read your application?

At least one reader scores each application, but at selective institutions, as many as three or four readers may score an application.

Do multiple people read your college essay?

Every admission office is different – and most times, your essay will have the opportunity to be read by at least two – and sometimes three or four! – people.

Does your admissions counselor read your application?

Did you know every admissions counselor has a unique approach to reviewing college applications? Admissions counselors also read every word of your application – including the essays.

How do admissions officers read applications?

Admissions officers look at “hard factors — GPA, grades, and test scores — and soft factors — essays, extracurricular activities, recommendations, and demonstrated interest — to gain a full picture of applicants.

Do admissions officers see your name?

At many large public universities, no human may ever see any of an applicant's materials. They tend to use fully automated, algorithm-driven evaluation. Someone will see a name if the student makes some other contact with the office, possibly to take a tour.

How do I know if my college essay is good?

Can a good college essay get you in?

Essays are a critical component to earning a personal score of 2. It's both what you write about and how you write about it. (The personal score also considers your recommendations, additional information, and interview.) Strong essays can move your personal score from 3 to 2, increasing your admissions chances by 10x.

Do your parents have to read your college essay?

If the parents are paying the application fees, then the applicant would be smart to let them read the essays. However, parents must realize this is the student's journey, the student's project.

What not to write in a college admissions essay?

Writing about cultural heritage, bad grades or personal flaws, music, sports, drama, politics, or a family member's serious illness in college essays is tempting, but dangerous. We show why these topics can hurt students with admissions teams and how to handle them well.

Do colleges read your common app essay?

Many admission offices will read your Common App essay first, simply because it's embedded in Common App itself, and that tends to be the starting point of an application review.

Do admissions officers remember you?

There is a considerable chance that they will not remember your name. They are more likely to remember a distinguishable piece of clothing or a question you ask. Your questions should be sharp. Ask about a specific academic program and how admissions consider applicants to that program.

What is the single most important thing admissions officers consider in an application?

Academic Achievement

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's important for college-bound students to understand that grades are the most important factor that colleges will consider when evaluating applications.

How do colleges decide who to admit?

Offers of admission are based on each school's enrollment objectives. Making admissions decisions is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Large state schools may use a test score and GPA formula. Highly selective schools may have multiple reviewers with many voices weighing in on a decision.

What are admissions officers looking for in essays?

Colleges look for three things in your admission essay: a unique perspective, strong writing, and an authentic voice. People in admissions often say that a great essay is one where it feels like the student is right there in the room, talking authentically to the admissions committee!

Do colleges read applications in order of submission?

No way of telling since every person is different and the system each college uses is different. More often, the decision is made as a group. Each person reads the application as each comes in, rate it, on a score sheet.

Do admission officers read emails?

Most college admissions officers consider emails from students a form of demonstrated interest or the degree to which you express an interest in attending a school. Demonstrated interest is one of the many factors college admissions officers consider when evaluating your application.

Do colleges read applications as they come in?

Schools may review applications as they come in, but they are not expecting the bulk of the applications until the deadline.

Is it bad to go over word count on college essays?

Frequently asked questions about college application essays

Most college application portals specify a word count range for your essay, and you should stay within 10% of the upper limit to write a developed and thoughtful essay.

Do college essays matter the most?

But if you are applying to such schools, keep in mind that your college essay will be one of the most important parts of your application. Ultimately, the college essay remains important because it can be a key factor in the admissions process.

How many people should read your Common App essay?

For your college essays, it's ideal to seek feedback from around three to four people, including a peer, your guidance counselor, a trusted adult, and a proofreader. This mix of perspectives will help you improve your essays while ensuring your unique voice shines through. Best of luck with your applications!