With this information fresh in their minds, readers start evaluating applications shortly before spring semester begins. In the remaining seven cases, the file goes to a senior reader for a third opinion. Team leaders meet frequently to cull applications that illustrate problems or important issues. Once actual reading has begun, readers and faculty representatives tackle Burnett's instructive examples at the norming sessions which occur weekly throughout the reading period. The process is too important to the students and the campus to make them optional.
Readers find the sessions valuable.
Becoming reacquainted with the norming and other readers' perspectives brings me back to center. When scores are tallied and they appear on the board, closely clustered, it reassures me that I'm on the right track. And that this daunting task is do-able. Faculty members take part in the lively dialogue. Participating faculty also experience first-hand the complexity of the admissions process.