Admissions officers

[Anonymous]

Our school hosted a panel with eight AOs, mostly well-known/brand-name schools plus a couple of in-state. They gave the expected answers to questions like, how do you view test scores, using AI in essays, that kind of thing. My big takeaway: the AOs mostly seemed well-meaning but frankly not all that bright. It was like, oh, THIS is who makes these big decisions about my kid? Frankly one that stood out as most impressive was the in-state rep. Anyway, I'm not sure what my point is, it's not like I really thought AOs were a bunch of Harvard MBAs but it was still eye-opening.

[Anonymous]

What did they say or do that makes you question their intelligence or competence?

[Anonymous]

I know an AO at HYPSM who had a 1100 on their SAT and a 2.9 GPA.

[Anonymous]

AI should replace these ASAP.

[Anonymous]

I think they're bright (enough) and professional, but I also think college admissions is all vibes.

It's like one 9th grade English teacher grading one paper (plus clubs, job, etc) .. it says something about the kids work, but it's half the teacher you were assigned to.

[Anonymous]

I’ve noticed that women are overrepresented as AOs, which raises concerns about the evaluation of male applicants.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve noticed that women are overrepresented as AOs, which raises concerns about the evaluation of male applicants.

They’re also overwhelmingly liberal and from non-tech majors. Cater essays accordingly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve noticed that women are overrepresented as AOs, which raises concerns about the evaluation of male applicants.

Based on what? Your deep analysis done during a few college visits? The depth of critical thinking here is really sad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think they're bright (enough) and professional, but I also think college admissions is all vibes.

It's like one 9th grade English teacher grading one paper (plus clubs, job, etc) .. it says something about the kids work, but it's half the teacher you were assigned to.

Lots of biases that are implicit in how they review an applicant

[Anonymous]

Not sure having a bunch of Harvard MBAs in the process would improve things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve noticed that women are overrepresented as AOs, which raises concerns about the evaluation of male applicants.

They’re also overwhelmingly liberal and from non-tech majors. Cater essays accordingly.

YES I have noticed that as well. It's an interesting data point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our school hosted a panel with eight AOs, mostly well-known/brand-name schools plus a couple of in-state. They gave the expected answers to questions like, how do you view test scores, using AI in essays, that kind of thing. My big takeaway: the AOs mostly seemed well-meaning but frankly not all that bright. It was like, oh, THIS is who makes these big decisions about my kid? Frankly one that stood out as most impressive was the in-state rep. Anyway, I'm not sure what my point is, it's not like I really thought AOs were a bunch of Harvard MBAs but it was still eye-opening.

Are you outside DMV ? If so I think we were there too…progressive independent school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve noticed that women are overrepresented as AOs, which raises concerns about the evaluation of male applicants.

They’re also overwhelmingly liberal and from non-tech majors. Cater essays accordingly.

YES I have noticed that as well. It's an interesting data point.

Private college counseling services will always tell you to cater to a mid-20s female liberal or humanities major and Al of her attendant biases…. she is always the first read and will decide whether or not you even move on in the process.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve noticed that women are overrepresented as AOs, which raises concerns about the evaluation of male applicants.

Based on what? Your deep analysis done during a few college visits? The depth of critical thinking here is really sad.

You scan the admissions officers page/profiles of most T20 easily.
Not hard to draw conclusions

[Anonymous]

You're seeing the entry-level AOs, who did the initial reviews. You probably didn't see the senior staff who make the decisions.