<p>Not a good idea not only for the reasons cited by other commenters, but also because photos were used historically by Ivy and other elite college admissions for discriminatory purposes. Recalled reading in US history class how undergrad applicant photos were once an integral part of the application for the express purpose of excluding racial and religious minorities. </p>
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<p>It is optional. </p>
<p>Columbia of all places were pressured to make it optional as that request for an applicant’s picture originated as a means to use the discredited pseudoscience of phrenology to exclude “undesirable” applicants…namely racial and religious minorities. Not surprising considering Columbia University was one of the more prominent Ivies involved in a conference of university presidents to discuss ways to discriminate against those “undesirable applicants” whom they feared would supplant their preferred applicants*. </p>
<p>Considering that sordid history, I’m actually shocked Columbia still requests a photo…even on an optional basis in the 90’s when I applied and still does so in the present judging by what I’ve heard from current Columbia undergrads. </p>
<p>It was also a reason why athletics has been emphasized as a highly desired EC.</p>
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<li>Scions of wealthy WASP families.</li>
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