Holistic Admissions

Walking the Talk

Posted on Tue, 10/16/2012 - 10:44

We wanted to bring to your attention an excellent piece from Stuart Schmill, dean of admissions at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that appeared in Inside Higher Ed. In "More to Life than AP," Schmill addresses the messages that colleges send to students about how they make their decisions and the role colleges play in shaping students' behavior. He addresses the "holistic" process; what MIT is looking for; and why parents and counselors should give students the confidence to pursue their true interests instead of ignoring them in favor of what they think a college wants. Candid and reassuring, Schmill's commentary is a must-read.

What Role Does Diversity Play in Admission Decisions?

Posted on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 23:31

As we speak at high schools across the country, we are often asked by students and parents about the role that diversity plays in college admission. As it happens, we are also in the midst of renewed attention to affirmative action, including whether students from some races are actually penalized in the admission process. Jarrid Whitney, Executive Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at California Institute of Technology, joins us today to guest blog about the role diversity plays in the admission process in his experience:

Admission Committee Scenario: