CINXE.COM
Holistic Review Gateway: A UC-Wide Collaboration | UC Davis Graduate Studies
<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en" dir="ltr" prefix="og: https://ogp.me/ns#"> <head> <meta charset="utf-8" /> <noscript><style>form.antibot * :not(.antibot-message) { display: none !important; }</style> </noscript><script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=UA-48259712-1"></script> <script>window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments)};gtag("js", new Date());gtag("set", "developer_id.dMDhkMT", true);gtag("config", "UA-48259712-1", {"groups":"default","anonymize_ip":true,"page_placeholder":"PLACEHOLDER_page_path","allow_ad_personalization_signals":false});</script> <meta name="description" content="What is "holistic review?" A holistic, or “whole file” review process in graduate admissions considers every aspect of an applicant’s file equally, without any one factor deciding admission. Holistic review also entails understanding an applicant’s achievements in the context of available opportunities and challenges faced." /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://gradstudies.sf.ucdavis.edu/holistic-review" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="UC Davis Graduate Studies" /> <meta property="og:type" content="website" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://gradstudies.sf.ucdavis.edu/holistic-review" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Holistic Review Gateway: A UC-Wide Collaboration" /> <meta property="og:description" content="What is "holistic review?" A holistic, or “whole file” review process in graduate admissions considers every aspect of an applicant’s file equally, without any one factor deciding admission. Holistic review also entails understanding an applicant’s achievements in the context of available opportunities and challenges faced." /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://gradstudies.sf.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk9301/files/styles/sf_landscape_16x9/public/media/images/AMIGA%20It%27s%20A%20Wrap_20230531_041%20crop.jpg?h=77dfdf51&itok=g_1qK3QJ" /> <meta property="og:image:url" content="https://gradstudies.sf.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk9301/files/styles/sf_landscape_16x9/public/media/images/AMIGA%20It%27s%20A%20Wrap_20230531_041%20crop.jpg?h=77dfdf51&itok=g_1qK3QJ" /> <meta property="og:image:type" content="image/jpeg" /> <meta property="og:image:width" content="1280" /> <meta property="og:image:height" content="720" /> <meta property="og:image:alt" content="two people are engaged in discussion during an AMIGA event at UC Davis. A third person is in the foreground with their head turned away from the camera" /> <meta property="og:updated_time" content="2023-10-10T09:59:37-07:00" /> <meta property="article:author" content="Corrie L Jacobs" /> <meta property="article:published_time" content="2023-07-25T17:55:17-07:00" /> <meta property="article:modified_time" content="2023-10-10T09:59:37-07:00" /> <meta name="Generator" content="Drupal 10 (https://www.drupal.org)" /> <meta name="MobileOptimized" content="width" /> <meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="true" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" /> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge,chrome=1" /> <meta http-equiv="apple-mobile-web-app-capable" content="yes" /> <link rel="modulepreload" href="https://cdn.skypack.dev/pin/lit@v2.0.0-rc.3-RFrIXWBysJfo8GpKQ4Gc/mode=imports,min/optimized/lit.js" /> <link rel="modulepreload" href="/profiles/sitefarm/themes/sitefarm_one/dist/primary-nav.js" /> <link rel="preload" href="https://campusfont.ucdavis.edu/proxima-nova/proximanova_bold_macroman/proximanova-bold-webfont.woff2" as="font" type="font/woff" crossorigin="true" /> <link rel="preload" href="https://campusfont.ucdavis.edu/proxima-nova/proximanova_regular_macroman/proximanova-regular-webfont.woff2" as="font" type="font/woff" crossorigin="true" /> <link rel="preload" href="https://campusfont.ucdavis.edu/proxima-nova/proximanova_extrabold_macroman/proximanova-extrabold-webfont.woff2" as="font" type="font/woff" crossorigin="true" /> <link rel="preload" href="https://use.fontawesome.com/releases/v6.4.2/webfonts/fa-solid-900.woff2" as="font" type="font/woff" crossorigin="true" /> <link rel="icon" href="/sites/g/files/dgvnsk9301/files/GraduateStudies_Logo_RGB_1.png" type="image/png" /> <title>Holistic Review Gateway: A UC-Wide Collaboration | UC Davis Graduate Studies</title> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/g/files/dgvnsk9301/files/css/css_OY_6z6KmWQgXrF8MjQqxBNYLX8jYj-hTgCMYKQb7wEQ.css?delta=0&language=en&theme=grad&include=eJxljkEOwzAIBD_k1qe-BxFMUxRsIuO0Sl9fK8khUS9Iuzss0MRJmtUHzLqMUmBGmkBK4tJgUKMpnkWggz-QM7EDY8UUyR12LriRoELuEkGlTB7_rXt7cebgqzfOcUDnQFY5FqsZVb49ksZPrBms8A5cnMzuOLJf3bO4Jk8rDT_s1q9uH49qA-rN26q9RXG1pUESJ3tzXWPfIdNrR7HE4S388bjNe7a0KP8AV4aFNA" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/g/files/dgvnsk9301/files/css/css_5IVQlISVOSPJzvnCf1TOR_ruJ5mgvzPbrTceY0uXAmQ.css?delta=1&language=en&theme=grad&include=eJxljkEOwzAIBD_k1qe-BxFMUxRsIuO0Sl9fK8khUS9Iuzss0MRJmtUHzLqMUmBGmkBK4tJgUKMpnkWggz-QM7EDY8UUyR12LriRoELuEkGlTB7_rXt7cebgqzfOcUDnQFY5FqsZVb49ksZPrBms8A5cnMzuOLJf3bO4Jk8rDT_s1q9uH49qA-rN26q9RXG1pUESJ3tzXWPfIdNrR7HE4S388bjNe7a0KP8AV4aFNA" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://use.fontawesome.com/releases/v6.4.2/css/all.css" crossorigin="anonymous" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/g/files/dgvnsk9301/files/css/css_qh2uP02JUwaaLD5PtSAm3dsMy33Tg05u-Tn9EFOngbo.css?delta=3&language=en&theme=grad&include=eJxljkEOwzAIBD_k1qe-BxFMUxRsIuO0Sl9fK8khUS9Iuzss0MRJmtUHzLqMUmBGmkBK4tJgUKMpnkWggz-QM7EDY8UUyR12LriRoELuEkGlTB7_rXt7cebgqzfOcUDnQFY5FqsZVb49ksZPrBms8A5cnMzuOLJf3bO4Jk8rDT_s1q9uH49qA-rN26q9RXG1pUESJ3tzXWPfIdNrR7HE4S388bjNe7a0KP8AV4aFNA" /> <script src="/profiles/sitefarm/themes/sitefarm_one/dist/main.js?sne6l5" type="module"></script> <script src="/profiles/sitefarm/themes/sitefarm_one/dist/toolbar.js?sne6l5" rel="modulepreload" type="module"></script> </head> <body class="path-node page-node-type-sf-page node-4181 l-header--fixed"> <a href="#main-content" class="visually-hidden focusable skip-link"> Skip to main content </a> <div class="dialog-off-canvas-main-canvas" data-off-canvas-main-canvas> <div class="layout-container "> <header class="l-header header" role="banner"> <div class="mobile-bar"> <div class="mobile-bar__nav-toggle"> <button class="nav-toggle js-nav-toggle" aria-controls="primary-nav" aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Toggle Main Menu"> <span class="nav-toggle__icon nav-toggle__icon--menu">Menu</span> </button> </div> <div class="mobile-bar__fixed-site-name"><a href="/" title="Home" rel="home">UC Davis Graduate Studies</a></div> <div class="mobile-bar__university"> <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/"><img src="/profiles/sitefarm/themes/sitefarm_one/images/uc-logo-gold.svg" class="ucd-logo" alt="UC Davis Logo" width="124" height="20" /></a> </div> </div> <div class="header__bar"> <div class="header__university"> <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/"> <img src="/profiles/sitefarm/themes/sitefarm_one/images/uc-logo-blue.svg" class="ucd-logo" alt="UC Davis Logo" width="100" height="16" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="l-header__branding"> <div class="region region-header"> <div id="block-grad-branding" class="site-branding block block-system block-system-branding-block"> <div class="site-branding__figure"> <a href="/" title="Home" rel="home"> <img src="/sites/g/files/dgvnsk9301/files/bel.png" alt="UC Davis Graduate Studies | cultivating the best learning experience <br> for students and scholars" class="site-logo" fetchpriority="high" /> </a> </div> <div class="site-branding__body"> <h1 class="site-branding__site-name"> <a href="/" title="Home" rel="home">UC Davis Graduate Studies</a> </h1> <div class="site-branding__slogan">cultivating the best learning experience <br> for students and scholars</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="l-navbar header__navbar menu--closed"> <div class="l-container--navigation off-canvas off-canvas--left"> <div class="off-canvas__container l-nav-horizontal"> <div class="l-nav-horizontal__search-popup "> <div class="region region-search"> <button class="search-popup__open js-search-popup__open"> <span class="search-popup__open-icon">Open Search</span> </button> <div class="search-block-form search-popup" data-drupal-selector="search-block-form" id="block-grad-search" role="search"> <form