What Order Do Admissions Officers Read Applications?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,
  • Step 1: Screen and Sort.
  • Step 2: Individual Reads.
  • Step 3: Committee.
  • Step 4: Final Decision.

What order do colleges look at applications?

In the US 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 .

Do admissions officers read essays in order?


Admissions officers tell us they read every essay

. The number of reviewers reading the essays vary from school to school.

Do colleges read applications in alphabetical order?

College application readers

At larger universities, first readers can be part-time staff, hired specifically for that purpose (

usually applications are read in alphabetical groups

in this situation). Others are specialists in particular majors or subgroups of students (international students, for example).

Does your regional admissions officer read your application?

3. Your regional admissions officer

receives the pile and reviews your school profile

. I have been fortunate enough to read applications from around the world. … There are too many high schools for college admission officers to be familiar with each of them.

Do colleges reject overqualified students?

Colleges that are traditional safeties for students who are really hoping to get into more competitive top-tier schools

sometimes reject or waitlist candidates

that they believe are not serious about attending.

What is the most important factor in college admissions?


Courses and grades


A student's grades in college-preparatory classes

remain the most significant factor in college admission decisions. Highly selective colleges look for students who: Complete core academic requirements.

What are admissions officers looking 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.

How fast do admissions officers read essays?

Your application is read quickly

Admissions officers will often

average less than 15 minutes

to assess your entire application.

Do admissions Officers remember essays?

The person who reads your application in a college admissions office might be a dedicated admissions officer, a faculty member, or a student or part-time essay reader. They are

reading your essay in

the context of your application overall.

Can I have 2 common app accounts?

You

may not create more than one account of each type

. You may only create one (1) First Year account and one (1) Transfer account since the system will not allow duplicate accounts.

How long do admissions officers read applications?

College admissions officers are now spending less time reviewing . Admissions officers working in teams of two used to spend 12-15 minutes with an application, but currently spend just

four to six minutes per application

!

Do colleges review applications as they come in?

You might think that applications are read as soon as they get sorted, but this is not typically the case. Because many schools use a holistic review process,

schools usually wait until all application materials are received before reviewing

your application.

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.

How can I impress an admissions officer?

  1. Be Prepared. Research the school beforehand. …
  2. First Impressions Count. If you have an interview with an admissions officer, make their impression of you memorable. …
  3. Take Academic Studies Seriously. …
  4. Demonstrate Problem Solving. …
  5. Highlight Your Uniqueness And Passions.

Do admissions officers call counselors?

It is considered common practice for colleges to send representatives to high schools to meet with students and counselors.

Admissions will often contact high school college counselors

to give them information about their institution.

Juan Martinez
Author
Juan Martinez
Juan Martinez is a journalism professor and experienced writer. With a passion for communication and education, Juan has taught students from all over the world. He is an expert in language and writing, and has written for various blogs and magazines.