Do colleges actually read every essay?

The truth is, yes—at most colleges, especially selective ones, admissions officers really do read every essay that is submitted. Every application is reviewed by at least one person, and sometimes more than one if your file is borderline, unique, or if they use a committee system. Your essay is a critical component of your application, especially at schools that say they emphasize holistic review. At many institutions, test scores and grades get you in the door, but your essays (and letters of recommendation, activities, etc.) play a big role in differentiating you from other applicants.

However, how carefully an essay is read can sometimes depend on context. For example, if your grades or scores are much lower than a school’s typical admitted class and there isn’t a big "hook" (like a recruited athlete or a child of a donor), your application might still receive a skim rather than an in-depth read—just to verify if there’s something exceptionally compelling. On the flip side, if your numbers are strong, but so are thousands of others', admissions readers often rely heavily on essays to help make final decisions.

Some schools (especially those with massive applicant pools) do process applications quickly. Still, most use detailed rubrics and will at least give your essay a thorough glance to assess your writing, personality, and fit for the campus. For example, at highly selective private colleges or many state honors programs, essays can make the difference between acceptance and waitlist, so they're read carefully—sometimes by several committee members.

You can also research specific colleges' admissions processes. Some universities, like the University of California system, directly state that every application is read by at least two people. Some admissions officers even share stories online or in panels about memorable essays, both great and not-so-great, showing that individual stories absolutely get noticed.

Here’s a real example: an applicant wrote about making bread with their grandmother and, surprisingly, that heartfelt narrative became a talking point in their alumni interview. Admissions staff had brought it up in their file. Details like this show that genuine, well-written essays *are* read and remembered.

So, while it can feel frustrating to spend so much time on essays, know that your words are actually reaching real people, and in many cases, they’re what help you stand out. Your dream school probably means it when they say essays matter, so it’s worth your effort.