The Importance of Holistic Admissions in Graduate Programs
Holistic admissions is a fair, inclusive process for identifying
applicants who can help you achieve program and institution goals.
What is Holistic Admissions?
The holistic admissions method looks at multiple sources of information
to get the fullest picture of each applicant¡¯s potential. By combining
quantitative data like test scores and undergraduate GPA with more qualitative
indicators such as letters of recommendation and work experience, you can be
confident you have a more complete view of each applicant to fairly assess fit
within your program.
Programs Conducting Holistic Admissions Typically:
l
Use evidence and information from multiple sources to gauge applicants¡¯
knowledge, skills, experiences and personal attributes
l
Avoid using threshold (or cut) scores that are determined using only
undergraduate GPA and GRE¢ç General Test scores, as that may prevent candidates
with other desirable qualities from being considered
l
Align weighing of various application components with program goals
l
Give thought to the order in which application components are reviewed,
and who is reviewing them, to mitigate biases throughout the process
Benefits of Holistic Admissions:
l
Gain a clearer picture of an applicant¡¯s potential fit
l
Identify applicants most likely to be successful in your program
l Support fair review of all
applications
Gathering Evidence of Critical Skills In Three
Scores
With
the GRE¢ç General Test, admissions decision makers get valuable evidence of
critical thinking and other important skills through Verbal Reasoning,
Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing section scores. Watch these short
videos to understand the value of each within a holistic admissions process.
Verbal Reasoning
This
assessment measures an individual¡¯s ability to comprehend and synthesize
written material, including the ability to:
l Analyze
and draw conclusions from discourse
l Reason
from incomplete data
l Identify
an author¡¯s assumptions and/or perspective
l Summarize
text and distinguish major from minor points
Quantitative Reasoning
This
assessment measures an individual¡¯s ability to apply quantitative thinking,
including the ability to:
l Understand,
interpret and analyze quantitative information
l Solve
problems using mathematical models
l Apply
the basic concepts of: arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis
Analytical Writing
This
assessment measures an individual¡¯s ability to construct and evaluate
arguments, including the ability to:
l Articulate
and support complex ideas with relevant reasons and examples
l Examine
claims and accompanying evidence
l Sustain
a well-focused, coherent discussion
For more information, visit
https://www.holisticadmissions.org/
or contact Jay Kang jkang@etsglobal.org
