🎓 What Does “Holistic Admissions” Really Mean?

If you’ve been researching colleges, you’ve probably seen the phrase "holistic approach."

So what does that actually mean?

In plain terms, it means colleges look at more than just your grades and test scores. They consider the whole student — your experiences, character, background, and potential — not just the numbers.

Here's an overview of what colleges look for, which will offer clarity on how you can show up as your full self:

🧠 What Do Colleges Consider in a Holistic Review?

• GPA & Coursework: Rigor of classes taken (AP, IB, Honors), trends over time, and grades

• Standardized Test Scores: SAT/ACT — if submitted (and if the college requires them)

• Personal Essays: Your voice, values, writing ability, and how you reflect on your experiences

• Extracurriculars: What you’ve done outside the classroom — jobs, clubs, leadership, creative pursuits, etc.

• Letters of Recommendation: Insight from teachers or mentors who know your character and potential

• Context: Your school, family, and community environment; life circumstances or barriers you’ve faced

• Demonstrated Interest: In some cases, how engaged you’ve been with the school (visits, info sessions, etc.)

💡 In holistic admissions, no single part of the application outweighs everything else. It’s all about the big picture.

📊 How Are Things Weighed? A Simple Snapshot

Here’s how various elements are currently valued at many selective schools (though this varies from one school to the next):

Application Component	Weight/Importance (2024–25 trends)
GPA & Course Rigor	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Very High)
Essays	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (High — increasingly important)
Standardized Test Scores	⭐⭐⭐☆ (Medium — if submitted)
Extracurriculars	⭐⭐⭐☆ (Medium — especially impact & leadership)
Letters of Recommendation	⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Moderate)
Demonstrated Interest	⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Varies by school)
Context/Background	⭐⭐⭐☆ (Often key in holistic review)

🔍 Recent Trends to Know

• Essays Matter More Than Ever: With many schools going test-optional, the personal statement and supplemental essays have become more critical in understanding who you are.

• Test-Optional Is Still Widespread: But strong test scores can still help — especially if your GPA is borderline.

• “Spike” > “Well-Rounded”: Colleges are often drawn to students with depth in one area (a "spike") more than those who are just generally involved.

• Authenticity Wins: Colleges are looking for real humans with curiosity, resilience, and purpose — not perfect résumés.

🧭 What This Means for You

• Focus on your strengths — and explain them clearly.

• If your test scores are strong, submit them. If not, lean on the rest of your story & apply to schools that are test optional.

• Use essays and activities to show who you are, not just what you’ve done.

• Remember: You are more than your numbers — and colleges that say they’re holistic mean it.

To Summarize...

Holistic admissions is about more than checking boxes — it’s about connecting dots. When colleges review your application, they’re asking: Who is this student, and what might they bring to our community?

That’s your opportunity to be honest, reflective, and proud of your journey — however unique it may be.

Stressed about college applications? Unsure how to tell your story in an authentic and compelling way? Reach out! We'd love to offer our support and expertise!