---
title: What is a Holistic Review?
description: Holistic review is an admissions process where universities evaluate the entire applicant profile. This includes academics, extracurricular activities, essays, recommendations, and personal background, not just grades and test scores.
url: "https://www.collegeaccessprogram.in/faq/what-is-a-holistic-review/"
updated: "2026-01-12"
category: Application Essentials
---

# What is a Holistic Review?

Holistic review is an admissions process where universities evaluate the entire applicant profile. This includes academics, extracurricular activities, essays, recommendations, and personal background, not just grades and test scores.