Anybody know whether the Personal Essay or the Supplements are read first?

<p>Hey guys! Just finished up my Common App and Brown Supplements, but of course now it’s revision-time…I was just wondering if anyone knew the process that Brown goes through for assessing their applicant pool? Meaning, in what order do they look at tests scores, Personal Essays, supplements, etc? I know this is probably common knowledge on CC, but I honestly have no-idea. Anyone wanna fill me-in on this? Thanks!</p>

<p>I do not know what order they read the different parts of the application in, but I do know that they will read your whole application no matter what. For example, if they look at your test scores first, and they are less than stellar, they will still finish reading your entire application.</p>

<p>The reviewer will need to review the entire app. So if there is anything missing, they won’t see it at all.</p>

<p>The only anecdotal reports I’ve ever read indicate it is up to the individual reader’s preference.</p>

<p>Thanks Latin4Life, texaspg, and BrownParent for your responses! :)</p>

<p>@BrownParent, so only the readers and not US, the applicants, can decide which order the Personal Essay and Supplements are viewed? I hope I’m understanding you correctly…</p>

<p>And one more general question: Are all the apps read electronically, straight from the Common App Website? I feel like that would make more sense, but I hear a lot about “folders” for applicants, and that confuses me…</p>

<p>I believe the files are read electronically - Here’s an article about it [Apps</a> up, admissions goes digital ? Brown Daily Herald](<a href=“http://www.browndailyherald.com/2010/11/18/apps-up-admissions-goes-digital/]Apps”>Apps up, admissions goes digital - The Brown Daily Herald)</p>

<p>^^ Oh, thanks for that, arwarw; that article was really helpful!</p>

<p>Pretty sure they read them electronically… the reason some people might have “folders” is because some choose to send their recommendations through the regular mail. Plus, art supplements have to be sent in the regular mail most of the time.</p>

<p>The applicant cannot dictate or suggest the order in which the application is read. It is up to each individual reader – and they might even vary it with each application. When I’ve seen application files, the essays are second to last in the pile (alumni interview write ups are last).</p>