Holistic review

The institution defines the factors and their relative importance. Trained readers or a committee review complete applications and assign ratings or recommendations. No single factor automatically admits or denies. Contextual information, such as the rigor available at the applicant’s high school or significant work responsibilities, is considered. Decisions are recorded with enough documentation to support consistency and any later audit.

Example: two applicants have similar GPAs. One has a higher test score; the other has substantial leadership experience and a compelling essay describing persistence through family responsibilities. Under holistic review both are competitive, and the committee may admit both or prefer the second applicant based on the full context.

Formulaic admission uses strict cutoffs (for example, minimum GPA and test score). Open admission applies only minimum eligibility. Holistic review is used in selective processes and incorporates qualitative as well as quantitative evidence. Test-optional policies often rely on holistic review when scores are absent.

Assuming holistic review ignores grades. Expecting a guaranteed admission once a numeric threshold is met. Treating holistic review as identical across all institutions when criteria differ.