Unlike many education systems where admission decisions are based almost entirely on final exams or national rankings, U.S. colleges evaluate students in context. Holistic review means that admissions officers consider multiple dimensions of an applicant’s background, achievements, and potential.
For international students, this approach can be both a challenge and an opportunity. In addition to academic records, applicants are evaluated on factors such as English proficiency, personal essays, extracurricular involvement, recommendations, and the educational and social context in which they studied. Importantly, while race itself can no longer be used as a selection factor, universities continue to value global perspectives, lived experiences, and personal journeys, especially when students articulate them thoughtfully in their applications.
In practice, this means that a strong application tells a story—one that connects academic preparation with motivation, curiosity, leadership, and future goals.
Academics remain the backbone of the admissions process, typically accounting for 30–40% of the overall evaluation. However, grades are never viewed in isolation.
Admissions officers review transcripts within the context of the student’s school system, available coursework, and national curriculum. For international applicants, this often involves recalculating grades using school profiles and, in some cases, credential evaluation standards for systems such as the IB, A-levels, or national diplomas.
In practice, this means that a strong application tells a story—one that connects academic preparation with motivation, curiosity, leadership, and future goals.
Curriculum rigor matters. Students who challenge themselves with advanced coursework—particularly in mathematics, sciences, writing, or field-specific subjects—demonstrate readiness for the academic demands of U.S. universities. This is especially important for STEM-focused programs.
Students with competitive results often choose to submit them, while those with weaker scores are usually better served by focusing on grades, coursework, and other strengths. What matters most is strategic decision-making, not simply submitting everything.
English proficiency remains a standard requirement for most international applicants. Exams such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test are commonly accepted, though waivers may apply for students who studied in English-medium schools or countries. Strong language proficiency supports not only admission, but also academic success once on campus.
If academics show that a student can succeed in college, personal and extracurricular components show who the student is and how they engage with the world. These factors often make up 40–50% of the holistic review.
Admissions officers consistently emphasize depth over quantity. Rather than participating in many unrelated activities, successful applicants usually demonstrate sustained commitment—or a “spike”—in a few areas that reflect genuine interest. This could include: academic competitions or Olympiads, reesearch projects or independent initiatives, leadership in community organizations or school clubs, creative work, entrepreneurship, or advocacy projects.
For international students, globally oriented experiences—such as cross-cultural projects, international competitions, or community initiatives addressing local challenges—often stand out when clearly explained.
Strong essays do not attempt to impress through achievements alone. Instead, they reflect self-awareness, growth, and purpose. For international students, essays are often the best place to explain educational challenges, cultural context, family responsibilities, or unique pathways that shaped their academic journey. Admissions officers are not looking for a “perfect” story. They are looking for authenticity, clarity, and reflection.
