WP: What College Admissions Officers Say They Want in a Candidate



Students rejoice! Nearly 20 college admissions officers told the Washington Post's On Parenting section what they are actually looking for in the candidates they screen.

A common theme? Letting your personality shine through in the essay. This should come as no surprise since I work with many of you on this exact idea. For example:

  • "When you write your college essay, use your authentic voice. If you’re a serious person, write your essay with a serious voice. If you’re a funny person, be funny. If you’re not a funny person, your college essay might not be the best place to try on that funny writer voice for the first time". - Ken Anselment, Lawrence University dean of admissions and financial aid

  • "I look for beautiful, clear writing that comes to life on the essay page and offers insight into the character and personality of the student. Beware of being someone you are not in the essay. Beware of outside influence. Editing by adults or professionals often removes the very elements that admissions officers seek". - Martha Blevins Allman, Wake Forest University dean of admissions

The admissions officers also revealed that they look for well-rounded academics, proof of overcoming obstacles, and awareness and contributions to the world around you. Some favorite excerpts:

  • Students should self-advocate by being in contact with a specific representative within the office of admissions. This is one skill that will continue to serve students, not just in college planning but also through navigating their educational journey.

  • We want to enroll students who will contribute to the life of the campus, so we are eager to see how you have contributed to your high school community or the community in which you live.

  • It is a pet peeve when we see an anomaly in grades and the student never addresses this. Tell us what happened and how you turned it around. This is a great way for us to see how you respond to setbacks.

  • I would rather a student tell me about the handful of clubs and activities they have been involved with and excelled in, rather than an exhaustive list of clubs they that they feigned interest in, kind-of-sort-of-one-day. This leaves students with little time to flourish in any one organization, or worse, they suffer academically due to over-involvement.



Have a read -- I hope you enjoy as much as I did!

Joseph D. Korfmacher

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