Admissions officers read 35,000 applications annually, making decisions on each one individually.
Geographically assigned officers provide area expertise, using outside reading to ensure holistic application review process.
Deep dives
Transparency in the Admissions Process
The podcast aims to demystify the college admissions process, offering insight into the inner workings of the Yale Admissions Office. By providing transparency through the podcast, the hosts want to dispel the notion of a secretive or mysterious admissions process. They emphasize the importance of showcasing the real work that goes on in the office, aiming to help applicants, parents, and the public better understand selective college admissions.
Reading Applications and Regional Expertise
The podcast delves into the detailed process of reading applications based on geography, where each admissions officer is responsible for a specific region. This approach allows for area expertise and a deeper understanding of applicants' backgrounds. The concept of outside reading or second reading by colleagues with various expertise is highlighted, showcasing a holistic review process and the importance of multiple perspectives in evaluating applications.
Rating Applications and Committee Process
The discussion on rating applications focuses on their role as indicators rather than definitive scores, used to evaluate strengths within files and guide discussions during the admissions committee process. The committee process is portrayed as the critical stage where comprehensive evaluations are made, incorporating multiple opinions and ensuring a fair and thorough review of each applicant. The podcast sets the stage for a deeper dive into the committee room process in future episodes.
Hannah and Mark discuss how officers read applications, make notes, confer with colleagues, and prepare to present applicants to the Admissions Committee. Every year officers read more than 35,000 applications cover to cover and collectively make admissions decisions on each one. Admissions Officers Julian and John join as guests to discuss their strategies for reading and ratings files.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode