There is a growing body of evidence that supports the use of holistic review for achieving greater diversity and improving long-term student success. For example, according to a recent study by Urban Universities for HEALTH:
- Seventy-two percent (72%) of health profession schools that reported using holistic review also reported increased diversity in their incoming classes. There was a statistically significant relationship between the number of holistic review practices used and the magnitude of the diversity increase.>
- Standard student success metrics, such as incoming GPA, incoming test scores, and graduation rates, remained unchanged – or in some cases improved.
- Schools using holistic review also reported an improved teaching and learning environment, with students more engaged with the community, more cooperative, and more open to perspectives different from their own.
Resources
Holistic Review: Shaping the Medical Profession One Applicant at a Time [PDF]
White Paper on Pharmacy Admissions: Developing a Diverse Work Force to Meet the Health-Care Needs of an Increasingly Diverse Society [HTML]
Pipeline, Profession and Practice: Community-Based Dental Education [PDF]
Press Release of National Study on University Admissions in the Health Professions [Video]
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