• "Central to the concept of holistic application review is looking at everything a candidate has submitted, understanding unconscious biases and being aware of inequities in access to opportunities."

    Mark Smith

    Dean of the Graduate School and Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, and GRE Board Chair

    1 / 3

  • "We must commit to holistic evaluation to get a true sense of who an applicant is and can become."

    Janet Rutledge

    Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), and GRE Board Past Chair

    2 / 3

  • "Despite the pressures of time and resource limitations, we owe each applicant dedicated attention to each component of the application process and a keen understanding of the nuances hidden within each application."

    JoAnn Canales

    Dean in Residence, Branch Alliance for Educator Diversity, and GRE Board member

    3 / 3

Supporting a Robust and Inclusive Graduate Admissions Process

Why Holistic Admissions is Important

Examine key considerations as you implement holistic review as part of your admissions practices.

Understanding Holistic Admissions

Using GRE Scores

Be more fair and inclusive using GRE scores in admissions.

Using GRE Scores Successfully

Curated Approaches

Explore these promising practices that ETS has curated to support graduate faculty and administrators in the implementation of holistic admissions practices. 

Explore Curated Approaches

Promising Practices

  1. 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.

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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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.

    Learn More

  5. Use GRE® Scores as a Positive Indicator

    Consider GRE scores as a useful, positive indicator of an applicant’s preparedness for graduate study.

    Learn More

  6. Move Beyond Cut Scores

    Consider including additional information, if using GRE scores as a cut score to manage application volume.

    Learn More

  7. Consider Alternate Review Practices

    Consider adjusting the process used to evaluate applications to better align with program goals.

    Learn More

  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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.

    Learn More

  11. 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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  12. 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.

    Learn More

Implementing Strategies

Get Tools & Resources

Useful Tools & Resources

  1. Connecting Graduate Admissions Practices with Goals

    Consider the questions in this discussion guide to foster thoughtful engagement about graduate admissions practices on your campus.

  2. Does Testing Serve a Purpose in Holistic Application Review?

    View and share this presentation on promising practices that may help to address some of the hurdles that stand in the way of implementing a truly holistic application process – or listen to a webinar recording.

  3. GRE® Guide to the Use of Scores

    Learn about the GRE tests, and their value and use in admissions decisions. Includes score interpretative data and information.

  4. GRE® Guidelines for the Use of Scores

    Follow these guidelines on the appropriate use of GRE test scores to help protect applicants and programs from unfair decisions.

  5. A Balanced Approach to GRE® Score Use

    Explore this analysis that shows how adhering to a particular cut score policy can lead to systematically disregarding large numbers of candidates in various subgroups.

  6. A Snapshot of the Individuals Who Took the GRE® General Test

    Use the data in this report to learn more about the population of GRE test takers to understand the scores you receive and to help with recruitment and admissions planning.

It’s Time for an Honest Conversation about Graduate Admissions

The debate over moving to test-optional admissions is necessary and healthy – but holistic file review advocates encourage continuing to use GRE scores and the critical information they provide. David G. Payne, Vice President and COO of Global Education at ETS, shares his perspective on why including research-proven solutions supports collective efforts to improve diversity, equity and access.

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