I applied to the Ivy League like any other hopeful high school grad, but I couldn't be happier at Holy Cross. The academics are rigorous and rewarding and as a small, private college the professors are there to help you and make an effort to know you're name; you're not just a number in a lecture hall. The intimate classes have an excellent learning atmosphere and the overall feel of the college is both gorgeous and alive with constant Happenings on the Hill and endless opportunities for both the social butterfly and the academic bookworm.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
It's true, GPA isn't everything, but Holy Cross is looking for the best and brightest so keep your grades up and work hard to be well-rounded. Get involved in your high school, join some clubs, get into student government, volunteer your time, and never stop expanding your horizons. The more experience you bring the table the better. Be prepared to be challenged and anticipate spending some serious time in your studies. You can't just skate by. Holy Cross expects you to actively participate in your classes, so pursue what you're passionate about! And don't be afraid to leave your dorm! You should get involved as much as you can handle but be sure to budget your time wisely and save some room for sleep! There's a lot to do here and plenty of opportunities for fun and excitement.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
The classes at Holy Cross not only challenge you in their academics, but in your overall perspective as a human being. You will be asked to reflect on big-picture questions that will get you thinking and excite you. Always go the extra mile. Stimulate a discussion. The professors what to know what you think and feel. This school is powered by the voice of its students. You will be expected to spend at least 3 hours of study for every 1 hour of in-class time, but with so many resources available studying is easy and enjoyable. Find a class that you believe will interest you and become engaged in the conversation. Don't just do the bare minimum; find things that excite you! As a liberal arts school, you will be expected to dabble in a vast variety of different fields. While this might seem daunting, take it as a reward for your hard work in high school. Now you can study whatever you want!
Describe the dorm life at your college.
Living in a dorm is what you make of it. The facilities are clean and organized and if you can find a roommate you get along well with, it will feel like home. There is a strong sense of Dorm Loyalty and constant happenings within the halls. Boys and girls are always on separate levels, but of course you can always go and visit your friends regardless. The rooms may seem barren but with your own personalizing touch you can make these blank canvases into your inner sanctum easily. So go into it with a positive mind and attitude and remember, the dorm is only a small portion of your college life. Get out and explore!
Describe the food and dining at your college.
Holy Cross caters to all dining needs including Kosher, Vegan, and Vegetarian, but you may disappointed with their basic meals. Know where to look and balance your meal plan well with Dining Dollars for store-bought items and Meal Swipes for hot meals. You can easily eat with a healthy life style in mind or pig out on tasty pizza and fries. Fresh coffee and hot chocolate round out your day along with a warm bagel and danish. If you get bored of munching on school food, you can always order off-campus or go out and try Worcester dining. I've never gone hungry and have always enjoyed my meals regardless.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
The opportunities are endless. From the Hart Fitness Center to Women's Club Rugby there is an infinite amount of ways to spend your time. The social life off-campus is studded with parties not to mention that as a part of the Worcester Consortium, you have the opportunity to cruise the social scene of nearly a dozen colleges. Holy Cross has a ton of clubs and if you can't find one that suits you, you can start your own! From horse-back riding to sailing, there is always something to do. You can even grab the shuttle for a 50 minute ride into Providence RI or an hour ride to Boston MA. You and your friends will be overwhelmed but just how much is happening on and off campus.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Holy Cross is expensive, there's no doubt about it, but their financial aid is wonderful. I wouldn't have been able to attend without their generous scholarship and I certainly would never dream of going to school anywhere else. The professors, the classes, the activities, the lifestyle, 'Sader Nation is THE place to be. You will have a bad case of Purple Pride before you know it and you won't regret spending a single cent.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We have a beautiful chapel on campus for services of all denominations that caters also to alumni weddings. Sometimes, it's not just the school you fall in love with!
Which types of students will excel at your college?
As I said before, there are dozens and dozens and dozens of clubs and activities. If sports interest you we are a highly-athletic school with Division 1 teams as well as recreational club sports. In addition, if you can't find it, start a club! Holy Cross is constantly adding to their list of clubs and student activities. The happenings don't just stop at the hill. Worcester volunteering opens up a huge field of opportunities for those looking to help out in their new community.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Holy Cross does not have a Greek Life.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
Not once have I every felt in danger at Holy Cross, and as a female in college that's saying something. There are safety patrols on constant alert and Blue Light Emergency Stations are at every building. Even at night you don't feel as though you have to look over your shoulder because everyone here is out to help you and be your friend. You'll see nothing but familiar faces. The campus is gated and there is no need to worry about any strange intruders threatening the calm.
