Holistic review in graduate admissions is the process of reviewing an applicant as a whole individual, not merely select parts, such as GPA or test scores. Holistic review challenges the idea that quantitative measures alone are an accurate predictor of success in graduate school and offers admission committees with an alternative method for evaluating applicants.听
Typically, departments that use a holistic process for graduate admissions place less emphasis on standardized scores and GPAs and attend more to socio-emotional variables like persistence and creativity. They use rubrics to systematize evaluation across reviewers. They keep clear, written records and revisit their processes annually, consulting application, admit, and yield data to assess effectiveness. There is no one-size-fits all approach; each program has unique needs; thus, holistic review looks different in different fields.听
A holistic, or 鈥渨hole file鈥� review process in graduate admissions considers every aspect of an applicant鈥檚 file equally, without any one factor deciding admission. Holistic review also entails understanding an applicant鈥檚 achievements in the context of available opportunities and challenges faced. Holistic review employs a systematic, comprehensive, and contextualized approach to graduate admissions.听It can help a program identify talent, avoid bias, and ensure inclusive excellence. Thus, holistic review serves the mission of the University of Colorado Boulder to shape tomorrow鈥檚 leaders, be the top University for innovation, and to positively impact humanity.听
Holistic admissions processes for graduate programs are designed to evaluate prospective students in a comprehensive and multifaceted manner, considering a wide range of factors beyond traditional academic metrics like GPA and standardized test scores. Holistic review challenges the idea that quantitative measures alone are an accurate predictor of success in graduate school and offers admission committees with an alternative method for evaluating applicants. These processes aim to select candidates who not only demonstrate academic aptitude but also exhibit qualities and attributes that align with the values and objectives of the graduate program.听
The CU Boulder Graduate Admissions Application also prompts prospective students to provide a wide spectrum of information that may well indicate the applicant鈥檚 persistence in and commitment to educational success, as well as their potential for contributing to the community of the department. These may be found in responses to questions about:
If you鈥檙e just getting started, the best place to begin is with a department-wide conversation about the place of graduate admissions in your program and field as a whole, what counts as success in your field, what qualities ensure graduate student success, if your process currently looks for those things in an applicant鈥檚 file, and if not, what changes to your process you might consider.听
Some things for programs to consider before beginning the review of applications:听
Resources
There are a number of resources available to aid in furthering knowledge about Holistic Admissions.听We encourage faculty and staff involved in the evaluation of prospective graduate students to explore further by looking at these resources.