Understanding 'pre-stats'?

Hey y'all, I've come across the term 'pre-stats' in some college admissions posts. Can someone please explain what it means? I'm a bit confused.

Hey there! The term pre-stats refers to the initial information and context that's given during the college admissions process before an applicant's specific academic and extracurricular records are factored in. This typically includes an applicant's personal background, the high school they attended, the type of classes offered there, and any other contextual factors that could affect a student's application.

In the context of college admissions, admissions officers assess pre-stats information to better understand and contextualize a student's academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and any potential challenges they may have faced. By considering the pre-stats information, it helps to create a more holistic evaluation of applicants, and allows admissions officers to identify students who may have unique experiences, talents, or strengths that make them a strong fit for the institution.

For example, if you come from a lower-income background or attend a high school with limited resources or course offerings, this pre-stats context could help admissions officers understand and weigh your achievements in a different light as compared to someone from a well-resourced high school with abundant opportunities. It's all about assessing each applicant's accomplishments within the context of what they had access to and the unique challenges they faced.