Who is actually reading our college application essays?

Great question—knowing your audience is a helpful way to tailor your writing!

For most colleges, your essay is read first by an admissions officer on the team assigned to your region (sometimes called a regional reader). At larger or more selective schools, your application will usually be read by at least two different admissions officers, and sometimes it goes to a committee for further discussion, especially when an applicant is on the edge of the admit/waitlist/deny line.

Who are these admissions officers? At many colleges, the admissions staff is a mix of people—some are recent graduates in their 20s, while others are career admissions professionals who might be in their 30s, 40s, or beyond. Some offices hire seasonal readers, who could be alumni, former teachers, or other experienced readers from the community. The diversity of readers can give helpful context. For example, at very large universities, it's common to have a wider mix (recent grads, mid-career staff, and sometimes outside help during peak season), while at small liberal arts colleges, the staff might be smaller and more personally invested, but still varied in background and age.

At ultra-competitive schools (think: Ivies, Stanford, MIT), your essay may be reviewed by several staffers and, if you make it past first-round review, could be brought up in committee, where a group discusses applicants as a team. At less selective colleges, your entire application might be read by a single admissions officer.

To sum up: your audience is primarily professional admissions staff, often with a genuine interest in high school students, education, and diversity. They read thousands of essays, are familiar with teenagers' voices, and appreciate authenticity and clear storytelling. Rather than aiming your writing at a peer or a much older adult, imagine writing to a friendly, thoughtful professional who wants to get to know the unique you.

Example: If you write about a quirky hobby, don't worry if it's not 'cool' or 'prestigious'—these readers genuinely want to see your personality shine through. That authenticity often makes an essay memorable for them.