Don’t be stressed if the college to which you’ve applied uses what’s called a “holistic” admissions process. Confused? Well, at these schools, grades and test scores alone won’t guarantee your spot. Admissions folks are factoring in how they think you could help create a diverse and multi-talented student body–which is very good news for you and your college applications.

The NY Times reports that this process tends to help students whose GPA, class rank, and test score are less impressive, but who bring something extra, such as a unique talent or having overcome an obstacle.

Mike Gargano, vice president of the Louisiana State University System, says the holistic review process has become a more common practice at public universities. The process, which some criticize, generally allows admissions folks to better understand your academic and personal attributes, he says.

Here are three big things Gargano suggested students and parents should know about the process as you’re finishing applications or waiting a school’s decision.

1. Understand all the factors

Standardized test scores and trends in high school grades, core college prep curriculum, Advanced Placement and IB courses, and honors courses are all part of a holistic review. Gargano says the process also looks at internships, membership in academic societies, band, and student government, and other leadership skills shown through those organizations or community service. Also considered: your family’s income levels and whether you will be the first to attend college.

2. Perfect the essay

The essay can sway an admissions panel, but only if you’re able to demonstrate strong writing skills and the ability to articulate a point of view and support it with facts.

3. Turn your busy schedule into a key advantage

You need to explain how your participation in activities developed new skills and how it will contribute to your learning at a particular school. Too often, the student provides a laundry list of activities and thinks the admission counselor will deduce that from their participation they have learned something, Gargano says. But you need to make the connections for the counselors–like how you learned better time management through participation in sports, which will help you perform better academically in college.

–Lori Johnston