Time spent on each application

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have asked that question to several AOs: How long do you take to read a file? The answers ranged from 5 to 10 mins.

I can totally see why that happens. But it’s still hard to imagine that the readers can do anything more than skim the various material: 2 LORs plus counselor recommendation, transcript, test scores, activities and awards list, 2-3 essays, etc.

That’s why this whole “holistic admissions” thing is an obvious, cynical joke. There is zero ability to meaningfully evaluate a person on that timescale, and everyone should just stop pretending otherwise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am an outside temporary reader. I have read apps for 2 T25-ish schools.

I have multiple degrees and lots of relevant experience but am only paid $5 to read and review each app. I spend 2-5 minutes on each college app reading it and making comments.

Help me understand: how does one read 3 essays + 2 recommendations + 1 transcript + 1 college profile + tests/awards/activities info in 2 mins? I am genuinely curious…I read very fast and have multiple degrees too. But there is no way I am capable of doing the above!

NP I’ve thought this for years. No one is actually reading those essays and recommendations. Keep them short and easy to read. Quickly to skim.