问题：I would like to ask how long time do you always spent on reading one master applicant’s documents? What is the usual order if several essays are handed(CV, RL,statement)?And, for if a document is not so good, might you just skip his/her other essays? Thank you so much!!

回答：

I think about 20-30 minutes is “normal”. But I have to stress, this varies a lot from school-to-school. It’s the middle-ranking applications that take the most time. They create debate, there might be discussions; more people will read them in order to try to make the decision.

But you’re right – it all really varies based on the quality of the application. Some are so brilliant, it’s obvious the candidate should be admitted (or the opposite). And yes, sometimes all it takes is one document to give that impression.

Sometimes it’s not even time that matters. It’s about quality of attention: How much care does the admissions officer take over the review. This is affected by so many different factors from the individual to the institution. It’s impossible to predict.

Usual order of reading varies tremendously. There is no usual order. Perhaps most people would look at the resume first?

So, since the quality of one document will likely influence attention and focus on subsequent documents, and you don’t know where they will start, you just need to approach each document with the possibility that it could be the first reviewed and with the goal of enticing the reader.

The best thing for you to remember is that all those things I’ve mentioned, and everything you’ve asked in your question are factors outside your influence. It is a really good idea not to think about stuff you can’t change. Instead, use all your attention and intellect to focus hard on the things that are inside your influence.