What Is Holistic Admissions?

Holistic admissions is an approach used by many colleges, especially selective ones in the United States, in which admissions officers evaluate each applicant as a whole person and do not rely on grades and test scores alone. Applications are read for evidence of academic ability, personal qualities, experiences and potential contribution to the campus community.

Factors commonly considered

• Academic record: grades, course rigor and trends over time.
• Test scores, where used.
• Essays: personal statement and supplemental writing that show voice and reflection.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors.
• Extracurricular activities, work and family responsibilities, with attention to depth and impact.
• Context: school resources, community, family circumstances and challenges overcome.
• Talents and interests, such as arts, athletics or research.
• Character and fit, from interviews and the application as a whole.

Colleges often publish the factors they consider and how heavily they weigh them in the Common Data Set.

Why colleges use it

Supporters argue that holistic review identifies talented students whose potential may not appear in test scores and rewards qualities such as resilience, leadership and creativity. It also allows colleges to build a diverse class. Critics point to a lack of transparency and the risk that bias may enter subjective judgments, and that advantages in resources can affect essays and activities.

How applications are read

Applications are often read by multiple people, who rate parts of the file and discuss cases in committee. There is no formula, and readers consider each student in the context of their opportunities.

Preparing

• Challenge yourself academically within your context.
• Pursue interests with depth, and show growth.
• Write authentic essays that sound like you.
• Ask recommenders who know you well, and give them information.
• Explain context in the additional information section if needed.
• Follow instructions and meet deadlines.

Related terms

See test-blind admissions, legacy admissions, demonstrated interest, acceptance rate and Common Data Set.