If you plan to apply to universities abroad, you will often hear the term ‘holistic’ application. But what does it mean?

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A holistic application process assesses the student’s unique experiences and considers their tangible and intangible qualities. Universities not only want to see your actual characteristics like grades, TOEFL/IELTS, SAT/ACT scores, etc. report; but also want to see your hobbies, interests, and projects. They also want to hear about you from people you spend a lot of time with, such as your teachers and mentors, in the form of a recommendation letter. 

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There are multiple ways to share your experiences on the application form. You can write structured essays about a past experience and how it shaped you into a successful student or list your achievements in the activities section. Several universities also have an optional video you could upload if you possess a unique fine arts skill such as dance or music. If you have a website or small business, you can also share more about those by sharing the URL links on the application. 

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And last but not least, most universities will also allow you to have a video interview with a member of the admissions office. This is an excellent opportunity to introduce yourself to the person reviewing your applications and put a face to the application by building a personal connection.

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Universities are looking to fill their classes with diverse and multi-talented students with various life interests. Institutes believe students have a great college experience when they meet friends with unique interests and share their knowledge.

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