Join us for Changing Competition in College Admissions on 6/26 at 8 pm EST. Space is limited, register today!
Join us for Changing Competition in College Admissions on 6/26 at 8 pm EST. Space is limited, register today!
Update on June 13, 2025
You’ve heard the term “holistic review” at every college tour and information session. It’s prominently featured on admission websites and mentioned by college counselors. But what does holistic admissions actually mean, and more importantly, how can you succeed in this process?
The short answer: Holistic admissions means colleges evaluate you as a complete person—not just your GPA and test scores. They consider your academic performance, personal qualities and achievements within the context of your unique circumstances.
But there’s much more to understand about how this process really works and how to position yourself for success.
Holistic review means considering all aspects of an applicant, rather than solely focusing on grades and test scores. It involves a comprehensive evaluation of the applicant’s academic record, extracurricular activities, experiences, essays, and letters of recommendation, aiming to understand the “whole person” and their potential contributions to the institution.
When colleges use holistic review, they:
It’s not a point system. Admissions officers don’t think: “Student A has 75 community service hours while Student B has 100, so B wins.”
It’s not equal weighting. Your AP US History grade may not be as significant as your personal essay or leadership roles. The importance of each component depends on how it fits into your overall narrative.
It’s not standardized. A ‘B’ in AP US History at one high school might represent different challenges than the same grade at another.
Admissions officers evaluate your achievements within several contexts:
Your High School Context:
Your Personal Context:
Your Community Context:
Academic Performance This includes more than just grades:
Personal Qualities Admissions officers look for:
Overall Achievements This encompasses:
Colleges want diverse student bodies that bring different:
Traditional academic metrics alone can’t capture this diversity.
Research shows that college success depends on more than test scores and GPA. Students who demonstrate:
…often thrive in college environments, regardless of their standardized test scores.
Colleges want students who will:
These contributions can’t be measured by academic metrics alone.
Ask yourself these critical questions:
About Your Opportunities:
About Your Growth:
About Your Impact:
Q: Does holistic review favor certain types of students?
A: No, holistic review aims to identify potential in all types of students by considering their unique experiences and circumstances.
Q: How much do test scores matter in holistic admissions?
A: Test scores remain important as one indicator of academic readiness, but they’re considered alongside many other factors.
Q: Can holistic review overcome weak grades?
A: While holistic review considers context, strong academic performance remains crucial. Exceptional circumstances or significant growth can help explain academic challenges.
Q: Is holistic admissions fair?
A: Holistic admissions aims to be more fair by considering students’ different starting points and contexts rather than using one-size-fits-all metrics.
Holistic admissions rewards students who:
The key to success isn’t gaming the system—it’s becoming the kind of person colleges want to admit. Start early, be authentic, and focus on developing into someone who will thrive in college and make a meaningful contribution to society.
Ready to develop your holistic admissions strategy? Our experienced counselors help students understand their unique contexts and present their strongest applications. Schedule a consultation today to learn how we can help you succeed in the holistic admissions process.
