The Rise of Holistic Review in College Admissions: What Families Need to Know

Written By Roman Fernando

The Rise of Holistic Review in College Admissions: What Families Need to Know

As the college admissions landscape continues to evolve, one trend is standing out more than ever: the growing importance of holistic review. With application numbers soaring, test-optional policies expanding, and colleges searching for more meaningful ways to understand applicants, universities are looking far beyond test scores and GPAs.

Today, students are evaluated not just on what they’ve done—but on who they are, what they value, and how they’ve grown.

Below is a deep dive into what holistic review means in 2025–2026, why it has become a driving force in admissions decisions, and how families can help their students stand out in a competitive environment.

Why Holistic Review Is Gaining Momentum

1. Declining Emphasis on SAT/ACT Scores

While some colleges have reinstated testing requirements, thousands of institutions remain fully test-optional. As a result, admissions teams need more robust, non-test-based indicators of academic readiness and character. Essays, recommendations, and course rigor are filling that gap.

2. Changes in Affirmative Action Policies

With new legal limitations on race-conscious admissions, colleges are relying more on personal context when evaluating applicants. Institutions are now looking closely at:

  • Socioeconomic background

  • Access to academic opportunities

  • Experiences of adversity

  • School context and environment

Holistic review allows colleges to maintain fairness and evaluate students as full individuals—not just data points.

3. Record-High Application Volume

Students are applying to more schools than ever before. This unprecedented surge has made traditional metrics less useful in differentiating applicants, pushing colleges toward evaluating personal qualities, activities, and experiences that reveal deeper aspects of each student.

What Colleges Evaluate in a Holistic Review

Holistic review means that every part of the application matters—and that schools are studying details more closely than many families realize.

1. Academic Context (Not Just GPA)

Colleges look at:

  • The rigor of courses available vs. what was taken

  • Grade trends and improvement

  • Curriculum limitations at the school

  • Academic challenges beyond the classroom

A student who pushes themselves within their environment is often valued just as highly as one with a perfect transcript.

2. Personal Qualities and Character

Character-driven traits are now major components in decisions. Admissions readers look for:

  • Leadership

  • Resilience

  • Empathy

  • Intellectual curiosity

  • Initiative

  • Commitment to community

These qualities are assessed through essays, recommendations, and sometimes even video submissions or supplemental prompts.

3. Depth of Activities Over Quantity

Colleges increasingly prefer sustained commitment over long lists of disconnected activities.

Meaningful involvement—whether through school, community service, work, or independent projects—carries far more weight than participation-driven resumes.

Impact is measured by:

  • Growth

  • Initiative

  • Influence on others

  • Creation of meaningful change

4. Essays as a Major Differentiator

Personal essays are now among the top factors for many colleges. Admissions officers look for:

  • Authentic voice

  • Personal reflection

  • Insight into motivations and challenges

  • Evidence of self-awareness

High-quality essays do not simply recount accomplishments; they reveal character and perspective.

5. Strong Letters of Recommendation

Teacher and counselor recommendations humanize the application. Colleges look for specifics:

  • Classroom contributions

  • Work ethic

  • Curiosity

  • Personal character

  • Examples of growth or perseverance

A detailed, thoughtful recommendation can elevate an application dramatically.

6. Evaluating Context and Unique Experiences

Many admissions offices assign “context scores” that consider:

  • Family background

  • Educational resources

  • Community environment

  • Hardships or obstacles

  • Leadership within one’s environment

This ensures students are evaluated based on opportunity and potential—not just privilege.

7. Digital Portfolios and Student Footprints

More colleges are accepting or encouraging:

  • Video clips

  • Digital portfolios

  • Websites

  • Research summaries

  • Passion projects

These materials offer additional insight into a student’s creativity, initiative, and intellectual voice.

How Students Can Stand Out in a Holistic Review Process

1. Build a Focused Personal Narrative

Admissions officers appreciate coherence. Whether a student is passionate about STEM, social justice, business, or the arts—consistent experiences tell a stronger story than scattered activities.

2. Highlight Impact, Not Just Participation

Students should think in terms of:

  • What did I change?

  • Who did I help?

  • What problems did I solve?

  • How did I grow?

Impact doesn’t have to be huge. It just has to be genuine.

3. Write Essays with Vulnerability and Reflection

The strongest essays show:

  • Personal growth

  • Honesty

  • Clarity of voice

  • Lessons learned

Reflection is more powerful than achievement.

4. Choose Recommenders Strategically

Students should select teachers who can speak first-hand to:

  • Engagement

  • Curiosity

  • Contribution

  • Perseverance

A strong relationship leads to a strong letter.

5. Be Transparent About Challenges

Context is not an excuse—it is an important part of a student’s story. Colleges want to know the obstacles a student has overcome and how those experiences shaped them.

The Bottom Line

Holistic review is redefining how students are evaluated. Today’s colleges want more than academic excellence—they want human stories, personal qualities, and evidence of growth and potential.

For families and students, understanding this shift is crucial. Success in this new environment requires more than checking boxes. It requires authenticity, intentionality, and the ability to communicate one’s journey with clarity and purpose.

When approached thoughtfully, holistic review becomes not just an admissions process, but an opportunity for students to reflect on who they are—and who they want to become.

Roman Fernando

Hello, my name is Roman and I am honored you have taken a moment to get to know me.

With over 30 years of experience in education, I have dedicated my career to supporting students, parents, and schools in reaching their fullest potential. My journey began in the classroom as a math and science teacher, where I discovered my passion for inspiring curiosity and critical thinking. Over the years, I have worn many hats in education—each one deepening my understanding of how to best serve students and families.

As a school principal, I led with a student-first mindset, overseeing academic programs, faculty development, and school-wide initiatives. I worked closely with families by directing IEPs, ensuring that students with unique learning needs received the support and resources they deserved. Recognizing the power of innovation, I also implemented technology in the classroom to enhance engagement and improve student outcomes.

Beyond administration, I have been an active contributor to academic enrichment, chairing Academic Decathlon programs for more than a decade, guiding students to discover their strengths and achieve excellence. I have supported schools through grant applications, advised students in their course selection, and mentored new educators as a Master Teacher. My work as a private tutor and Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) for children with Autism has given me valuable insight into individualized learning approaches and the importance of patience and compassion in education.

I have served as the Executive Director of a homeschooling academy, where I work hand in hand with families to design personalized educational pathways. I also contribute to the broader educational community as a council member for WCEA/WASC accreditation, helping ensure schools meet high standards of quality and data driven accountability.

At the heart of my work is the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive, and that education should be a collaborative journey between teachers, families, and communities. My mission is to empower students with the skills, confidence, and character they need to succeed in school—and in life.

https://www.steppingstonesadvisors.com/
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