Who’s Reading Your College Essays & Why That Matters
by Lan N.
If you’re applying to college, you likely already know that the college essay is an important part of the application. But have you ever wondered: Who’s reading my essay—and why does it matter?
Meet the Readers: Undergraduate Admissions Officers
Admissions officers are trained professionals who work in a college’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions, often with backgrounds in education or counseling. They review applications, including essays, and select students based on criteria set by the college.
The Reader Knows More Than You Think
Admissions officers often cover specific geographic regions, meaning they’re familiar with your school and community. For example, one officer at a small liberal arts college might review applicants from Alaska, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
Knowing this, you can assume your reader has a general sense of your context, so there’s no need to over-explain your background. However, if your experience was unusual for your school, you may want to highlight that in your essay or in the additional information section.
Undergraduate Admissions Officers Are Human, Too
Many colleges share staff bios on their Undergraduate Admissions websites. Look for a page titled something like “Meet the Admissions Staff” to read about the people evaluating your application.
Reading their profiles reminds you they’re human—so they expect to read essays with a personal, human touch. That’s why the main essay is called a personal statement, and why so many experts urge you to “be genuine.” Admissions officers are looking for real connection in your writing.
Writing college essays is hard, but reading them is no easy task either. During peak season, an officer may read 40 essays a day! That leaves only minutes per essay. Your job? Make yours stand out. Your essay should be not just memorable, but also polished. Even a small typo can feel like a pothole to someone reading dozens of essays in a row.
Final Thoughts
Understanding who’s reading your college essay helps you write more effectively. You’re not writing for a faceless committee—you’re writing for a real person, juggling hundreds of applications, trying to learn something unforgettable about you.
