The Truth about Admissions Essays

In an effort to get an inside look at the competitive college admissions process, the New York Times interviewed a panel of admissions deans from Yale University, Pomona College and Lawrence University. When asked whether they really read all the graduate school admissions essays submitted, they gave the following answers:

Bruce Poch, Vice President and Dean of Admissions at Pomona College said yes. He admitted, however, that some colleges use the essays as a tie breaker. He told the Times, “Essays that reflect or amplify the impression of the person created by the application as a whole are read fully and appreciated.”

Steven Syverson, Vice President for Enrollment and the Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Lawrence University also said that they read every single grad school personal statement. “When reading an application, we strive to gain a reasonably complete picture of the student – strengths, achievements, and aspirations, as well any particular challenges they may have overcome.”

When asked whether he reads every single graduate school application essay at Yale University, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions Jeff Brenzel said, “We look at every essay from every applicant, and for students who reach the level of serious consideration, essays may end up being read multiple times.”