Scenario Two: Role 6. Reader for the Admissions Office

The Admissions Office recruits a collection of readers who have a first look at each received application. These readers typically work on a part-time basis for the university during admissions season. Current practice is to have each application reviewed and scored by at least two readers. The readers receive training for this task; calibrating their scoring of applications is part of the training process.  Over time, readers develop expertise in reviewing application materials efficiently and accurately. Readers believe in the importance of a human reading each application.  Yet they are well aware of the challenges of obtaining an accurate and complete picture of a person from the limited application materials.  Thus, some readers might welcome some form of technology that could provide additional information about an applicant. On the other hand, readers worry that their specialized expertise will be contradicted or made obsolete by AI technology.

As a reader for the university’s Admissions Office, your main points of prioritization include:

  • Representing the interests of readers who rely on this activity as a source of income.
  • Discussing ways that could improve a reader’s ability to evaluate college applications.
  • Describing the importance of having human beings review applications.
  • Describing how automation may or may not be able to help the admissions process.
  • Describing whether and how videos are currently used by other universities for admissions.