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What Does “Holistic Review” Actually Mean in College Admissions?
Hey everybody, it’s Eric at Solution Prep.
One thing I hear a lot when I visit colleges is, “Well, our admissions is “holistic review.”” The way the colleges say it, it’s as if they’re the only ones doing it. All the students and parents in the info session nod along, and no one stops to say, “Uh, what does that mean?”
Today, I want to explain to you what “holistic review” means.
What Holistic Review Actually Means
It’s pretty simple. It just means the college considers the whole candidate, which is to say the whole student.
Not just your grades. Not just your scores. Not just whether your parents went here.
They’re also looking at your letters of recommendation, your essays, and your extracurricular activities. They’re looking at the level of academic rigor that you chose. Additionally, they’re looking at your character.
There’s a whole matrix that colleges utilize, and for many schools you can find it in their Common Data Set. If you search for Section C7, you find a fun-looking matrix that has a row for each of the categories they might consider and a column for whether it’s “very important,” “important,” “considered,” or “not considered.”
And that is their “holistic review.”
Why Do Colleges Keep Saying It Like It’s Special?
If most colleges are considering more than one thing, why do they keep saying it like it’s something special?
What colleges aren’t engaging in holistic review?
Well, there are some states where if you are in the top 5% (or top 6% or top 10%, depending on the state) of your graduating public school class, you are guaranteed admission into any public school in the state or the flagship university. That’s not a holistic review. That’s just class rank: which is to say, it’s the only thing they’re considering.
There are plenty of colleges outside of America, especially in Asia, that are really based on how you did on one particular test. Because that determines the short list of careers and the short list of schools available for you. This situation is more or less the opposite of a holistic review.
What This Means for You
For most colleges, if they tell you they’re engaged in holistic review, it just means: Hey, dig through, find out what matters to them, and make sure that you present the qualities that they’re looking for in a prospective student.
So get going. Read carefully. And if you have questions, reach out to us at 732-556-8220. We are here to help.
FAQ
What does "holistic review" mean in college admissions?
Holistic review means the college evaluates the whole student: not just grades and test scores. They also consider essays, recommendations, extracurricular activities, academic rigor, character, and other factors to get a complete picture of who you are and what you might contribute to their campus.
Do all colleges use holistic review?
No. Some public universities in certain states guarantee admission based solely on class rank (for example, top 5–10% of your graduating class). Many colleges outside the U.S., particularly in Asia, rely primarily on a single high-stakes entrance exam score. These are not holistic approaches.
How can I find out what a specific college values most?
Check that college’s Common Data Set, specifically Section C7. It shows a clear matrix of what they consider “very important,” “important,” “considered,” or “not considered.” This is one of the most transparent ways to understand their priorities.
If a college says they do holistic review, how should I prepare my application?
Research what that specific school actually values (through their Common Data Set, website, and admissions materials). Then make sure your application (especially your essays, activity descriptions, and recommendations) clearly demonstrates those qualities. Don’t assume every holistic school weighs the same factors equally.
If you’re trying to understand what different colleges are really looking for and how to present your strongest, most authentic self in your applications, our team at Solution Prep is here to help. We work with students and families across New Jersey to build strategic, personalized college lists and compelling applications.
Have questions about holistic review, how to research what matters to your target schools, or how to strengthen your overall application? Contact us or call 732-556-8220. We’re here to help you make the smartest decisions for your college goals.
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