Holistic admissions colleges

Quick question: which colleges are known for having more of a holistic admissions process? I've heard some schools focus more on the whole person rather than just stats - definitely interested in learning more about them.

Many colleges, especially liberal arts colleges and selective universities, employ a holistic admissions process. This approach considers various factors beyond just test scores and GPA, such as extracurricular activities, essays, recommendation letters, and overall personal talent and character. In essence, it evaluates applicants based on the whole person, with the aim of assembling a diverse and well-rounded class.

Some colleges with a strong reputation for holistic admissions include:

1. Ivy League schools (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, Penn, and Cornell)

2. Liberal arts colleges (e.g., Amherst, Swarthmore, Williams, Haverford, Pomona, Bowdoin, Wellesley, and Carleton)

3. Top-tier research universities (e.g., Stanford, MIT, Duke, University of Chicago, and Northwestern)

That said, nearly all colleges in the U.S. use a holistic admissions process to some extent. It's important to keep in mind, though, that holistic admissions look different at each institution, depending on factors like size, mission, and institutional priorities.

To ensure you're a competitive applicant and can present a well-rounded profile, the key is to emphasize your strengths in areas outside of academics as well, primarily through meaningful extracurricular activities, thoughtful essays, and strong recommendation letters. These elements will help demonstrate your potential to succeed both in school and beyond, which admissions officers value highly in their evaluations.

Best of luck with your college search!