We often hear about the terms “holistic review” or “holistic admissions” in the college admissions process. There is a lot of ambiguity with those terms among students and parents. So, what is it actually? In this article, we will decipher the holistic review process and will also look into “institutional priorities”.

Introduction

When most individuals hear college admissions, they think test scores, GPA, and an extensive extracurricular list. For years, that was partially the case—standardized exams such as the SAT or ACT weighed heavily, and grades were considered the best measure of success. Today’s admissions scene, however, is different.

Even as some schools bring back testing, the focus is no longer merely on scores. Rather, institutions are considering the entire candidate in something referred to as holistic review, informed by something called institutional priorities.

If you’re a student or parent working your way through this process, knowing these words can help you navigate applications with greater understanding and reduced anxiety.

What is Holistic Review?

Holistic review is a term that means admissions officers do not merely consider scores and grades. They want to know the whole student—his or her story, values, experiences, and possibilities.

Consider two students with very similar GPAs and test scores. One has volunteered in their community for years, evidencing a strong commitment to service. The other has been a debate team leader, always proving effective at communication and leadership. In a holistic review, colleges balance those extracurricular activities, essays, and personal traits as heavily as the cold, hard numbers.

It’s not “check the boxes” but rather building a larger picture:

• Academics (transcripts, course level, GPA)
• Test scores (if provided)
• Extracurricular activities
• Essays and personal statements
• Letters of recommendation
• Background and personal history

This makes it possible that even without a perfect GPA or 1600 SAT score, a student can stand out in strong ways.

How Selective Universities Follow the Holistic Admissions Process

For example, Stanford’s holistic admission process reviews how you, as a whole person, would grow, contribute, and thrive at Stanford, and how Stanford would, in turn, be changed by you. On the other hand, Princeton’s holistic review process does not just consider an applicant’s academic strengths, but also the talents and perspectives that they will bring to the Princeton campus.

For Columbia University, “Using a holistic review, your admissions officer will consider your responses carefully, looking for the intellect, curiosity, and dynamism that are the hallmarks of the Columbia student body…”.

Dartmouth likewise notes: “Holistic admissions is grounded in the concept that the whole is more than merely the sum of its parts. At Dartmouth, this idea is at the forefront of our application review process.”

Similarly, Brown notes: “We review every applicant’s file holistically and in context. We want to see what you have accomplished with the resources and opportunities available to you in high school, as well as evaluate your potential to thrive within the unique offerings of Brown University.”

You Need to Approach the “Holistic Review” Process with a Pinch of Salt!

With numbers like these – over 72,000 people applying to UPenn, 50,000+ to Yale, and nearly 60,000 to Columbia just this past year – you have to wonder: can admissions officers really give each application the thorough, personal attention that “holistic review” seems to promise?

The honest answer? Not really.

When schools talk about holistic admissions, they’re not guaranteeing that someone will carefully examine every detail of your life story and achievements. The whole process is pretty mysterious and each school handles it differently, but some important takeaways can help you think more strategically about how to put together a strong application.

What Are Institutional Priorities?

This is the less-told but equally crucial part of the admissions equation: institutional priorities.

Each college has its own priorities for building its next class. Admissions is not merely about enrolling the “best” individual students—it’s about building a balanced, diverse, mission-focused community. To achieve this, colleges balance what they require most in a particular year.

Institutional priorities may be:

• Socioeconomic diversity: Colleges might want to enroll more first-generation or lower-income students.
• Geographic diversity: A student from a small town could be particularly appealing to a college with predominantly city-bound applicants.
• Academic interests: If an engineering school receives too many applicants in computer science but insufficient physics majors, it can give preference to students interested in physics.
• Talents and skills: Musicians, athletes, or artists would be recruited to enhance campus culture.
• Demographics: Gender balance, racial and ethnic mix, or international student representation may come into play.
• Institutional requirements: For instance, if a university has recently initiated a sustainability effort, it might look for students with a keen interest in the environment.

That is, admissions decisions aren’t merely a question of whether you’re “good enough”—they’re also a question of whether you’re a good fit for the overall puzzle the school is attempting to construct.

Why Holistic Review Matters More Than Ever

You may have noticed that standardized testing has been a popular topic of conversation in recent years. There were a lot of colleges that made themselves test-optional during the pandemic. Some are reinstating tests, but even at those institutions, the test score isn’t the determining factor anymore. Rather, your whole profile counts.

This places institutional priorities even more prominently. A student with a slightly lower test score but good personal narrative, leadership experience, or fitting with a school’s values might be accepted over a higher-numbered student with fewer redeeming qualities.

What Students Can Do to Stand Out in the Holistic Review Procedure

So how can students put themselves in the best light, given a holistic review and institutional priorities? Some practical advice follows:

Tell Your Story Clearly

Your application is not a form—it’s a story. Essays, short responses, and even how you write about activities on your application should be an expression of who you are and what you care about. Admissions officers should be able to leave with an understanding of your values, passions, and potential for campus contributions.

Prioritize Depth Over Breadth

You don’t require 20 extracurriculars. What is important is the value you’ve added in the activities that matter most to you. Whether this is tutoring other students, leading a social campaign, or dominating athletics, admissions officers care less about all sorts of superficial involvement and more about commitment and leadership.

Be Honest About Your Background

If you’re a first-generation college student, come from a unique cultural background, or have faced challenges along your journey, don’t shy away from sharing that. These are the contexts colleges consider under holistic review—and they often align with institutional priorities for diversity and inclusion.

Research the Schools You’re Applying To

Colleges are transparent about their missions and values. A liberal arts college might prioritize community involvement, whereas a technical institute will look for innovation and research. By knowing a school’s priorities, you can point to things in your profile that resonate best.

Remember: It’s Not Just About You

Admissions can be very personal, yet occasionally a rejection is not about your value as a student. It could simply be that the school met a specific need (for instance, they had enough economics majors this year). Being aware of this helps students take results less personally.

What Parents Should Know

As for parents, naturally, it would be worrying when admissions seem uncertain. Yet there are some reassuring facts:

• Statistics are only half the story. Your child’s GPA or SAT score alone does not determine their prospects.
• Universities want to get to know your child. The essays and recommendations are not filler-they are important elements.
• Fit is important. A student might excel at a university that was not their favorite, just because it is a better fit for his or her strengths and aspirations.
• Encouraging your child to follow true interests and tell their actual story is much better than pressuring them to pursue every available award.

Final Thoughts

Holistic review and institutional priorities have made college admissions more complex—but also more humane. Students are no longer reduced to numbers. Instead, admissions officers are asking: Who is this student? What will they bring to our community? How do they fit into our goals for the future?

For students and parents, the message is simple: care less about perfection and more about originality. Craft a story that is you, and have faith that the proper school will see the value in you.

In a system in which priorities change from year to year and school to school, the best approach is not to pursue every trend but to lean into your strengths, values, and a special story. That’s what colleges are actually looking for.

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