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I can’t speak for all schools, but we read everything. Sometimes it’s hard to get through them when you know that a great essay isn’t going to make the applicant competitive in your pool, but they’re often quite enjoyable (when you aren’t reading your 1000th essay about The Kite Runner). </p>
<p>I’ve been reading since 7 AM this morning, took an hour break to take CavDog out for some playtime and get a bite to eat, and expect to be sitting in this spot reading until midnight. This is the routine for most days during reading season. </p>
<p>FWIW, I’ve never heard anyone use the term DDI. The author doesn’t say where it came from, but my suspicion is that one of the many officers he interviewed used the term and he decided it was common.</p>
<p>I don’t question all great essays. I’ve found myself questioning great essays that aren’t accompanied by any hint (in recs or ECs) of the student being a good writer elsewhere.</p>