What Do Admission Officers Look For In An Essay?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Admissions officers look for students

whose reveal their character and perspective through their real experiences, not contrived situations

. Admissions officers say most essays they read are safe, generic and do nothing to make them remember or want to advocate for the students who wrote them.

What do college admissions look for in essays?

You have a unique background, interests and personality. This is your chance to tell your story (or at least part of it). The best way to tell your story is to write a

personal, thoughtful about something that has meaning for you

. Be honest and genuine, and your unique qualities will shine through.

What do admissions officers look for?

Admissions officers look for students who

are engaged, curious, honest, eager to learn and willing to contribute to the vibrancy of the campus

. Most colleges hope to attract a diverse pool of students whose unique and individual perspectives and experiences will enhance learning opportunities for all.

What makes good admissions officer?

Success in extracurricular activities:

People with self-discipline, high expectations and enthusiasm

make great admissions officers. A candidate who exhibits involvement in an array of extracurricular activities or service in leadership roles may possess these attributes.

Do Admissions Officers Fact Check essays?

Hunt, the essay consultant, said. “They're thinking there's fact-checking.” But admissions officers, Mr. …

They're not fact-checking

.” Jim Rawlins, director of admissions at the University of Oregon, said that he always looked at essays with a grain of salt, but that checking extracurricular activities was rare.

What do you think are three traits an admissions officer should have?

Admission officers need to be

friendly and energetic as well as have excellent communication skills

. They enjoy meeting new people, giving presentations, and answering questions about their institution. Extended travel might be required to meet with students and stakeholders.

What do Harvard admissions officers look for?

Closely associated with your GPA and another major attribute Harvard University expects to see from top applicants is excellent standardized test scores. More specifically, admissions officers want to see you

crush the SAT and ACT

– you know, the two tests you've heard enough times to commit them to long-term memory.

Do colleges really look at essays?

Usually one to two admissions officers read an essay.

Some colleges do not look at essays

. Some colleges will choose only to look at your GPA, Course Rigor and SAT/ACT scores. If you GPA and Test Scores are high enough, they may not feel that and essay is necessary.

What should you not talk about in a college essay?

  • Résumé of your life and achievements. …
  • Sports injury, challenge, or success. …
  • Immigrant story. …
  • Tragedy – death, divorce, abuse. …
  • Working hard in a challenging class. …
  • Someone you admire (a person you know or historical figure) …
  • Volunteer trip.

What do college look at for admissions?

In the US admissions process, colleges and universities take many factors into consideration. 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.

How much do admissions officers make?

Annual Salary Weekly Pay Top Earners $55,000 $1,057 75th Percentile $49,000 $942 Average

$42,247

$812
25th Percentile $37,000 $711

How can college admissions be improved?

If you're dedicated to attending a specific college or university,

sending in an early application around November

is possibly one of the best ways to increase your admission chances. This is because colleges generally admit a much higher percentage of students in their early decision and early action rounds.

What is the most important role of an admissions counselor?

Admissions counselors work

collaboratively the admissions office to review incoming applications

, verify applicant information and materials, and provide assistance in making final approvals for college admission.

Can you lie on college essays?

Don't do this. It's possible that college admissions officers may suspect you're lying, which is a poor reflection on your ethics and morals. … You're the only person with your exact combination of personal qualities, beliefs, values, and experiences, so you

don

‘t need to lie or exaggerate to make your essay unique.

Can I lie about extracurriculars?

Do not exaggerate your level of volunteer, work, or extracurricular experience or the number of weekly hours that you spent engaged in such activities.

Do colleges check your activities?


Don't overstate

your achievements on your college application! … College admissions officers want to know the real you, and can often spot an overhyped version. Plus, if your application is flagged for an extra fact-check your admission will certainly be revoked on the spot.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.