Evaluate first-year undergraduate applications by reviewing transcripts, essays, and recommendation letters. Apply institutional priorities to assess academic and personal credentials in a competitive environment.
Requirements summary
Requires a Bachelor's degree and strong computer skills with the ability to work independently and maintain strict confidentiality. Candidates cannot be parents of high school seniors or current college admission professionals.
bachelor degreeAttention To DetailTime ManagementConfidentialityAdaptabilityComputer SkillsDiscretionSound JudgmentApplication Review
Job description
Cornell University’s College of Arts and Sciences (Ithaca, NY) is seeking temporary seasonal admissions readers for the 2026-2027 undergraduate admissions season.
Seasonal readers will be trained by the College of Arts & Sciences admissions staff to evaluate first-year applications, including the review of high school transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, and other application components.
The admissions review is comprehensive, taking into consideration each applicant's academic, extracurricular, and personal credentials within the context of a highly competitive admissions environment.
Seasonal readers are expected to commit to a minimum of 8-10 hours per week during Early Decision application review (October to early December 2026) and 20-25 hours per week during Regular Decision application review (January through early March 2027).
Readers will review an average of 4-5 applications per hour during Regular Decision.
Training and work will be primarily conducted remotely via Zoom/phone.
All applications are read online.
Candidates must have a recent computer (preferably fewer than 5 years old) with a reliable, high-speed internet connection, and must have access to a private, secure location in which to work.
We cannot consider candidates who are the parents/guardians of a high school senior.
We cannot consider candidates who currently work with high school students or college admission professionals, including high school guidance counselors and independent consultants.
Required Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree Well-developed computer skills and the ability to quickly adapt to new technology.
Strong ability to manage their time independently.
Strong attention to detail and ability to exercise sound judgment.
Willingness and ability to apply institutional priorities in accordance with training.
Ability to internalize feedback and quickly adapt to suggested modifications.
Ability to maintain the strictest levels of discretion and confidentiality.
Preferred Qualifications
Understanding of the value of a liberal arts education. Experience handling a heavy workload and a track record of meeting deadlines.
Compensation
$20/hr. for new readers No visa sponsorship or relocation provided. Applications will be accepted through Sunday, July 19, 2026. Your completed application MUST include a cover letter and resume in either Microsoft Word or PDF format. We have found it most efficient to save as one document prior to attaching.
University
Job
Title:
Temporary
Student
Services
Specialist -
SP
Job
Family:
Temporary
Student
Services
Level:
No
Grade -
Hourly
Pay
Rate
Type:
Hourly
Pay
Range:
Refer to
Posting
Language
Remote
Option
Availability:
Remote
Company:
Contact
Name:
Melissa
Oliver
Contact
Email: mw2255@cornell.edu
Job
Titles and
Pay
Ranges: Non-Union Positions Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria: Prior relevant work or industry experience Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position Unique applicable skills Academic Discipline To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator. Union Positions The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.
Current
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Online
Submission
Guidelines: Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.
Employment
Benefits
Parental Leave
Employee Wellness
Workshops
Flexible Work Options
Childcare And Adoption Assistance
Assistance: For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu. If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu. Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.
Notice to
Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.
EEO
Statement: Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 2026-07-13 Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City. We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave and flexible work options.
Market context
Seasonal admissions reading in Michigan
Seasonal admissions reader roles in Michigan often reflect cyclical demand tied to application review periods, especially in college admissions offices. This type of position is competitive because it requires a bachelor’s degree, strong computer skills, independent judgment, and strict confidentiality, while also excluding parents of high school seniors and current college admission professionals. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly confirm fit and prepare a concise application that shows your ability to work accurately and discreetly.
