Joshua J. Reiter, Ed.D.

Adviser, Universal Portfolio Association
President, ApplicationsOnline, LLC.

A broad and diverse cohort of students, each with their own perspectives and backgrounds, provides an exceptional learning environment which is why many colleges and universities in the United States use a holistic approach to crafting their incoming class. While standardized test scores and grades are one measure of success, there is a range of additional experiences which may be indicative of a student’s ability to succeed and thrive in an undergraduate course of study.

Therefore in the United States, not only do students provide extra-curricular information, write essays, and have recommendations completed on their behalf, but also many now provide colleges with links to online web content such as videos or portfolios of information within the admissions application. This additional information can more easily portray a student’s leadership experiences in various activities such as philanthropy, community service, athletics, or the arts. This information gives admissions directors a fuller, more complete picture of the candidate above and beyond a grade or test score.

Today, education reform in Japan is modifying the way students are assessed and ultimately accepted into higher education institutions. The backgrounds and capabilities of the students are being viewed more holistically than ever before. This is a wonderful enhancement to the process for admitting students into colleges and universities.

I am excited to be invited to participate in the Universal Portfolio Association and to share my college admissions experiences from the United States with higher education representatives in Japan. I also look forward to learning new ideas and perspectives from my colleagues working in the Japanese higher education industry.