Sorting 101: Lesson One.

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Lesson One: Reading the Application

Chapter One: Buzzwords.
When Sorting, it is important to actually read the application. This much should seem obvious, but alas it is not. Some people skim for buzzwords, and if certain words appear in an application, that person is Sorted into the House that is 'defined' by those specific words, whether in canon or fanon. This is what the applicant wants Sorters to do, and he or she includes certain words and phrases to ensure being Sorted into a specific House. Do not be fooled!

Some examples of buzzwords:
Slytherin: ambition, Machiavelli, snark, sarcasm, Malfoy, evil, Death Eater, cunning

Ravenclaw: books, reading, writing, Luna, witty, university, studying, education

Gryffindor: brave, courageous, reckless, chivalrous, Harry, Hermione, Sirius, activism, friends

Hufflepuff: friends, loyalty, equality, baked goods, understanding, Cedric

Chapter Two: Bandwagon Sorting.
Bandwagon Sorting occurs when a Sorter is too lazy to read the application and therefore relies on his or her fellow Sorters for the answer. This is unacceptable, as each person has his or her own opinions of the characteristics and traits of each House, so one person's Gryffindor is another person's Hufflepuff.

There is nothing wrong with reading other votes, however. Sometimes it is necessary. If everyone bar Slytherin are voting an applicant into Slytherin, there is probably a good reason for that and the Slytherin opinion should be taken into account. The same goes for the other Houses. If everyone bar Gryffindor are voting Gryffindor, the applicant probably is not as much of a Lion as he or she thinks.

Likewise, if one House are claiming an applicant in droves, this means that they have recognised one of their own and any doubts one may have about Sorting the applicant into that House should be erased. Still, one should use one's own judgement and not rely solely on the opinions of others.

Chapter Three: Contradictions.
Be on the lookout for contradictions! They are everywhere! Often, an applicant is so focused on ensuring he or she is Sorted into a specific House that certain important things are overlooked. This happens quite often with applicants who are pushing Ravenclaw, because they are keen for Sorters to realise how intelligent they are but have failed to run their applications though a spell-checker. A true Ravenclaw would not allow even one typographical error to slip by.

Also, when an applicant is pushing Gryffindor, he or she may state that he or she would like to become an Auror, but then shy away from the TriWizard Tournament as it is too dangerous. If a little game is too difficult, then what on earth would make an applicant think he or she is cut out to be an Auror?

So, Sorters, be wary of those nasty contradictions and do not be fooled!

This concludes Lesson One: Reading the Application.