action="/search/node" method="get" id="search-block-form" accept-charset="UTF-8" class="search-form"> <div class="js-form-item form-item js-form-type-search form-type-search js-form-item-keys form-item-keys form-no-label"> <label for="edit-keys" class="visually-hidden">Search</label> <input title="Enter the terms you wish to search for." class="search-form__input form-search" placeholder="Search..." required="required" data-drupal-selector="edit-keys" type="search" id="edit-keys" name="keys" value="" size="15" maxlength="128" /> </div> <div data-drupal-selector="edit-actions" class="form-actions js-form-wrapper form-wrapper" id="edit-actions"><input class="search-form__submit js-form-submit form-submit" data-drupal-selector="edit-submit" type="submit" id="edit-submit" value=" Submit" /> </div> </form> </div> </div> </div> <div class="l-nav-horizontal__quick-links"> <div class="region region-quick-links"> <div class="quick-links"> <button id="block-quicklinks-menu" class="quick-links__title" aria-controls="quick-links" aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Toggle Quick Links Menu"> Quick Links <span class="submenu-toggle"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon">+</span></span> </button> <nav aria-labelledby="block-quicklinks-menu" id="block-quicklinks" class="quick-links__menu u-hidden--visually quick-links--two-columns quick-links--highlight"> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/graduate-programs" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/86">Graduate Programs</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/graduate-center" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1466">Graduate Center</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/graduate-alumni-network" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3786">Graduate Alumni Network</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/resource-guides" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1801">Resource Guides</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/forms" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/341">Forms</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/policies" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1861">Policies</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/calendar" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1621">Calendar</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/academic-dates" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/126">Dates & Deadlines</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/contact" data-drupal-link-system-path="contact">Staff Directory</a> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> </div> </div> <div class="l-nav-horizontal__primary-nav"> <div class="region region-navigation"> <nav aria-labelledby="block-grad-main-menu-menu" id="block-grad-main-menu" class="primary-nav primary-nav--superfish"> <h2 class="visually-hidden" id="block-grad-main-menu-menu"><a href="">Holistic Review in Graduate Admissions</a></h2> <ul suggestion="region_navigation" class="menu"> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper primary-nav__top-link"> <a href="/about-graduate-studies" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1766"> About<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <a href="/about-graduate-studies" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1766"> About Graduate Studies<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/meet-advisory-board" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/4401">Meet the Advisory Board</a> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/strategic-plan" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1771">Strategic Plan</a> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/special-projects" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1481">Special Projects</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <a href="/graduate-center" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1466"> Graduate Center<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/about-facility" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1386">About the Facility</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/graduate-center-facility-use-guidelines" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1391">Facility Use Guidelines</a> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/facility-reservations" title="Information regarding how to reserve space and approval processes." data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1396">Facility Reservations</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="https://grad.ucdavis.edu/form/share-your-graduate-center-feedb">Share Your Feedback</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <a href="/news" data-drupal-link-system-path="news"> News<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/gradlink-e-newsletter" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/36">GradLink Newsletter</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/editorial-style-guide" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1461">Editorial Style Guide</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <a href="/events" data-drupal-link-system-path="events"> Events<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/envision-uc-davis" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/936">Envision UC Davis</a> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/grad-slam" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/941">Grad Slam</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/graduate-student-orientation" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/836">Graduate Student Orientation</a> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/graduate-studies-commencement" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/931">Graduate Studies Commencement</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/grad-student-appreciation-week" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/951">Grad Student Appreciation Week</a> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/graduate-anti-racism-symposium" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1586">Graduate Anti-Racism Symposium</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/postdoc-appreciation-week" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/676">Postdoc Appreciation Week</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/calendar" title="Find events at Graduate Studies" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1621">Event Calendar</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <a href="/give-graduate-studies" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/71"> Alumni & Friends<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/alumni-opportunities" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1496">Alumni Opportunities</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/give-day" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3726">Give Day</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/graduate-alumni-network" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3786">Graduate Alumni Network</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/form/update-your-contact-information" data-drupal-link-system-path="webform/update_your_contact_information">Update Your Contact Information</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="https://ucdavis.box.com/s/fku095v2ehksepbispkva1s2be2oeyg9">Organizational Chart</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/contact" data-drupal-link-system-path="contact">Staff Directory</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper primary-nav__top-link"> <a href="/admissions" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/31"> Admissions<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <a href="/explore" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1636"> Explore<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/why-uc-davis" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1816">Why UC Davis?