College of the Holy Cross (April 10, 2024)
College of the Holy Cross Website: https://www.holycross.edu/
Admissions
Test-optional with 3100 undergraduates; increasingly selective with a much lower acceptance rate.
QuestBridge partner; 46 students joining next year. Early Decision makes up ~60% of the enrolled class, including recruited athletes (~20% of total applicants).
About 10–12% of applicants are legacy; demonstrated interest is tracked.
Student interviews are recommended, and input from parents/guardians is welcomed in applications.
Academics
Structure: Semester-based system; students typically take 4 classes per semester, with options to overload in later years or take a 5th pass/fail class to meet requirements.
Class Environment: Small class sizes (<20 on average, largest ~35–40); no teaching assistants—all classes are taught by professors.
Core Curriculum: 12 requirements fulfilled over 4 years, including 1 religious studies course and 2 semesters of a language (AP credit may fulfill). Curriculum is being rethought through a DEI lens.
Majors/Programs:
Popular majors: Economics, Psychology, English, History, Health Sciences, and pre-professional tracks.
New majors: Critical Race & Ethnic Studies, Architectural Studies, and self-designed programs (must pull from 3+ departments).
Double majoring with a minor is common.
Advising:
First-year students enter undeclared and are assigned advisors based on interests.
Major advisors assigned after declaration (end of first year).
Class Deans support students for all 4 years.
Opportunities:
Maymester: Short-term, 4-week programs (15–20 students) in unique locations.
Study abroad: Highly rated immersion-focused programs, typically semester or year-long, with 75% of students participating.
Experiential learning opportunities, including community-based research, internships, and student-designed programs.
Montserrat: A full-year seminar for first-years, assigned based on preferences.
Writing Center and strong academic support systems.
Theses are optional; some students complete capstone projects instead.
Summer bridge programs include Passport (45 students) and Odyssey (for international students).
Social
Campus Life: No Greek life; welcoming club culture and political openness encourage diverse participation and perspectives.
Athletics: Division 1 sports, with ~25% of students participating. Popular sports include football, women’s basketball, and hockey.
Diversity Support:
Odyssey Program: Early orientation for diverse backgrounds.
Passport Program: Summer bridge program for first-gen and BIPOC students, earning credits before the semester starts.
BIPOC support group and JEBI (Justice, Equity, Belonging, Inclusion) initiatives.
Students feel welcomed and supported by professors who foster academic and personal growth.
Campus
Located on a hill in Worcester, MA; housing is guaranteed all 4 years, though dorms are dated (no AC except for accommodations). Senior townhouses are under construction.
Dining halls offer diverse options for dietary restrictions.
Library (4 of them) primarily offers quiet spaces, with some reservable collaborative areas.
Personal counseling services (free, one-on-one or group) and chaplain resources are available for all students.
174 Acres, 12 residence halls with 7 different dining areas on campus
Football stadium, basketball arena, swimming pool, and outdoor track
Strong connections to the local community through initiatives like:
Office of Community-Based Learning.
Student Program for Urban Development.
Contemplative in Action: Combining service and reflection.
Financial
Meets full demonstrated financial need; merit-based scholarships are limited to $20k/year.
Average student debt is $22,000; enrollment deposit waivers available.
Financial aid applications require FAFSA and CSS Profile, though the Profile can be waived for low-income students.
Merit-based scholarships are limited (capped at $20k/year); FAFSA and CSS Profile required, though the Profile can be waived for very low-income students.
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