<p>To offer a counterpoint, I’d like to point out to a video link that was posted here a few weeks ago. It was taped at Lexington High School (MA) and had an extensive table presentations from admissions’ bosses from Boston, including Harvard, MIT, and Tufts, as well as UM at Amherst. While nothing really meaningful was offered --at least to the CC crowd-- Harvard’s Fitz spent much time discussing the PROCESS of evaluating the applications and the necessary readers who are involved. Fwiw, this group also spent much time answering the pointed and valid questions with the usual touring adcom drivel. </p>
<p>As far as the percentage discussed in this thread, I would not be surprised that the primary cut that separates the “maybes” from the “hell no” does NOT require an extensive look at the essays, or at least nothing more than a cursory (and probably bored) perusal.</p>
<p>As far as making a difference, based on the CC sample, I would be floored if 14 percent of the essays submitted are even worth reading. You got to feel for those poor readers!</p>