What is holistic admissions in college applications?

Holistic admissions offer a comprehensive approach to college applications, moving beyond mere grades and test scores. This process evaluates applicants on various factors, including extracurricular involvement, personal essays, recommendation letters, leadership roles, and life experiences. Colleges using this method seek to understand the applicant as a whole person, assessing their character, passions, and potential for growth. By considering a broader range of attributes, institutions aim to create a diverse student body with unique perspectives and talents. This approach acknowledges that academic metrics alone may not fully reflect an individual’s capabilities or potential contributions to the college community.