In the realm of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), understanding and addressing Holistic Admissions is crucial. Holistic Admissions is a significant aspect of this discourse, but what exactly does it entail?
Definition:
Holistic Admissions is a method of evaluating college and university applicants by considering the entirety of an individual’s experiences, skills, and potential rather than focusing solely on quantitative metrics like test scores or GPAs. This approach aims to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within academic institutions by assessing a candidate’s unique qualities and contributions.
Why Are Holistic Admissions Important?
Holistic Admissions align with DEI principles by:
- Promoting Diversity: By considering non-academic factors, institutions can attract students from various cultural, socioeconomic, and geographic backgrounds.
- Advancing Equity: Holistic reviews acknowledge systemic barriers that may impact academic performance, providing a fairer evaluation for underrepresented groups.
- Encouraging Inclusion: The process identifies students who can enrich the campus community with unique perspectives and experiences.
For example, a student from a low-income background with average test scores but extensive volunteer work and leadership in community projects may be considered equally or more compelling than a student with perfect test scores but no extracurricular engagement.
Example:
Consider a hypothetical applicant, Maria:
- Academic Performance: Maria has a GPA of 3.4 and average SAT scores.
- Personal Challenges: She worked part-time to support her family while excelling in debate competitions.
- Extracurriculars: Maria led a project to promote literacy in underserved communities.
- Essays: Her application essay highlighted her resilience and passion for social justice.
Through a traditional lens, Maria might not stand out. However, under Holistic Admissions, her leadership, commitment to service, and ability to overcome adversity make her a strong candidate.
Conclusion:
Holistic Admissions is a forward-thinking approach that embodies the core principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. By valuing the whole person, this process not only benefits applicants but also enriches academic institutions with diverse voices and perspectives.
References:
Bastedo, M. (2021). Holistic admissions as a global phenomenon. In Higher education in the next decade (pp. 91-114). Brill. https://brill.com/display/title/60139#page=111
Rosenberg, L. (2019). A practical guide for implementing a holistic admissions review. Journal of Nursing Education, 58(11), 669-673. https://journals.healio.com/doi/abs/10.3928/01484834-20191021-11
Glazer, G., Clark, A., Bankston, K., Danek, J., Fair, M., & Michaels, J. (2016). Holistic admissions in nursing: We can do this. Journal of Professional Nursing, 32(4), 306-313. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S8755722316000156
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