I applied to the Ivy League like any other hopeful high school grad, but I couldn't be happier at Holy Cross. The academics are rigorous and rewarding and as a small, private college the professors are there to help you and make an effort to know you're name; you're not just a number in a lecture hall. The intimate classes have an excellent learning atmosphere and the overall feel of the college is both gorgeous and alive with constant Happenings on the Hill and endless opportunities for both the social butterfly and the academic bookworm.
It's true, GPA isn't everything, but Holy Cross is looking for the best and brightest so keep your grades up and work hard to be well-rounded. Get involved in your high school, join some clubs, get into student government, volunteer your time, and never stop expanding your horizons. The more experience you bring the table the better. Be prepared to be challenged and anticipate spending some serious time in your studies. You can't just skate by. Holy Cross expects you to actively participate in your classes, so pursue what you're passionate about! And don't be afraid to leave your dorm! You should get involved as much as you can handle but be sure to budget your time wisely and save some room for sleep! There's a lot to do here and plenty of opportunities for fun and excitement.
The classes at Holy Cross not only challenge you in their academics, but in your overall perspective as a human being. You will be asked to reflect on big-picture questions that will get you thinking and excite you. Always go the extra mile. Stimulate a discussion. The professors what to know what you think and feel. This school is powered by the voice of its students. You will be expected to spend at least 3 hours of study for every 1 hour of in-class time, but with so many resources available studying is easy and enjoyable. Find a class that you believe will interest you and become engaged in the conversation. Don't just do the bare minimum; find things that excite you! As a liberal arts school, you will be expected to dabble in a vast variety of different fields. While this might seem daunting, take it as a reward for your hard work in high school. Now you can study whatever you want!
Living in a dorm is what you make of it. The facilities are clean and organized and if you can find a roommate you get along well with, it will feel like home. There is a strong sense of Dorm Loyalty and constant happenings within the halls. Boys and girls are always on separate levels, but of course you can always go and visit your friends regardless. The rooms may seem barren but with your own personalizing touch you can make these blank canvases into your inner sanctum easily. So go into it with a positive mind and attitude and remember, the dorm is only a small portion of your college life. Get out and explore!
Holy Cross caters to all dining needs including Kosher, Vegan, and Vegetarian, but you may disappointed with their basic meals. Know where to look and balance your meal plan well with Dining Dollars for store-bought items and Meal Swipes for hot meals. You can easily eat with a healthy life style in mind or pig out on tasty pizza and fries. Fresh coffee and hot chocolate round out your day along with a warm bagel and danish. If you get bored of munching on school food, you can always order off-campus or go out and try Worcester dining. I've never gone hungry and have always enjoyed my meals regardless.
The opportunities are endless. From the Hart Fitness Center to Women's Club Rugby there is an infinite amount of ways to spend your time. The social life off-campus is studded with parties not to mention that as a part of the Worcester Consortium, you have the opportunity to cruise the social scene of nearly a dozen colleges. Holy Cross has a ton of clubs and if you can't find one that suits you, you can start your own! From horse-back riding to sailing, there is always something to do. You can even grab the shuttle for a 50 minute ride into Providence RI or an hour ride to Boston MA. You and your friends will be overwhelmed but just how much is happening on and off campus.
Holy Cross is expensive, there's no doubt about it, but their financial aid is wonderful. I wouldn't have been able to attend without their generous scholarship and I certainly would never dream of going to school anywhere else. The professors, the classes, the activities, the lifestyle, 'Sader Nation is THE place to be. You will have a bad case of Purple Pride before you know it and you won't regret spending a single cent.
We have a beautiful chapel on campus for services of all denominations that caters also to alumni weddings. Sometimes, it's not just the school you fall in love with!
Academic thinkers Big-Picture activists Well-rounded Carefully organized Time budget masters Serious Studying machines Open-Minded
As I said before, there are dozens and dozens and dozens of clubs and activities. If sports interest you we are a highly-athletic school with Division 1 teams as well as recreational club sports. In addition, if you can't find it, start a club! Holy Cross is constantly adding to their list of clubs and student activities. The happenings don't just stop at the hill. Worcester volunteering opens up a huge field of opportunities for those looking to help out in their new community.
Holy Cross does not have a Greek Life.
Not once have I every felt in danger at Holy Cross, and as a female in college that's saying something. There are safety patrols on constant alert and Blue Light Emergency Stations are at every building. Even at night you don't feel as though you have to look over your shoulder because everyone here is out to help you and be your friend. You'll see nothing but familiar faces. The campus is gated and there is no need to worry about any strange intruders threatening the calm.