<p>So, admissions officers at schools like Williams (and really all other extremely competitive schools) are supposedly experts in analyzing and understanding their applicants and applicants' applications (haha). I believe that a certain degree of desire, or the lack thereof, is reflected in the application to really any school--the problem is whether or not the school sees it. Can such a thing play into an admissions decision? I certainly think so. I would like to believe that Williams, of all places, tries to match who you are to who they are, and if you express that idea of chemistry strongly (amongst other things), it can impact your result. Is this a deluded concept? Does race, representation, income, legacy, or some other set of factors outdo this genuine...ness? Thoughts?</p>
<p>etre:</p>
<p>Stress is a byproduct for the applicant during the admissions process. From gained observations, admissions officers do not select applicants, they select classes, such as the class of 2012. </p>
<p>There a number of competing factors besides the term desire or the other attributes which you have enumerated which enters into consideration of each applicant towards their goal, the class. The process conforms mutually between the school's interests and the prospective student's profile.</p>
<p>There is nothing delusional about the admissions department responsibilities other than the challenge of greeting a great new class for its coming academic year.</p>
<p>Best wishes and much success.</p>