</a> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/graduate-programs" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/86">Graduate Programs</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/cost-graduate-school" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1651">Cost of Graduate School</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/funding-your-graduate-education" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1751">Funding Your Education</a> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/graduate-preparation-programs" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/211">Pipeline Programs</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <a href="/preparing-graduate-school" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/101"> Prepare<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/program-application-deadlines" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1626">Application Deadlines</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/testing" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1686">Testing Requirements</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/international-applicants" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/866">International Applicants</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <a href="/apply" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1631"> Apply<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/applying-uc-davis" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/106">Admissions Requirements</a> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/admissions-process-overview" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1691">Admissions Process Overview</a> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/application-components" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1696">Application Components</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <a href="/newly-admitted-students" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/811"> Admitted Students<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/graduate-student-orientation" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/836">Orientation</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/transcript-requirements-new-admits" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/831">Transcript Requirements / Submitting Final Transcripts</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/proof-degree-requirements-new-admits" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1001">Proof of Degree Requirements</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/frequently-asked-questions-1" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/821">Frequently Asked Questions</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper primary-nav__top-link"> <a href="/academics" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/61"> Academics<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <a href="/graduate-programs" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/86"> Graduate Programs<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/graduate-programs" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/86">Graduate Programs and Groups</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/designated-emphases" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/216">Designated Emphases</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/graduate-academic-certificates" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/201">Graduate Academic Certificates</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/academic-dates" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/126">Academic Dates & Deadlines</a> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <a href="/registration" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/131"> Registration & Status<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/adding-and-dropping-courses" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/166">Adding & Dropping</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/absentia" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/176">In Absentia</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/intercampus-exchange" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/186">Intercampus Exchange</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/international-student-requirements-and-information" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/181">International Student Requirements</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/filing-fee" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/4776">Filing Fee</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/graduate-part-time-status" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1996">Part-Time Status for Graduates</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/planned-educational-leave-program-pelp" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1091">Planned Educational Leave Program (PELP)</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/withdrawal-readmission" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1101">Withdrawal and Readmission</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <a href="/graduate-degree-requirements" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/236"> Degree Requirements<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/pre-candidacy" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1096">Pre-Candidacy</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/doctoral-qualifying-exam" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1081">Doctoral Qualifying Exam</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/masters-doctoral-candidacy" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1106">Master's & Doctoral Candidacy</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/normative-time" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/281">Time to Degree</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/changes-major-or-degree-objective" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/276">Changing Majors or Objectives</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/transfer-coursework" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1121">Transfer Coursework</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <a href="/finishing-your-degree" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/296"> Finishing Your Degree<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/preparing-filing-your-thesis-or-dissertation" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/301">Filing Your Thesis or Dissertation</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/passing-masters-examination" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/306">Completing the Master's Plan II or MFA</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/publishing-options-embargo-copyright" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/2086">Publishing Options, Embargo, & Copyright</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/degree-verification" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/311">Diplomas, Transcripts and Verification</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <a href="/progress-and-academic-probation" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/316"> Academic Standing & Progress<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/grading-courses-and-credit" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/331">Grading, Courses and Credit</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/student-progress-assessment" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/326">Student Progress Assessment</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/warnings-probation-and-disqualification" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/321">Academic Probation</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/senior-academic-advisors-graduate-studies" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/346">Meet Your Advisors</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/policies" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1861">Policies</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/forms" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/341">Forms</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper primary-nav__top-link"> <a href="/financial-support" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1441"> Financial Support<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/current-funding-opportunities" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/4226">Current Funding Opportunities</a> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <a href="/internal-fellowships" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/21"> Fellowships & Awards<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/internal-fellowships" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/21">Internal