One of the most important things to keep in mind when pitching yourself is, ‘who are you pitching yourself to‘? Who are you trying to get to buy? Most students imagine the mysterious folks working in admissions are clever and insightful intellectuals who have studied at elite institutions. This is often not the case. In my last post, I talked about the division between Lifers and Temps.

Lifers typically have not come from the Ivy League, and have not had the same opportunities as many of the applicants. As a result, some Lifers may become bitter over students who brag about their Safari through Africa over vacation in their personal essay, or who list that both their parents are partners in a law firm. They become much more excited by students who don’t come from privilege, and still manage to forge exciting opportunities. In fact, it is my opinion that even the privileged love to root for the underdog.

Temps, although they will have often graduated from the same school as they are employed, have very little experience. As a result, they do not have a good sense of the overall applicant pool. Temps will often weigh grades and test scores very heavily, if only due to their own insecurity about their decision making. However, the other major factor they will unconsciously be drawn to is likability. They won’t want to see applicants who seem spoiled from privilege. Temps are looking for friends, people who they would be excited to meet on the campus. This emotional element is often overlooked.