What does holistic admission mean?

Hey everyone! I've been hearing about colleges wanting a holistic admission process, but I'm not exactly sure what that entails. Can somebody please explain what it means and how it might affect my college application?

Hey there! Holistic admission is a comprehensive approach that colleges use to evaluate applicants. This means that instead of just looking at numerical factors like test scores and GPA, the admissions committee takes into account many aspects of an applicant's profile, such as extracurricular activities, essays, recommendations, leadership, community service, and personal qualities.

The main goal of the holistic process is to assess a student's overall potential and how they would contribute to the college's community, rather than just focusing on their academic achievements. This can benefit students who may have lower test scores or grades but have compelling personal stories, strong extracurricular involvement, or other unique qualities that make them a valuable asset to the college.

Since colleges employing holistic admission evaluate multiple aspects of your application, it's essential to not only focus on academics but also invest time and effort into your extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations. Make sure to highlight your passions, achievements, and personal growth within your application materials.

Remember to demonstrate your unique perspective and what makes you stand out within your essays, as the admissions committee wants to see how you'll contribute to their campus. Also, try to get recommendations from teachers, coaches, or mentors who know you well and can speak to your character, intellect, and talents.

Overall, the holistic admission process allows colleges to create a diverse and well-rounded student body, considering various factors that make applicants who they are. By showcasing your strengths, achievements, and personality across your application materials, you can convey a more accurate representation of yourself, helping the admissions committee understand your potential and how you'll fit into their college community. Good luck!