Fellowships</a> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/external-fellowships" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/41">External Fellowships</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/fellowship-stipend-disbursement-dates" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3331">Fellowship Stipend Disbursement Dates</a> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/graduate-education-awards" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/256">Awards</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <span class="primary-nav__nolink nolink" tabindex="0"> Employment<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </span> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/student-employment" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/46">TA, AI, GSR, and Reader Appointments</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="https://grad.ucdavis.edu/non-academic-appointments">Non-Academic Appointments</a> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/contract-info" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3976">Information on New Bargaining Agreements</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <a href="/tuition-and-fees" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/426"> Tuition & Fees<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/non-resident-supplemental-tuition-programs" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/431">Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition Programs</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/financial-aid" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/56">Financial Aid</a> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <span class="primary-nav__nolink nolink" tabindex="0"> More Information<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </span> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/research-training-grant-programs" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/466">Training Grant Programs</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/university-financial-systems-information-students" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/436">University Financial Systems</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/graduate-studies-emergency-grant-program" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3851">Emergency Grant Program</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/fall-quarter-payment-solutions" title="Fall Quarter Payment Solutions for Graduate Students" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3866">Fall Quarter Payment Solutions</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded menu-item--active-trail"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper primary-nav__top-link"> <a href="/diversity" title="Our Commitment to Diversity" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1576"> Diversity<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded menu-item--active-trail"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <span class="primary-nav__nolink nolink" tabindex="0"> Holistic Review in Graduate Admissions<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </span> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item menu-item--active-trail"> <a href="/holistic-review" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/4181" class="is-active" aria-current="page">Holistic Review Gateway</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/alliance-multi-campus-inclusive-graduate-admissions-amiga" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1791">AMIGA</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/california-consortium-inclusive-doctoral-education-c-cide" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1796">C-CIDE</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/graduate-diversity-resources" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/631">Graduate Diversity Resources</a> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <a href="/graduate-diversity-initiatives" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/626"> Programs & Initiatives<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/prospective-students" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3466">Diversity Programming for Prospective Students & Postdocs</a> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/current-students" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3471">Diversity Programming for Postdocs, Admitted & Continuing Students</a> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/graduate-studies-anti-racism-initiative" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1486">Graduate Anti-Racism Initiative</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/uc-hbcu-initiative-0" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3441">UC-HBCU Initiative</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/diversity-data-and-research" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/636">Data & Research</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/graduate-studies-dei-events" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3401">Events</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/funding" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3501">Funding</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/graduate-diversity-professionals" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/641">Diversity Professionals</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper primary-nav__top-link"> <span class="primary-nav__nolink nolink" tabindex="0"> Resources<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </span> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/professional-development" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/246">GradPathways Institute for Professional Development</a> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <a href="/problems-and-dispute-resolution" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/646"> Help & Support<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/problems-and-dispute-resolution" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/646">Challenges and Dispute Resolution</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/mental-health-and-counseling-services" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/651">Counseling Services</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/graduate-studies-emergency-grant-program" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3851">Emergency Grant Program</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/thriving-graduate-school" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3351">Thriving in Graduate School</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/disability" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/656">Disability Accommodations</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/guidelines-facilitating-publication-graduate-student-work" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1741">Guidelines for Facilitating Publication of Graduate Student Work</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <a href="/faculty-student-mentoring" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/251"> Mentoring<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/graduate-mentoring-initiative-gmi" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1746">Graduate Mentoring Initiative (GMI)</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/mentoring-up" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3576">Mentoring Up</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/graduate-studies-advising-and-mentoring-pilot-program" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/2001">Graduate Program Collective</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/program-resources" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/2076">Program Resources</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/resources-mentors" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/536">Mentor Resources</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/mentoring-resources-mentees" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/551">Mentee Resources</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <a href="/parenting-and-childcare" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1071"> Parenting & Childcare<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/carebubbles" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1446">CareBubbles</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/worklife-wellness/student-parent/ucd-funding">Child