Essays on 'Personal Experiences' Required of All College Applicants

All admissions applicants will write a 500 word essay under a new procedure starting this year, Director of Admissions Wilbur J. Bender '27 announced yesterday.

The admissions candidates will write an essay--in their handwriting--on a personal experience "which you feel has been significant for your education."

Formerly only scholarship applicants had to write 500 word papers as part of the application.

Get Some Insight

"In the past we've had the admissions folder and the College Board results, but we haven't been able to find out what kind of person an applicant is. We think we can get some insight from these essays," Bender said.

"We're not sure that this will help, but in the current situation, where we have a surplus of applications, it might be an aid. It might help in the area where we could accept practically all of the candidates," Bender added.

Only about 20 to 30 percent of the applicants come to University Hall for personal interviews, although some alumni member tries to contact each candidate.