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After spending time on these boards, we were all ready to take a photo of my son and now we see that the college he's applying ED to doesn't seem to ask for one. Is it assumed that everyone sends one anyway? Or are all the people on these boards talking about colleges that specifically request a photo?

By Roger (Roger) on Friday, September 28, 2001 - 09:56 am: Edit

I would say that most applicants don't send a photo unless it is specifically requested. Relatively few colleges request one these days, and it's surprising to me that any do - it seems to further open the door for claims of discrimination. (Photos of applicants for most forms of employment, for example, are considered to be far too risky for hiring companies to request or take them.) Of course, many colleges would readily acknowledge that they do "discriminate" in order to meet diversity objectives, etc.

If the school requests it, of course, include a photo. Make it a good one - you don't want to create any subconscious prejudices by including a photo that is a turn-off. Plus, you never know where it might end up. Back in my undergrad application days, I included the requested "passport sized photo" which was, in fact, a copy of my passport photo. It resembled what you might see on the post office bulletin board, only without numbers. This photo ended up in the freshman "face book", next to yearbook photos and professional portraits. Ugh!

If the school doesn't request a photo, I probably wouldn't include one unless you think it will enhance the app in some way. Dave Berry, the admissions expert who often posts here, usually encourages sending additional items, but only if they really help tell what makes the applicant unique.

By Comp6 on Tuesday, June 04, 2002 - 07:14 pm: Edit

Yes, it is surprising that any colleges would want you to submit a photo, particularly with the overall political correctness atmosphere . I only know of one school that requires a photo at all: Claremont McKenna College.

By Dadster on Wednesday, June 05, 2002 - 10:05 pm: Edit

Some schools collect a photo early, perhaps with the objective of compiling their freshman "face book" in a timely manner. Since most colleges seem to err on the side of admitting students of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, the objections to a photo are no doubt a lot fewer than in, say, and employment situation.