Care Funding</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <a href="/representation-and-leadership" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1846"> Representation & Leadership<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/graduate-student-advisor-dean-graduate-studies-chancellor" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1851">Graduate Student Advisor to the Dean of Graduate Studies and Chancellor</a> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/CGPSA" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1856">Chancellor's Graduate and Professional Student Advisory Board</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="https://gsa.ucdavis.edu/">Graduate Student Association</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="https://postdocs.ucdavis.edu/">Postdoctoral Scholar Association</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper "> <a href="/resource-guides" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1801"> Resource Guides<span class="primary-nav__submenu-indicator"></span> </a> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/graduate-student-resource-guide" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1381">Graduate Student Resource Guide</a> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/resources-uc-davis-postdoctoral-scholars" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/671">Postdoctoral Scholar Resource Guide</a> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/faculty-and-staff-resources" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/696">Faculty and Staff Resources</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </header> <main class="l-main"> <a id="main-content" tabindex="-1"></a> <div class="region region-pre-title"> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> <div class="views-element-container block block-views block-views-blocksf-primary-image-banner-content-block-1" id="block-views-block-sf-primary-image-banner-content-block-1-2"> <div><div class="view view-sf-primary-image-banner-content view-id-sf_primary_image_banner_content view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-fff9d33a6614f8d57c23270b20f865fca8ab8124275e03b94ab5bafd401d01a0"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="views-row"><div class="media media--type-sf-image-media-type media--view-mode-sf-title-banner"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/g/files/dgvnsk9301/files/styles/sf_title_banner/public/media/images/AMIGA%20It%27s%20A%20Wrap_20230531_041%20crop.jpg?h=77dfdf51&itok=KcIlGGby" width="2000" height="460" alt="two people are engaged in discussion during an AMIGA event at UC Davis. A third person is in the foreground with their head turned away from the camera" class="image-style-sf-title-banner" /> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="l-page-title region region-page-title"> <div id="block-grad-page-title" class="block block-core block-page-title-block"> <div> <h1 class="page-title"><span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Holistic Review Gateway: A UC-Wide Collaboration</span> </h1> </div> </div> <div id="block-grad-breadcrumbs" class="l-page-title__breadcrumb block block-system block-system-breadcrumb-block"> <nav aria-labelledby="system-breadcrumb"> <header id="system-breadcrumb" class="visually-hidden">Breadcrumb</header> <ol class="breadcrumbs"> <li> <a href="/">Home</a> </li> <li> <a href="/diversity">Diversity</a> </li> <li> Holistic Review in Graduate Admissions </li> <li> Holistic Review Gateway: A UC-Wide Collaboration </li> </ol> </nav> </div> </div> <div class="l-container "> </div> <div class="l-container"> <section class="l-basic "> <aside class="l-sidebar-first"> <div class="region region-sidebar-first"> <nav aria-labelledby="block-distinguished-menu" id="block-distinguished" class="sub-nav panel o-box"> <h2 class="sub-nav__title visually-hidden" id="block-distinguished-menu">distinguished</h2> <ul class="sub-nav__menu menu" suggestion="subnav"> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded menu-item--active-trail"> <div class="submenu-toggle__wrapper"> <span class="sub-nav__nolink nolink">Holistic Review in Graduate Admissions</span> <button class="submenu-toggle" aria-label="Toggle Submenu"><span class="submenu-toggle__icon"></span></button> </div> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item menu-item--active-trail"> <a href="/holistic-review" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/4181" class="is-active" aria-current="page">Holistic Review Gateway</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/alliance-multi-campus-inclusive-graduate-admissions-amiga" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1791">AMIGA</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/california-consortium-inclusive-doctoral-education-c-cide" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1796">C-CIDE</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/graduate-diversity-resources" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/631">Graduate Diversity Resources</a> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/graduate-diversity-initiatives" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/626">Programs & Initiatives</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/diversity-data-and-research" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/636">Data & Research</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/graduate-studies-dei-events" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3401">Events</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/funding" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3501">Funding</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/graduate-diversity-professionals" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/641">Diversity Professionals</a> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> </aside> <div class="l-content"> <div class="region region-content"> <div id="block-grad-content" class="panel--nested block block-system block-system-main-block panel o-box"> <article> <div class="u-space--no-margin-collapse node__content"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodesf-pagebody"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h2 class="heading--underline"><span><span><strong><span>What is "holistic review?"</span></strong></span></span></h2> <p><span><span>A holistic, or “whole file” review process in graduate admissions considers every aspect of an applicant’s file equally, without any one factor deciding admission. Holistic review also entails understanding an applicant’s achievements in the context of available opportunities and challenges faced. Holistic review employs a systematic, comprehensive, and contextualized approach to graduate admissions. It can help a program identify talent, avoid bias, and ensure inclusive excellence in the way it trains the next generation of scholars. Thus, holistic review serves the mission of the University of California to advance knowledge through the contributions of the diverse population of our state.</span></span></p> <h3><span>What’s involved?</span></h3> <p><span><span>Typically, departments that use a holistic process for graduate admissions place less emphasis on standardized scores and GPAs and attend more to socio-emotional variables like persistence and creativity. They use rubrics to systematize evaluation across reviewers. They keep clear, written records and revisit their processes annually, consulting application, admit, and yield data to assess effectiveness. There is no one-size-fits all approach; each program has unique needs; thus, holistic review looks different in different fields. </span></span></p> <h3><span>How do we do it?</span></h3> <p><span><span><span>Below is an outline of best practices organized according to a typical calendar of admissions along with suggestions for further reading. Ideally your admissions team could get to everything on this timeline, but the world is less than ideal and not everything here will resonate with your colleagues. If you’re just getting started, the best place to begin is with a department-wide conversation about the place of graduate admissions in your program and field as a whole, what counts as success in your field, what qualities ensure graduate student success, if your process currently looks for those things in an applicant’s file, and if not, what changes to your process you might consider. The findings from these conversations can inform the admission committee’s deeper work.</span></span></span></p> <p class="heading--auxiliary"><span><span><span><strong>Admissions Timeline</strong></span></span></span></p> <ul class="list--accordion"> <li><span><span><span>Summer — Review and Revise</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>Whether you are a continuing Admissions Chair or have stepped into the role, as you plan for a new academic cycle, revisit the notes from your springtime review of the past year’s successes and frustrations. You may have decided that your current application did not provide all of the information that the admissions committee needed, and so you want to consult with the Graduate Studies/Graduate Division’s Director of Admissions to see if changes are possible. You may have liked the committee’s process, but decided the workload was too heavy, and so want to recruit more members. You may have been disappointed with the depth of the applicant pool, and so want to try more outreach this year. One simple form of outreach is to provide clear and specific information on your program website. Prospective students may rely on your webpage to understand how to navigate the application process. It is helpful to spell out information about the program, such as how students match with a research mentor, or what your admissions committee is looking for in a statement of purpose or writing sample. You can enhance the page by hosting and posting an informational webinar about the program or the application process.</span></span></span></li> <li><span>Fall <span><span>—</span></span> Assemble and Train a Diverse Team</span></li> <li><span><span><span>As you assemble your admissions committee, think about ways you can bring together diverse perspectives for the work, and look for a balance of faculty ranks, backgrounds, and fields. Ideally, identify the committee prior to or at the very beginning of the fall term. Consider whether including advanced graduate students on the committee can offer a valuable student view of the program and a professionalizing opportunity. Ideally, you will be able to meet a few times before the actual reviewing begins, first to discuss program goals and the annual review of admissions and retention data and second to come to a shared understanding of equitable review. One important tool for equitable review is the rubric, a scoring template that can help guide consistent evaluation of applicants across many reviewers, but they are useful only if they are the result of faculty collaboration and discussion. You may be revising last year’s rubric or creating a new one, and after you have it ready, take some time on norming conversations in which reviewers arrive at common ground when it comes to criteria for assessment, how to find evidence of these criteria in an application, and what form of scoring to use.<br> <br> One of the topics to discuss with your team is implicit bias and how it appears in many </span></span></span><span><span><span>aspects of graduate admissions. Conversation starters could include a presentation from the campus office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion or asking committee members to discuss the legal context that shapes admissions decisions, including California’s Proposition 209, which prohibits universities from discriminating or “granting preferential treatment” to individuals on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. I is legal to discuss race, ethnicity, and gender data, but these attributes cannot be a consideration for admission. However, characteristics such as contribution to diversity or first generation college can be considered. Scholars who study equitable and inclusive methods of graduate admissions suggest including a diversity measure in their rubric or evaluation.</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>Winter — Admissions and Recruitment</span></span></span></li> <li><span>Following admissions preparation, reviewers apply their graduate program’s holistic graduate admissions methods.</span><br> <br> Depending upon the number of applications, assign files for review to each committee member. If the number of files is very large, there are some options to consider.<br> <br> <span><span><span>-- Best practices recommend that a first review involve a minimum of two reviewers for each file, however, workload can be an issue. Some graduate programs address large numbers of graduate applications by involving considerably more reviewers (e.g. more faculty reviewers), thereby reducing the number of files to review by each person.</span></span></span><br> <br> <span><span><span>-- A second option to consider is including advanced graduate students as reviewers too. Although there may be some concerns (e.g. confidentiality and training) they can certainly be overcome. Including advanced graduate students in admissions can reduce the number of files assigned to each reviewer <em>and</em> is a professional development opportunity demonstrating academic service and inclusivity.</span></span></span><br> <br> <span><span><span>Some graduate programs may have a separate meeting to discuss and decide upon financial support for each admitted student. This is a good time to dialogue about multiple year offers, summer funding and other considerations that provide a competitive financial offer for your admittees.</span></span></span><br> <br> <span><span><span>Once admissions and financial decisions are made, committee members and a larger faculty group may be called upon to recruit your future graduate students. Scholarship suggests that not only are admissions and financial support is critical to their acceptance, but so are faculty outreach and graduate program climate. Please see some of these resources and recommended reading for additional information.</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>Spring — Assess Results</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>Once April 15 has passed and you’ve yielded your cohort, set aside some time for reflection. First, make a detailed record of the admissions and recruitment processes your committee followed this cycle. Then, review your application, admission, and SIR data noting your department’s accomplishments and growth opportunities. Are you attracting a diverse applicant pool and admitting strong, well rounded cohorts? Are you able to yield your top candidates? Share your findings with your committee and have a frank discussion about their experiences evaluating files and recruiting candidates this year. What worked, what didn’t, and what more can be done, or what can be done differently, next year to build even stronger, more inclusive cohorts? Take note of committee members’ comments and recommendations, add these to your account of this year’s process, and hand these records off to next year’s admissions chair, or – if you’re next year’s chair – retain them for further review. Your notes enable the smooth transitioning and onboarding of committee leadership and members.</span></span></span></li> <br> <li> </li> </ul> <h3 class="heading--auxiliary">Additional Resources & Readings</h3> <ul class="list--accordion"> <li> <p>Summer - Further Resources and Readings</p> </li> <li> <p><strong><em>Readings</em></strong><br> Bersola, S. H., Stolzenberg, E. B., Love, J., & Fosnacht, K. (2014). Understanding Admitted Doctoral Students’ Institutional Choices: Student Experiences Versus Faculty and Staff Perceptions. American Journal of Education, 120(4), 515–543. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1086/676923">https://doi.org/10.1086/676923</a><br> <br> Griffin, K. A., & Muniz, M. (2015). Rethinking the Structure of Student Recruitment and Efforts to Increase Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Doctoral Education. International Journal of Doctoral Studies, 10, pp. 199–216. doi: 10.28945/2275<br> <br> Michel, R. S, Belur, V., Naemi, B & Kell H. J. (2019). Graduate Admissions Practices: A Targeted Review of the Literature. ETS Research Report, No. II-19-33.<br> <br> Villanueva, C. & Moreno, J. M (July 1, 2022). Equitable and Inclusive Graduate Program Websites. Available from mjmoreno@ucdavis.edu.</p> </li> <li> <p>Fall - Further Resources and Readings</p> </li> <li> <p><strong><em>Resources</em></strong> <br> Test your implicit biases at Project Implicit: <a href="https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/">https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/</a> <br> <br> Office of General Counsel (July 2015). Guidelines For Addressing Race and Gender Equity in Academic Programs in Compliance with Proposition 209. University of California. https://www.ucop.edu/uc-legal/_files/guidelines-equity.pdf.<br> <br> <strong><em>Readings</em></strong><br> Holmes, C., & Oakleaf, M. (2013). The Official (and Unofficial) Rules for Norming Rubrics Successfully. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 39(6), 599-602. doi:10.1016/j.acalib.2013.09.0<br> <br> Mathur, A., Cano, A., Dickson, M. W., Matherly, L. H., Maun, C., & Neale, A. V. (2019). Portfolio Review of Graduate Admissions: Outcomes of a Pilot Program. Strategic Enrollment Management Quarterly, 7(1), 7-24. <a href="https://www.utsa.edu/strategicplan/initiatives/academic/graduate-success/documents/SEMQ-0701-Portfolio-Review.pdf">https://www.utsa.edu/strategicplan/initiatives/academic/graduate-success/documents/SEMQ-0701-Portfolio-Review.pdf</a><br> <br> Moneta-Koehler, L., Brown, A. M., Petrie, K. A., Evans, B. E., & Chalkley, R. (January 11, 2017). The Limitations of the GRE in Predicting Success in Biomedical Graduate School. PLoS ONE 12(1):e0166742. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0166742.<br> <br> Posselt, J. R. (2014). “Toward Inclusive Excellence in Graduate Education: Constructing Merit and Diversity in PhD Admissions.” American Journal of Education, 20,(4), pp. 481–514. JSTOR, <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/676910#metadata_info_tab_contents">https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/676910#metadata_info_tab_contents</a><br> <br> Posselt, J. R. & Miller, C. W. (n.d.). Rubric Design and Use. NSF funded.<br> <br> Schoepp, K., Danaher, M., & Kranov, A. A. (2018). An Effective Rubric Norming Process. Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, 23(11).</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Winter - Further Resources and Readings</strong></p> </li> <li> <p><strong><em>Readings</em></strong><br> Bersola, S. H., Stolzenberg, E. B., Love, J., & Fosnacht, K. (2014). Understanding Admitted Doctoral Students’ Institutional Choices: Student Experiences Versus Faculty and Staff Perceptions. American Journal of Education, 120(4), 515–543. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1086/676923">https://doi.org/10.1086/676923</a><br> <br> <span><span><span>Toor, Rachel (February 11, 2022). Lessons from a Career Spent Recruiting Graduate Students of Color. The Chronicle of Higher Education. <a href="https://www.chronicle.com/article/lessons-from-a-career-spent-recruiting-graduate-students-of-color"><span><span>https://www.chronicle.com/article/lessons-from-a-career-spent-recruiting-graduate-students-of-color</span></span></a></span></span></span></p> </li> <li> <p>Spring - Further Resources and Readings</p> </li> <li> <p><strong><em>Resources</em></strong><br> UC Grad Studies Stats Tool, <a href="https://grad.ucdavis.edu/diversity-data-and-research">https://grad.ucdavis.edu/diversity-data-and-research</a></p> </li> <li> <p>More Resources and Readings</p> </li> <li> <p><em><span><span><span><strong>Affirmative Action and California's Proposition 209</strong></span></span></span></em><br> Bleemer, Z. (2022). Affirmative Action, Mismatch, and Economic Mobility After California’s Proposition 209. Quarterly Journal of Economics 137(1), pp.115–160.<br> <br> <em><span><span><span><strong>Diversity in Higher Education</strong></span></span></span></em><br> Barajas, H., & Musil, C.M. (2021). Diversity: An Investment in Democracy and Academic Excellence in Re-envisioning the Public Research University: Navigating Competing Demands in an Era of Rapid Change. Eds. Furco, A, Bruininks, R.H., Jones, R.J., and Kent, K. Routledge: New York & London.<br> <br> <span><span><span>Bleemer, Zachary (July 1, 2019). Diversity in University Admissions: Affirmative Action, Percent Plans and Holistic Review. UC Berkeley Research and Occasional Papers Series. CSHE.6.2019.<br> <br> Hurtado, S. (Winter 2007). Ashe Presidential Address. Linking Diversity With The Educational and Civic Missions of Higher Education. The Review of Higher Education, 30(2), pp. 185-196.<br> <br> Holtzman, S., Minott, T., Devasia, N., Dessi, K., Kirova, D., & Klieger, D. (December 2021). Exploring Diversity in Graduate and Professional School Applications. ETS Research Report -21-17.</span></span></span></p> <p><em><strong><span><span><span>Grade Point Average</span></span></span></strong></em><br> Pattison, E., Grodsky, E., & Muller, C. (2013). Is the Sky Falling? Grade Inflation and The Signaling Power of Grades. Educational Researcher, 42(5), pp. 259-265. DOI: 10.3102/0013189X13481382.</p> <p><strong><span><span><span><em>Holistic Admissions</em></span></span></span></strong><br> <span><span><span>Glazer, G., & Bankston, K. (September, 2014). Holistic Admissions in The Health Professions: Findings From a National Survey. Urban Universities for HEALTH, pp. 1-24.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Kent, J. D. & McCarthy, M. T. (2016). Holistic Review in Graduate Admissions: A Report from the Council of Graduate Schools. Washington, DC: Council of Graduate Schools.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Kira Talent. (2018). Demystifying Holistic Admissions: The Comprehensive Guide to Holistic Review. <a href="http://www.kiratalent.com">www.kiratalent.com</a>.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Liu, L. O. (2022). Holistic Admissions in Higher Education: Challenges and Promises. Journal of Postsecondary Student Success, 1(4), pp. 1-19.<br> <br> Michel, R. S., Vinetha B., Bobby N. & Harrison J. K. (December 2019). Education Testing Services Research Report 19-33. Princeton, NJ: Educational Testing Services. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/ets2.12271"><span><span>https://doi.org/10.1002/ets2.12271</span></span></a>.</span></span></span></p> <p><em><strong><span><span><span>Implicit Bias</span></span></span></strong></em><br> <span><span><span>Fine, E. & Handelsman, J. (2012). Reviewing Applicants: Research on Bias and Assumptions. Women in Science & Engineering Leadership Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison. http://wiseli.engr.wisc.edu<br> <br> MacLachlan, A. J. (February 2017). Preservation of Educational Inequality in Doctoral Education: Tacit Knowledge, Implicit Bias and University Faculty. Research and Occasional Paper Series: Center for Studies in Higher Education, CSHE.1.17. <a href="http://CSHE.berkeley.edu/">http://CSHE.berkeley.edu/</a></span></span></span><br> <br> <span><span><span>Ogunyemi, D. (August, 2021). A Practical Approach to Implicit Bias Training. Journal of Graduate Medical Education. <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.4300/JGME-D-21-00598.1">http://dx.doi.org/10.4300/JGME-D-21-00598.1</a><br> <br> Tversky, A. & Kahneman, D. (Sep. 27, 1974). Judgement Under Uncertainty: Heuristics and Biases. Science, 185(4157), pp. 1124-1131.</span></span></span><br> <br> <em><strong><span><span><span>Letters of Recommendation</span></span></span></strong></em><br> Akos, P. & Kretchmar, J. (2016). Gender and Ethnic Bias in Letters of Recommendation: Considerations For School Counselors. Professional School Counseling, 20(1), pp. 102-113.<br> <br> Equity in Graduate Education (2020). Better Letters: Equitable Practices for Writing, Reading, and Soliciting Letters of Recommendation. https://equitygraded.org/rsrc/equitable-practices-for-writing-reading-and-soliciting-letters-of-recommendation/.<br> <br> Madera, J. M., Hebl, M. R., Dial, H., & Valian, V. (2019). Raising Doubt in Letters of Recommendation for Academia: Gender Differences and Their Impact. Journal of Business and Psychology, 34(3), pp. 287-303.<br> <br> Trix, F. & Psenka, C. (2003). Exploring The Color of Glass: Letters of Recommendation for Female and Male Medical Faculty. Discourse & Society, 14(2), pp. 191-220.<br> <br> <em><strong>Meritocracy</strong></em><br> Bleemer, Z. (October 26, 2021). On the Meritocratic Allocation of Higher Education. W.E. Upjohn Institute For Employment Research. Dissertation Award Summaries.<br> <br> The Harvard Law Review (June, 2008). "Trading Action for Access": The Myth of Meritocracy and The Failure to Remedy Structural Discrimination. Harvard Law Review, 121(8), pp. 2156-2177.<br> <br> <strong><span><span><span><em>Nonacademic Factors (also called Non-Cognitive Variables)</em> </span></span></span></strong><br> <span><span><span>Conard, M. (2005). Aptitude is Not Enough: How Personality and Behavior Predict Academic Performance. Journal of Research in Personality, 40, pp. 339-346.<br> <br> Hossler, D., Chung, E., Kwon, J., Lucido, J., Bowman, N. & Bastedo, M. (2019). A Study of the Use of Nonacademic Factors in Holistic Undergraduate Admissions Reviews. The Journal of Higher Education, 90(6), pp. 833-859. DOI: 10.1080/00221574694. https://doi.org/10.1080/002215462019.1574694.<br> <br> Humphries, J. E. & Fabian K. (2017). On The Interpretation of Non-Cognitive Skills- What is Being Measured and Why It Matters. Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization. 136, pp. 174-185. <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jebo.2017.02.001">http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jebo.2017.02.001</a><br> <br> Kalsbeek, D., Sandlin, M., & Sedlacek, W. (July 1, 2013). Employing Noncognitive Variables to Improve Admissions and Increase Student Diversity Retention. Strategic Enrollment Management Quarterly, V1(2), pp.132-150.<br> <br> Sedlacek, W. (2004). Why We Should Use Noncognitive Variables With Graduate and Professional Students. The Advisor: The Journal of The National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions. 24(2), pp. 32-39.</span></span></span><br> <br> <em><strong>Rubrics</strong></em><br> Posselt, J. R. & Miller, C. W. (n.d.). Rubric Design and Use. NSF funded grants material.<br> <br> Schoepp, K., Danaher, M., & Kranov, A. A. (2018). An Effective Rubric Norming Process. Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, 23(11).<br> <br> <em><strong><span><span><span>Standardized Tests</span></span></span></strong></em><br> Feldon, D. F., Litson, K., Cahoon, B., Feng, Z., Walker, A., & Tofel-Grehl, C. (2023). The Predictive Validity of The GRE Across Graduate Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis of Trends Over Time. The Journal of Higher Education, DOI:10.1080/00221546.2023.2187177.<br> <br> Miller, C., & Stassun, K. (2014). A Test That Fails. Nature.org, 510(7504), pp. 303-304. doi:10.1038./nj7504-303a.</p> </li> </ul> <p> </p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> <div class="l-container"> <aside class=" l-quad--full u-clearfix u-clear"> <div class="l-quad__region region region-bottom-content-third"> <div id="block-apcasestudyucla" class="category-brand--rec-pool l-sibling-grid--third alignable-promo block block-block-content block-block-content5a60d8a4-4e50-458c-ab98-6f8a1e307d2d panel o-box"> <div class="alignable-promo__wrapper"> <div class="alignable-promo__figure"> <div class="field field--name-field-sf-m-block-primary-img field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/g/files/dgvnsk9301/files/styles/sf_large_width/public/media/images/UCLA.Image%20Large.jpeg?itok=I4VzhS5v" width="1000" height="802" alt="image of fountain and historical building at UCLA on a sunny day" class="image-style-sf-large-width" /> </div> </div> <div class="alignable-promo__body"> <h2 class="alignable-promo__title"> <span class="alignable-promo__line1">Innovation: UCLA</span> </h2> <div class="alignable-promo__text"> <p>UCLA's Graduate Council develops a new rubrics and written admissions processes.</p> </div> <div class="alignable-promo__buttons"> <a href="/case-study-ucla-rubrics-and-written-admissions" class="btn btn--primary">Learn more</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="block-grad-apinnovationucdavis" class="category-brand--gunrock l-sibling-grid--third alignable-promo block block-block-content block-block-content5edfdbac-4bbb-499e-8e86-c65b9fcdbd2a panel o-box"> <div class="alignable-promo__wrapper"> <div class="alignable-promo__figure"> <div class="field field--name-field-sf-m-block-primary-img field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/g/files/dgvnsk9301/files/styles/sf_large_width/public/media/images/Iconic%20campus%20photo.jpg?itok=431d-h9R" alt="A photo of Mrak Hall, UC Davis." class="image-style-sf-large-width" /> </div> </div> <div class="alignable-promo__body"> <h2 class="alignable-promo__title"> <span class="alignable-promo__line1">Innovation: UC Davis</span> </h2> <div class="alignable-promo__text"> <p>UC Davis graduate students help drive the admissions process and implementation of holistic review in the Graduate Group in Ecology.</p> </div> <div class="alignable-promo__buttons"> <a href="/innovation-uc-davis-graduate-group-ecology-rubric-and-guidance-document-admissions" class="btn btn--primary">Learn more</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </aside> </div> </main> <footer class="l-footer footer dark-background"> <div class="l-container"> <div class="region region-footer flex-footer"> <div class="flex-footer__item"> <div id="block-grad-sitecredits" class="site-credits block block-site-credits block-site-credits-block"> <div>UC Davis Graduate Studies</div> <p class="MsoFooter"><span><span><span><span><span>2001 Walker Hall | One Shields Avenue</span></span></span></span></span><br> <span><span><span><span><span>Davis, CA 95616<br> <a href="/contact">Contact Us</a></span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> <div class="flex-footer__item"> <div id="block-socialmedialinks-2" class="block-social-media-links panel--transparent panel--auxilary block block-social-media-links-block"> <h2> Follow Graduate Studies </h2> <div class="social-follow"> <ul class="social-media-links--platforms platforms inline horizontal"> <li> <a class="social-media-link-icon--facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/UCDavisGraduateStudies" > <span class='fab fa-facebook fa-2x'></span> </a> </li> <li> <a class="social-media-link-icon--twitter" href="https://x.com/UCDavisGrad" > <span class='fab fa-x-twitter fa-2x'></span> </a> </li> <li> <a class="social-media-link-icon--instagram" href="https://www.instagram.com/ucdavisgradstudies/" > <span class='fab fa-instagram fa-2x'></span> </a> </li> <li> <a class="social-media-link-icon--youtube" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUM2ZSvxVIvWqJGmNx1TlOw" > <span class='fab fa-youtube fa-2x'></span> </a> </li> <li> <a class="social-media-link-icon--linkedin" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/uc-davis-graduate-studies/" > <span class='fab fa-linkedin fa-2x'></span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="footer-spacer"> <div class="footer-spacer__logo"> <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/"><img src="/profiles/sitefarm/themes/sitefarm_one/images/aggie-logo-white.svg" class="ucd-logo" alt="UC Davis footer logo" width="180" height="140" loading="lazy" /></a> </div> </div> <div class="region region-footer-credits"> <div id="block-grad-uccredits" class="uc-footer block block-uc-credits block-uc-credits-block"> <ul class="list--pipe"> <li><a href="http://ucdavis.edu/help/privacy-accessibility.html">Privacy & Accessibility</a></li> <li><a href="https://diversity.ucdavis.edu/principles-community">Principles of Community</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/">University of California</a></li> </ul> <p>Copyright © The Regents of the University of California, Davis campus. All rights reserved.</p> </div> </div> <div class="u-align--center">This site is officially grown in <a href="https://sitefarm.ucdavis.edu">SiteFarm</a>.</div> </div> </footer> </div> </div> <script type="application/json" data-drupal-selector="drupal-settings-json">{"path":{"baseUrl":"\/","pathPrefix":"","currentPath":"node\/4181","currentPathIsAdmin":false,"isFront":false,"currentLanguage":"en"},"pluralDelimiter":"\u0003","suppressDeprecationErrors":true,"google_analytics":{"account":"UA-48259712-1","trackOutbound":true,"trackMailto":true,"trackTel":true,"trackDownload":true,"trackDownloadExtensions":"7z|aac|arc|arj|asf|asx|avi|bin|csv|doc(x|m)?|dot(x|m)?|exe|flv|gif|gz|gzip|hqx|jar|jpe?g|js|mp(2|3|4|e?g)|mov(ie)?|msi|msp|pdf|phps|png|ppt(x|m)?|pot(x|m)?|pps(x|m)?|ppam|sld(x|m)?|thmx|qtm?|ra(m|r)?|sea|sit|tar|tgz|torrent|txt|wav|wma|wmv|wpd|xls(x|m|b)?|xlt(x|m)|xlam|xml|z|zip"},"ajaxTrustedUrl":{"\/search\/node":true},"user":{"uid":0,"permissionsHash":"003ad478246c258dd80b739b1cda6a1a52b0c12ee61800b119296b16f0f406c6"}}</script> <script src="/sites/g/files/dgvnsk9301/files/js/js_eSf6Nzo_plUUF503WYGZgpJWFHwfcI6RRHPCWn8NRSk.js?scope=footer&delta=0&language=en&theme=grad&include=eJxLz89Pz0mNT8xLzKksyUwu1k9HE9ApzixJTUssyo3Pz0vVR-boFRRl5iYWVcbnJZYBAAdKHKE"></script> <script src="/profiles/sitefarm/themes/sitefarm_one/dist/primary-nav.js?sne6l5" type="module"></script> <script src="/profiles/sitefarm/themes/sitefarm_one/dist/chunks/jquery.module.xUA_0r32.js?sne6l5" rel="modulepreload" type="module"></script> <script src="/profiles/sitefarm/themes/sitefarm_one/dist/chunks/submenu-toggle.BY_BntgG.js?sne6l5" rel="modulepreload" type="module"></script> </body> </html>