What Does "Holistic Review" Mean in Graduate School Admissions?
Looking to understand what "holistic review" means in graduate school admissions? This article breaks it down and explains how you can stand out in a holistic application process.
By Debby C.
Posted June 13, 2025
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While exploring the application criteria for graduate programs, you may have come across the words "holistic review" to describe how the admissions committee reviews applications. When applications are reviewed holistically, the reviewers consider all aspects of the application rather than focusing on just one or two specific parts. This means that the reviewers will look at the entire application, including the student's academic record, essays, letters of recommendation, and any other materials that have been submitted. They will also consider non-academic factors, such as personal circumstances, hardships, and unique experiences in order to make admissions decisions.
During my time at Stanford, I had the opportunity to play a role in selecting future graduate students. While focusing solely on grades and test scores would have been easier, I quickly learned the importance of looking at each application holistically. By getting to know each applicant through their essays and other supporting documents, I made more informed decisions about who would be a good fit for our graduate programs.
The goal of the admissions review process is not just to admit students with the best grades and test scores but to find those who will thrive at the university and contribute positively to the academic community. In other words, admissions committees are looking for students who are a good fit for the program, not just those with the highest grades or test scores.
In addition, reviewing applications holistically can help identify individuals who may not have had the opportunity to excel academically but possess other qualities that make them excellent candidates for graduate school. It helps to promote diversity and inclusivity in graduate school admissions. By considering a range of experiences and perspectives, admissions committees can identify applicants from diverse backgrounds with unique perspectives to contribute to the program.
So, how can you make sure that you stand out in a holistic review process? Here are a few strategies.
- Develop a compelling statement of purpose showcasing your unique qualities and experiences and demonstrating how they align with the program.
- Seek strong letters of recommendation from individuals who know you well and can speak to your strengths and potential for success in the program.
- Take advantage of opportunities to demonstrate your interests and skills outside the classroom, such as participating in extracurricular activities, conducting research, or volunteering in your community.
- Provide detailed and specific examples of your achievements and experiences in your application.
- Be authentic and genuine in your application; admissions committee members want to get to know the real you and understand how you will contribute to the program.
If you have questions about the graduate school admissions process, feel free to reach out for a free intro call on my Leland coach profile! During our meeting, we'll talk about your circumstances and brainstorm ways to strengthen your application and increase your chances of getting into your dream school.
Written by Debby
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With ten years of experience in graduate admissions at Stanford University's School of Engineering and School of Education, I can provide valuable insight into the application and review process. I am here to address your concerns and answer your questions about applying to graduate school. Since 2013, I have worked as a professional graduate admission consultant and coach, specializing in helping students navigate the application process for programs in the United States, Canada, and many other countries worldwide. My travels have allowed me to connect with prospective students and their families, giving me a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural expectations surrounding advanced degrees. I coach to share my knowledge and experience with students globally, not to "game" the system, but to help applicants present the most accurate and compelling representation of their qualifications to admissions committees. My coaching services offer honest and personalized support as you prepare to apply to graduate school. I do not screen clients based on their academic records; in fact, I excel in working with individuals who may lack confidence in their potential for graduate studies. Everyone has a unique story to tell, and my mission is to help you showcase your strengths, even if you don’t yet recognize them. One of my greatest strengths is helping clients envision what is possible and collaborating with them to turn their dreams into reality. My past client results include (for a complete list of my admissions results, click here: https://www.wisegradadmissions.com/results) STANFORD UNIVERSITY Civil & Environmental Engineering Computer Science Electrical Engineering Management Science & Engineering Mechanical Engineering International Education Policy Learning, Design & Technology Policy, Organization & Leadership HARVARD UNIVERSITY Data Science Education Leadership. Organization & Entrepreneurship Human Development & Education Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology Prevention Science & Practice UNIVERSITY of PENNSYLVANIA Chemical Engineering Computer Science Electrical Engineering Materials Science & Engineering Mechanical Engineering Systems Engineering Education & Psychology Behavioral Economics Counseling & Mental Health Services Human Development International Education Development Learning Sciences and Technologies Social Psychology WHARTON MBA (joint program with Computer Engineering Management Technology) CORNELL UNIVERSITY Electrical & Computer engineering Materials Engineering Mechanical Engineering Operations Research & Information Engineering Statistics Agricultural Economics Food Science Financial Mathematics Management JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY Applied Physics Computer Science Electrical & Computer Engineering Robotics Mental Health Counseling Public Health & Epidemiology Public Policy, Global Affairs & International Relations Financial Mathematics COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY Computer Science Electrical Engineering Environmental Engineering Management Science & Engineering Materials Engineering Mechanical Engineering Operations Research Agricultural Economics Biostatistics Statistics Financial Mathematics Applied Behavior Analysis Counseling Psychology Developmental Psychology Instructional Technology & Media International Comparative Education International Studies MSW School Psychology UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO MBA Public Policy/Global Affairs MSW Psychology GEORGETOWN Public Policy/Global Affairs Asian Studies NYU Computer Science Data Science Electrical Engineering Financial Engineering Biostatistics Food Studies Physics Behavioral Economics Counseling Human Development & Social Interaction MSW UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Aero/Astro Engineering Chemical Engineering Computer Science Electrical Engineering Environmental Engineering Materials Science & Engineering Mechanical Engineering Biostatistics Survey Methodology Financial Mathematics Public Policy & International Studies Japanese Studies MSW CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY Chemical Engineering Computer Science Electric and Computer Engineering Environmental Engineering HCI Materials Science & Engineering Mechanical Engineering Statistical Practice Computational Finance UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON Computer Science Chemical Engineering Electrical Engineering Applied Physics Biostatistics Education/Psychology Learning Sciences and Human Development MSW
Debby has helped clients get into organizations like:
