✅ The indefinite pronoun "each" is inherently singular, regardless of whether it is followed by a prepositional phrase containing a plural noun (e.g., "each of the applicants"). Consequently, it *exclusively* requires a singular verb for subject-verb agreement in formal writing. In this context, if the verb "possessed" were to be in the present tense, it would correctly be "possesses" if "each" were the subject.

❌ "Many" is an indefinite pronoun that always refers to a plural quantity and thus always requires a plural verb.

❌ "Few" is an indefinite pronoun that always indicates a small plural quantity and consistently requires a plural verb.

❌ "All" can be singular or plural depending on whether the noun it refers to is uncountable (e.g., "All of the water is gone") or countable and referring to individual members (e.g., "All of the students are here"). Therefore, it does not *exclusively* take a singular verb, making it less precise than "each" for the specified condition.