Application Reviewer

Conduct full application reviews using Empowerly’s AdCom evaluation rubric

Provide clear academic ratings based on grades, rigor, curriculum progression, and major alignment

Evaluate extracurricular involvement, leadership, impact, and distinction, including recognition in major competitions

Review essays for narrative strength, authenticity, clarity, intellectual vitality, and institutional match

Identify academic inconsistencies (e.g., grade trends, B’s/C’s in core subjects) and address them with tactful, realistic feedback

Apply and clearly explain rating scale distinctions, including high-level academic validation (e.g., national or international recognition)

Deliver actionable recommendations for improvement across academics, activities, and storytelling

Tailor overall application feedback to specific university contexts when applicable

End each review with constructive encouragement and clear next steps for strengthening the application

Complete reviews thoroughly and efficiently (initial reviews may require 30+ minutes)

Maintain integrity by releasing assigned reviews that present a conflict of interest (e.g., reviewing one’s own student)

Monitor the AdCom portal regularly for assigned reviews

Participate in calibration discussions and mock review exercises to ensure consistency across reviewers

Prior experience in undergraduate admissions evaluation (former admissions officer strongly preferred)

Deep understanding of selective college admissions standards and committee evaluation processes

Ability to evaluate academic rigor across varied high school curricula (AP, IB, honors, etc.)

Strong written communication skills with the ability to provide precise, actionable, and tactful feedback

Ability to apply standardized rubrics consistently and explain rating distinctions clearly

Strong time management skills and ability to meet review deadlines

Proactive communication well before key deadlines

Commitment to confidentiality and professional ethics

Former admissions officer at a top 50 national university

Experience evaluating applicants to highly selective institutions (including Ivy League and competitive STEM programs)

Familiarity with national and international academic competitions (e.g., major STEM research competitions, humanities competitions).
* Experience participating in admissions committee discussions and rating calibration