In this podcast, Andrew Linnehan, Senior Associate Director of Admission at Northwestern University, shares insights into the university's holistic review process. He emphasizes that context matters more than just numbers like GPA and test scores. Linnehan encourages applicants to be genuine and to share their unique challenges and experiences. He also highlights Northwestern's impressive 97% retention rate, which he attributes to a supportive community and a flexible curriculum. His advice for prospective students is to seek a college that feels like the right fit rather than just chasing top rankings. The conversation wraps up with tips on crafting compelling essays that focus on personal narratives and writing impactful letters of recommendation that showcase character and individuality.