<p>Do college apps ask for photos?</p>
<p>some of them do (like georgetown or boston u) but they are almost always optional. You can put it in if you want, but it is not required in any way. Adcoms just like photos so they can place a face to who’s app they’re reading. (or for some underhanded reason that they haven’t disclosed, who knows)</p>
<p>It’s because they like to have a clear target for their elite secret squad of alumni to spy on.</p>
<p>The OP may be wondering if they use the photo to determine the applicant’s race. It’s possible, but it can be difficult to be certain about a person’s race from a typical photo.</p>
<p>Columbia asks for one. I think it’s just so they can put a face to the application. Nothing sneaky.</p>