Holistic review disadvantages me if I have strong metrics.

Holistic review aims to put your metrics into context based on your personal journey to this point. Keep in mind that having strong metrics is certainly important and can be an advantage, but it is not the sole indicator of success in graduate health profession education.

Holistic review is used to fill quotas.

Holistic review is not used to fill quotas in the admissions process, but rather to ensure that each applicant is given individual consideration for that program. It is designed to allow medical schools to take other factors beyond GPAs and test scores to identify candidates who can succeed and have shown a demonstrated commitment to pursuing a health profession through their accomplishments and experiences outside of the classroom.

Holistic review leads to lower admissions standards so it is easier to get into medical or dental school.

Holistic review aims to expand the scope of admissions standards to ensure that applicants who are invited to specific programs are a good fit and will succeed at that program and beyond. The purpose is to match applicants who embody the values that medical or dental schools seek to promote in future providers.