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When you hear the term "Harvard admitted student," what image comes to mind? Most people likely imagine a diligent, high-achieving student. However, gaining admission to Harvard requires more than just academic excellence. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding abilities in various areas such as sports, leadership, character, and research skills. To evaluate these diverse qualities, prestigious universities like Harvard, as well as medical schools, officially adopt a Holistic Review approach. Today, we will explore what Holistic Review entails and how to leverage it in your college applications.


 

What is Holistic Review?

Understanding Holistic Review
Holistic Review refers to a comprehensive assessment method that considers all aspects of a student. Among candidates selected based on academic records, those who best align with the university's values are ultimately accepted. Therefore, applicants must showcase themselves through both quantitative documents (SAT/ACT, GPA, AP scores) and qualitative documents (extracurricular activities, essays, recommendation letters).



 

The E-A-M Model

Holistic Review includes various aspects represented by the E-A-M model, which stands for E (Experience) - A (Attributes) - M (Metrics).

1. Experience (E)

The Experience category encompasses the journey a student has taken in life. It serves as a key indicator of whether a student matches the university's ideals. Experiences can include educational background, community contributions, leadership roles, significant achievements in sports, research experiences, and major-related activities.
 

2. Attributes (A)

The Attributes category includes the student's skills, abilities, personal characteristics, and demographic traits. It helps determine how the student will approach academics and contribute to society in the future. Attributes can be demonstrated through intellectual curiosity, interest in the major, proficiency in a second language, programming skills, leadership, and teamwork. Many students showcase Attributes through awards, school club activities, and volunteer work.
 

3. Metrics (M)

The Metrics category consists of quantitative academic data. It assesses whether the student excels academically, identifies strong subjects, and determines readiness for college-level work. Academic excellence can be demonstrated through GPA, SAT/ACT scores, the number of courses taken, and class rank.

 

How to Prepare for College Admissions

Considering the Holistic Review approach, you can move closer to gaining admission to prestigious universities. Actively participate in school and extracurricular activities related to your interests to create a unique story that showcases your academic abilities and qualities.
 

Most students focus heavily on building Metrics and, to some extent, on Attributes through awards and volunteer work. However, it is challenging to create a compelling story with just Metrics and Attributes. Without the Experience component, it is difficult to score well in the Holistic Review.
 

For instance, given the research-oriented nature of universities, research experience can be a significant asset. Overcoming challenges during the research process, learning and applying research methodologies, and collaborating with others can effectively demonstrate interest in the major and the necessary qualities for research.
 

Student 1. A student who scores well in physics and math courses
Student 2. A Student who identifies a research topic related to physics, participates in experiments, learns and applies methodologies, and draws personal conclusions

The latter student is more likely to be viewed as a desirable, outstanding candidate. By considering Holistic Review and incorporating E-A-M into your application strategy, you can create a strong and appealing profile for college admissions.