Implement a Holistic Review System
Take steps to implement a holistic review system that includes an assessment of applicant characteristics and life experiences to meet the program’s mission and goals.
Implementing Holistic Admissions Strategies
Developing an effective selection process to identify the applicants who are the right fit for a program is a complex task. Explore a range of resources as you consider implementing a more holistic admissions process on your campus.
Navigating Holistic Admissions
Get tips and resources for implementing holistic admissions at every stage of the process.
Preparing for the Admissions Process
Set goals and guiding principles. Structure processes to achieve your goals. Consider committee composition and training.
Evaluating the Admissions Process
Evaluate outcomes data against admissions inputs. Reflect on past students to gain insight. Understand typical reasons for dropping out.
Selecting Applicants
Balance quantitative and qualitative measures. Consider composition of the class as a whole. Use a scorecard or rubric for consistency.
Reviewing Applicant Files
Adopt a holistic review process. Consider multiple criteria and explore alternate processes. Ensure applications are evaluated consistently.
Collecting Applicant Information
Determine evidence needed to evaluate applicants. Ensure application explicitly requests desired information. Collect comparable information from all applicants.
Curated Approaches
Explore these promising practices that ETS has curated to support graduate faculty and administrators in the implementation of holistic admissions practices.
Promising Practices
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Use a Screen-In Approach
Consider ways to set criteria that would allow applicants to be included in the review instead of being excluded from the review (i.e., screen-in vs. screen-out approach).
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Increase Understanding
Clearly define and articulate the application review and selection processes and ensure that all admissions committee participants understand the process and goals.
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Leverage Holistic Application Review
Include not only a combination of traditional academic materials and experiences, but also materials that demonstrate personal attributes important to success in the program.
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Use GRE® Scores as a Positive Indicator
Consider GRE scores as a useful, positive indicator of an applicant’s preparedness for graduate study.
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Move Beyond Cut Scores
Consider including additional information, if using GRE scores as a cut score to manage application volume.
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Consider Alternate Review Practices
Consider adjusting the process used to evaluate applications to better align with program goals.
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Consider Diversity Broadly
Explore reframing how your institution or program discusses and considers diversity, depending upon your institution or program’s mission and the legal landscape.
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Diversify Admissions Committee
Thoughtfully consider the composition of the admissions committee so that diverse perspectives and experiences are reflected during the review process.
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Define Goals and Measure Outcomes
Articulate diversity objectives tied to the mission of the institution, and communicate this information to those involved in making admissions decisions.
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Set Goals Early
Graduate deans and program coordinators should work together to establish enrollment goals and create guiding principles for the entire admissions process before it begins.
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Leverage Bridge Programs
Consider establishing bridge programs for high-potential individuals, with integrated support systems, as an effective means for increasing diversity of your program.
Does Testing Serve a Purpose in Holistic Application Review?
Learn more about our research on graduate admissions practices and appropriate GRE® score use. Discover promising practices for holistic graduate admissions processes, covering: goal setting, test score use, engaging stakeholders and application review.
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Continue Your Journey
GRE scores are a way for your graduate or professional school to avoid missing an applicant with great potential. Discover more about using GRE scores within a holistic admissions process.