Do college admissions officers really read the entire application?

Hi all, I'm a junior who's starting to feel a bit overwhelmed by the college application process. I've heard that admissions officers have to read thousands of applications each year, so I'm wondering, do they really read every part of each submission? Or do they just skim through and focus on certain sections? Thank you in advance for any help!

Hey there! I completely understand the stress and anxiety that comes with the college application process. My child went through the same journey not too long ago. To answer your question, yes, college admissions officers do read the entire application. Each application is reviewed by one or more admissions officers, and they take their time to understand every applicant's story, background, and potential. Of course, they have to be efficient in their reading due to the sheer volume of applications, but they are well-trained to identify the key elements that make an applicant stand out. Keep in mind that different colleges have their own unique process, but most of them put a lot of emphasis on a holistic review. That means they consider all aspects of your application, including your essays, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and more. So, it's important to put effort into every part of your application to give yourself the best chance of getting noticed. Best of luck with your college journey, and don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions!