Summary

In this blog article, we explore insights from admissions officers on various aspects of the college application process. The discussion covers the holistic nature of admissions, the importance of authenticity in essays, the value of diverse experiences, and the impact of recommendation letters. Additionally, we delve into how institutions like UC Berkeley and USC approach applications differently, the role of context in evaluating out-of-state applicants, and how admissions officers discern between genuine and overly coached or AI-generated essays. By the end of this article, readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of what admissions officers look for and how to present their most authentic selves in their applications.

Guest Speakers

Andy Nguyen: With over six years of experience in higher education, Andy has worked at public and private institutions. In his past role as Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at the University of Southern California, Andy sat on the Multicultural Recruitment Committee and designed programming for first-generation and historically minoritized students. Andy serves as both the Senior Assistant Director of Admissions and the Transfer Evaluation Manager at the University of California, Berkeley. Overall, he has read well over 10,000 applications and is confident that the next generation of leaders will earn an education.

‍Feiyang Liu (Moderator): Feiyang graduated from UCLA in 2017 and earned a Master's in Education from USC in 2024. With four years of experience in admissions and student services at UC Berkeley, Fei founded Your Epic Consulting in 2023. This venture transforms the college admissions journey by prioritizing authenticity over college-pleasing, ensuring students thrive in college and beyond without compromising their true selves.

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Moderated Q&A

Admissions Officers' Insights:

Feiyang: How would you describe your work as an admissions officer in your own words? What is the most important thing you wish students and parents understood about the admissions process that they often don't realize?

Andy: Thank you, Feiyang, and thanks to Jeffrey and the entire Helivox team for having me here today. I'm excited for our conversation.

When I first started in admissions, I thought the job was mainly about getting enough great students to apply to the school I was working for. Now, six years later, I see it differently. My focus has shifted to how I can benefit students as a whole. As a first-generation college student and Pell Grant recipient, I didn't know much about the college process. Now, I aim to be the person I needed when I was younger. My goal is to provide students with the information they need to earn their college degree, regardless of the school they choose. Expanding access to education in a fair and holistic manner is crucial.

I wish families and students understood that college admissions are more than just academics. When we say the process is holistic, it means we're looking at more than just your GPA or test scores. We consider your unique experiences and how they’ve shaped you. For instance, there's no significant difference between a 3.9 GPA and a 3.8 GPA, or a 1500 SAT score and a 1420 SAT score. These numbers don't define you, and we look at your application as a whole.

In essence, admissions work is about seeing students as more than just numbers. We value your experiences and who you want to become. Thank you for listening, and I hope this helps you understand the admissions process better.

Essay Writing and Standing Out:

F: In your view as an admissions officer, what does a standout essay or applicant look like to you? What words or qualities come to mind when you read an exceptional essay?

A: That's a great question, Feiyang. When it comes to admissions essays, there's not a specific word or phrase I'm looking for. It's not about fitting into a prescribed guideline or criteria. Instead, I'm trying to interpret what the student is trying to convey.

Let me share an example that really stood out to me over the years. A student wrote about their first time flying back to India. They were so terrified that they passed out on the plane. Upon returning to the States, they decided to confront their fear head-on by taking flying lessons. They described how overcoming this fear gave them the confidence to handle other challenges, like difficult exams, with ease.

This story was powerful because it showed how the student faced a major fear and connected that experience to their future challenges. It wasn't about having a traumatic experience but rather sharing a meaningful story that reveals more about their character and resilience.

Many essays simply recount a student’s life story without much depth—where they were born, where they moved, and so on. These don't tell us much about the student. Instead, I advise students to share an impactful story of their life, not a chronological life story.

What's important is self-efficacy—understanding the purpose behind their actions and seeing the bigger picture. When a student recognizes this, it shows they’re not just focused on short-term goals but also on their long-term journey. Taking shortcuts in studying or life isn’t what we look for in applicants. So, instead of giving us your entire autobiography, share an experience that highlights your growth and how it will help you in the future.

When you're at home brainstorming and outlining your essay, focus on moments or situations that have a silver lining or a lesson that is applicable and transferable to college. Admissions officers want to understand why you are sharing a particular story and how it will help you in the future.

Consider how the experiences you describe will help you persevere through college. This approach is often more interesting for the reader and provides deeper insight into who you are and how you handle challenges.

I hope this helps clarify what we're looking for in essays.

Authenticity in Applications:

F: Can you provide examples of "college pleasing" that you often see in applications and share your recommendations on how applicants can avoid this and showcase their authentic selves?

Editor's note: the concept of college pleasing refers to when students prioritize perceived college expectations over their authentic self-expression and values. They shape their identities to fit assumed norms of admissions officers, seeking approval from prestigious institutions.

A: That's another great question, Feiyang. The term "college pleasing" is interesting to me. Often, I see this in responses to short answer questions like "Why this university?" Students will say things like, "The school is located in the Bay Area or LA, and there are lots of opportunities there," or "I went on an admissions tour and loved it," or "I met a student and a professor who inspired me." These responses seem to be more about demonstrating interest than anything else.

While some schools do track demonstrated interest, many don't. By submitting an application, you're already demonstrating interest. Instead of focusing on demonstrated interest, think about demonstrating understanding. Explain why you want to attend a particular school for specific reasons (A, B, and C) and how those reasons will help you achieve your goals (X, Y, and Z). This shows that you've done your research, understand the resources and opportunities available, and have a genuine interest in the program.

For example, there's no significant difference in studying engineering at UCLA versus Vanderbilt in terms of the basics. What differentiates the schools are their resources and opportunities. By connecting your goals with what the school offers, you show a genuine passion and plans beyond your four years at the university. This authenticity is crucial.

Applying to a major just because it's popular or because your friends are doing it will come across as inauthentic. You should apply to the program that genuinely interests you.

Applicants can't really game the system. You might have a 4.0 GPA and be president of the Robotics Club, but if you're applying to a major like English or Literature just because it's easier to get into, it will be clear if you're not genuinely interested. Conversely, a student with a 3.3 or 3.4 GPA who can articulate why they want to study a particular major, how it will help them in the future, and what specific resources the program offers will stand out more. Authenticity and genuine interest are key.

Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars:

F: Are there particular types of extracurricular activities or leadership roles that tend to resonate more with the admissions committee? How can students effectively highlight these in their applications?

A: I understand why students feel the need to have a long list of extracurricular activities, thinking they need to be well-rounded and involved in various clubs, sports, and community service. If you're genuinely interested in all these activities, that's great. But when I review applications, I'm not looking for the longest list of extracurriculars or the student with the most titles. It's not about being president of this or vice president of that.

Leadership can be demonstrated in many ways, and it doesn't always require a formal title. For example, I love when students talk about their familial responsibilities, like helping their grandparents, taking care of siblings, or assisting in the family business. These roles can show more leadership and initiative than being president of a club. Balancing family responsibilities with being a great student is impressive and speaks volumes about a student's character.

To effectively highlight these responsibilities in your application, simply talk about them. The Common App allows you to describe your activities, but it can be limiting with only about 40 words per activity. If you feel restricted, consider asking the college if you can provide a resume. If you don't have a resume yet, that's okay—you're still young.

The key is to show passion and consistency in your activities rather than having a lengthy list. Admissions officers value depth and genuine interest over the quantity of activities.

I'd like to add something that ties in with the first question about what I wish parents and students knew. Universities are building and shaping a class that is more than just numbers and not a cookie-cutter applicant. We're emphasizing the importance of diversity, which encompasses more than just race and ethnicity. It includes geographic diversity, socioeconomic background, cultural background, and lived experiences. These aspects are just as important as academic achievements.

The educational benefits of diversity are undeniable. Research shows that when students from different walks of life and backgrounds come together, they grow academically, but more importantly, they grow professionally and personally. Families and students need to understand that we're shaping a class, and admissions decisions are never personal or based solely on numbers.

Insights from Different Institutions:

F: What are the key insights or lessons you've learned from transitioning from reading applications at USC (a large private university) to UC Berkeley (an even larger public university)?

A: Thank you for the question. The key difference that comes to mind right away is eligibility. For UC Berkeley, you first need to be eligible for admission. If you're a California resident, you must have completed your A through G requirements and have at least a 3.0 GPA. For non-residents, you need a 3.4 GPA along with the same A through G requirements, which includes specific years of English, math, and foreign language.

Once eligibility is met, the process becomes more holistic. It would be easy if we could just focus on GPA, but that's not the case. At both USC and UC Berkeley, we look at the whole application. My job is rewarding because I get to read essays and short answer questions, which are the parts of the application students have complete control over. Through these, we learn about your fears, values, strengths, vision, dreams, and motivations.

It's crucial to remember that there's a person behind each application. Students put in hours, weeks, and months to craft their applications, often working with individuals like yourself, Feiyang. We reciprocate that dedication by evaluating each application holistically and contextually, not just as a number.

Additionally, the demographics and population of students at UC Berkeley differ from those at USC. UC Berkeley has a state mandate that 82% of the class must be California residents, whereas USC does not have this requirement. Tuition costs also differ significantly, with USC being much more expensive. These differences impact the types of questions and concerns families and students have at each institution.

So, eligibility is the first key difference, but after that, both schools take great care in evaluating you as an individual, not just a name on paper.

Out-of-State Applicants:

F: How does UC Berkeley approach the review process for out-of-state applicants, and are any specific factors considered for these candidates?

A: To be honest, there's no difference in how we evaluate applications from California residents compared to those from states like Texas or Michigan. For UC Berkeley, the eligibility requirements are the same for everyone, and we look at each application holistically without comparing students from different states against each other.

What's crucial here is the emphasis on context. When I say we evaluate students contextually, it means we consider the unique circumstances and environment of each applicant. For example, if I'm the admissions officer for Michigan, I likely have visited your school, met with your counselors, and understood the neighborhood and environmental context. I look at your school's profile, including the number of AP courses offered, the percentage of students taking APs, and the number of students on free or reduced lunch.

We also use tools like Landscape, which provides data about your neighborhood, such as the percentage of students with limited internet access or those considered low income. This helps us understand your background and evaluate you within that context.

In essence, while the eligibility requirements are consistent, our holistic review process ensures that we consider your individual circumstances. This approach is fair and helps us see beyond just numbers, focusing on your unique story and experiences.

The circumstances a student applies from is never going to make or break an applicant, and there won't ever be a single reason why a student is admitted or denied. That's the nature of holistic admissions review. We consider the totality of who you are in your application, not just one aspect.

Coaching and AI in Essays:

F: In 2024, how can admissions officers distinguish between essays that are overly coached or written with the help of AI? What advice do you give students to approach essay writing more authentically and responsibly?

A: Yeah, I love this question. Let me share a quick story. When ChatGPT really took off, we had a training session at USC where we reviewed student essays and guessed if they were generated by AI or written by the students. I got four out of four correct, so I'm pretty good at recognizing AI-generated content versus a student's own work.

AI-generated essays often lack the human touch and soul, which makes them easy to identify. If you have time, try writing an essay yourself and then ask ChatGPT to write the same prompt. You'll see a significant difference—the AI version lacks the personal, human aspect.

It's funny because if you ask ChatGPT to write about something mundane, it will make it sound overly dramatic, like getting out of bed and going grocery shopping being described as momentous feats. It doesn't sound realistic or like something a real person would say.

Regarding overly coached essays, they can also stand out because they are too polished and well-crafted. While some students naturally write in a polished style, the essays I enjoy most are those that sound like a 16- or 17-year-old wrote them. These essays reflect the student's voice as if they were talking to me or their friends.

It's important for your essay to sound like you, even if it's not perfectly grammatically correct. While it's great to get support from a coach or teacher, it's also okay to sound like a teenager because that's who you are. Just be mindful of basic grammar errors, like using the wrong "your" or "there"—I'll personally notice those!

Live Sample Essay Feedback from Andy (Video)

Sample UC PIQ for Nick Liu

"I often reflect on my journey in the early morning light. Born and raised in the vibrant heart of San Francisco, I've navigated a multicultural landscape deeply rooted in my Chinese-American heritage. My life has been a balance of honoring my family’s traditions while carving out my path in a rapidly changing world.

My parents, immigrants who started with nothing, taught me the values of hard work and perseverance. My father built a small business from scratch, and my mother worked long hours as a nurse to provide for my sister and me. Their sacrifices have been a silent force pushing me forward, and facing my challenges has made me genuinely appreciate their resilience.

High school was a unique challenge. As someone passionate about technology, I often felt like I needed to be in sync with the traditional educational framework. My love for coding and robotics set me apart, and I frequently felt misunderstood. Instead of retreating, I founded my school’s first Robotics Club. Through countless late nights debugging code and assembling circuits, I discovered a community that celebrated innovation and creativity. Leading this club taught me the importance of perseverance, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

My Chinese heritage has always been a guiding force. My parents ensured I stayed connected to my roots through home-schooling and weekend Chinese school. These experiences made me proud of my cultural identity and drove me to honor my family's sacrifices by achieving my best.

Standing at the threshold of this next chapter, I am filled with a sense of purpose and excitement. I envision a future where I leverage my computer science skills to solve real-world problems. I am eager to immerse myself in a rigorous academic environment, collaborate with brilliant minds, and contribute to groundbreaking research.

In conclusion, my journey has been a testament to resilience, community, and the pursuit of passion. My diverse experiences have prepared me to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead. My background and unwavering determination will enable me to thrive and make a meaningful impact."

Student-Led Q&A Session

Do you recommend the personal statement essay to be related to your major specifically?

A: No, I don't think it needs to be. Thanks for the question, Jeffrey and Chris. Your personal statement doesn't have to be about your major, especially if you're not deeply defined by it. If you're not fundamentally an engineer, computer scientist, or data scientist, then writing about how you want to study those fields won't reveal much about who you are.

I want to know who you are at your core. If your major doesn't define you, then your personal statement shouldn't be focused on it. Your personal statement should reflect the essence of who you are. Sometimes, your academic interests don't fully capture your identity, and that's perfectly fine. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide the focus of your essay.

If someone has lived in-state for years, like from grades one through twelve, but does not hold permanent residency or citizenship, is the student viewed as in-state or as an international student by the admissions officer?

A: That's a solid question, Julia. The answer varies by institution. For a public school like UC Berkeley, if you can establish California residency—which generally means living in the state for around two years and having documentation like a utility bill or rental agreement—then you would be considered an in-state resident.

However, at a private school like USC, it doesn't matter how long you've lived in California. If you're not a permanent resident or US citizen, you will be viewed as an international applicant. California residency status doesn't influence your application at USC; it's all about your citizenship status.

So, it depends on the institution. When applying to schools, make sure you understand their specific policies and requirements. You don't want to assume you're considered a California resident at a school like UC Berkeley or USC only to find out you're actually an international applicant. California residency and US citizenship status are distinct and treated differently by various schools.

What are you looking for in our approach to the personal statement, and where can we find inspiration for our essays?

A: Great question, Jonathan. When approaching your personal statement, it's important to infuse your personality into your essay. Including humor, if that's part of who you are, can make your essay more engaging and authentic. There is no perfect essay, but there are wrong ones. Sit down and brainstorm four or five significant experiences or situations. Reflect on what you learned from these experiences, what you gained, and how these lessons are applicable to college.

For example, if you overcame a fear of public speaking, explain how this will help you in college. You might write about standing in front of 500 people for a debate and how this built your presentation skills, which will be valuable in college. Discussing concrete experiences and how they prepared you for college is key. It's not enough to simply list achievements; you need to tie them to your future college experience.

For inspiration, you don't need to look at specific books or authors. Inspiration can come from the world around you and your own life experiences. It's about finding meaning in both small and significant moments. Outline and brainstorm to identify chapters of your life that epitomize who you are. Focus on these chapters in-depth rather than trying to condense your entire life story into 500 words.

Look internally for inspiration. Confront moments that made you uncomfortable and share them to the extent you're comfortable. Your essay should have substance and go beyond surface-level information. I hope this helps, Jonathan.

How important are recommendation letters when applying to schools, and does it matter which grade you had the teacher in?

A: The grade level of the teacher who writes your recommendation letter doesn't really matter. What's more important is choosing a teacher or counselor who knows you well and can speak to more than just your academic performance. For example, if you're applying to study physics, your recommendation letter doesn't necessarily have to come from your physics teacher.

I read recommendation letters all the time, and often they mention that a student did well in exams, completed homework on time, and attended classes regularly. These are things I can already infer from looking at your transcript. What makes a recommendation letter impactful is when it provides additional insights that aren't evident from grades alone.

For instance, a good recommendation might highlight how you helped other students, consistently asked insightful questions, or demonstrated leadership in the classroom. These details give us a fuller picture of who you are beyond just your academic performance.

So, the impact of a recommendation letter lies in its ability to add new and meaningful information about you as an individual. Choose someone who can speak to your character, your contributions in class, and your overall growth.

How much do the prompts matter for your Common App essays? Should we try to tailor our essays specifically to answer the prompt?

A: Great question. First and foremost, you should always answer the prompt. There's no right or wrong prompt to choose, but it's important to select one that allows you to showcase who you are. Some prompts are more open-ended, allowing you to share an essay you've already written. While this might seem like an easy option, it often doesn't reveal much about you as an individual.

For example, students sometimes submit a history paper about Christopher Columbus instead of a personal essay. While the paper might have earned an A in class, it doesn't help us learn about you. The Common App prompts are designed to get at the core of who you are. They ask, "Who are you?" and seek to understand your personality, values, and experiences.

Even if a prompt allows you to share a research topic, make sure it ties back to you and your personal journey. An essay about a niche research topic might be impressive in a vacuum, but it won’t provide much insight into your character or personal growth.

In summary, always answer the prompt and choose one that helps you reveal who you are. Avoid simply repurposing an academic paper that doesn't offer personal insights. I hope that answers your question.

What do you recommend writing about for those who haven't had anything major, traumatic, or impactful?

A: You don't need to have a traumatic experience to write a compelling essay. You definitely have impactful experiences, whether they seem small or big. These moments shape your outlook on life, how you view yourself, why you're applying to a particular major or school, and why you want to go to college.

Think about why you're applying to certain schools or programs. Why is college important to you? These are impactful moments that can help you answer these questions. Even if you haven't had traumatic experiences, you've certainly had meaningful and impactful ones. It's just a matter of sitting down and reflecting on them.

If you're struggling to identify these moments, talk to your family and friends. They know you best and can help you uncover significant experiences and insights about yourself. Remember, impactful doesn't mean dramatic; it means meaningful and formative.

Is it okay to submit the same essay to multiple schools?

A: Absolutely, you can submit the same essay to multiple schools, especially when using the Common App or the UC application, which both require a common essay. However, make sure to tailor your essay appropriately. A common mistake students make is leaving the name of one school in an essay submitted to another. This oversight can suggest a lack of attention to detail and isn't a good look.

While I personally don't hold it against students, some schools might. It's important to be meticulous with your application since this is one of the most significant tasks you'll undertake. Always double-check to ensure you're not mentioning the wrong institution in your essays.

Additionally, avoid using generic or inappropriate content in your essays. For instance, claiming to be an entrepreneur simply because you resell sneakers might not come across as genuine. Focus on experiences and attributes that truly represent who you are and align with what you want to convey to the admissions committee.

So, while it's fine to use the same essay for multiple schools, make sure each submission is accurate and reflective of your best work.

What's something unique about your schools and something only a student at your respective schools would know?

A: Many schools, like NYU, UCLA, USC, Michigan, and Berkeley, share similarities—they're all elite, highly selective institutions. The unique aspects often lie in the specific programs and opportunities they offer. For instance, engineering programs might be similar across schools like Vanderbilt and Michigan, but the resources and opportunities available to students can differ significantly.

One key factor to consider is whether you can conduct research as an undergraduate. Some schools restrict research opportunities to graduate students, while others allow undergraduates to get hands-on experience. This is crucial if you want to build your resume and gain practical experience that will help you secure a job after graduation.

So, when evaluating schools, focus on the unique opportunities and resources they offer within your program of interest. Research these aspects thoroughly to find the best fit for your academic and career goals.

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Conclusion

This fireside chat with Andy emphasized the importance of authenticity, self-efficacy, and understanding the holistic nature of the college admissions process. By focusing on genuine experiences, personal growth, and clear motivations, students can create compelling applications that stand out. The insights shared by Andy highlight that it's not about being perfect but about being as authentic and reflective as possible. As you continue your college admissions journey, remember to stay true to yourself, embrace your unique experiences, and confidently share your story with the world.