Holistic review process in college admissions

I've heard some colleges use a holistic review process when evaluating applications. What exactly goes into a holistic review? Do they really look at everything, or are certain aspects weighed more heavily?

In a holistic review process, admission officers assess all aspects of an applicant's profile, rather than strictly evaluating based on grades and test scores. The idea is to consider the whole person and their unique context, which could include factors such as their academic record, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, personal essays, and sometimes even interviews.

The key components generally include academic achievement (your high school GPA, the rigor of the classes you took, and your standardized test scores if the school isn't test-optional or test-blind). These factors help them gauge your readiness for college-level work. But beyond that, they also look at your character, values, and potential contributions to the campus community, often revealed through your extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation.

In terms of weighing aspects, it does vary by institution. Some schools may place greater emphasis on certain aspects over others depending on their mission and values. For instance, a small liberal arts college may put more weight on essays and recommendations to assess if you fit their close-knit community, while a large research university could value your demonstrated interest in research or independent intellectual pursuits.

That said, the review is holistic, so no one aspect of your application will make or break your chances of admission. Colleges are keen to see how you grow, contribute to your community, handle challenges, and pursue your interests, on top of having solid academics.

As an example, let's consider extracurricular activities. Admission officers do not merely count them; instead, they focus on the depth of your involvement and commitment. So having a highly-developed specialty or 'spike' in one field that you are passionate about could be more favorable than participating in numerous activities without much personal investment or achievement.

Remember, every student is unique, and what might be weighed heavily for one student might not be for another because the context of each applicant's circumstances is different. All parts of the application come together to paint a picture of who you are as a student and a person. Every piece contributes to the overall story, and that story is what the admission officers consider when they make their decisions.