Do admissions officers actually read all the essays?

Hi guys, just out of pure curiosity, do colleges have the time to read every single essay they receive? With thousands of applicants, are they really going through all that content in depth? Or do they skim through them? Kind of stressing about how much effort I should put in if it's only going to get a glance!

Hello there! I absolutely understand your concern – writing college essays can be a major source of stress. But rest assured, admissions officers do indeed read each essay they receive. While it might seem overwhelming given the number of applications they go through, reading your essay is an important part of understanding who you are beyond your grades and test scores. It's your chance to speak directly to the admissions committee and share your voice, experiences, and perspective. At some particularly selective schools, multiple readers may review your application and its components. It’s definitely worth investing time and effort into your essays to make them as strong as they can be. Think about it as an opportunity to make a personal connection with the admissions team and stand out from the crowd. Good luck with your writing!