Over 6,700 prospective students, over 50 days of reading and deliberating files, over 115 inches of snow, and today Committee is OVER. And what a Committee it was! 13 counselors with different backgrounds, different levels of admissions experience, and different recruitment regions all came together to help shape the Class of 2019. We are so proud of our applicants this year–the pool included students from sea to shining sea, as well as Canada and Peru, the UK and Nepal, China and Egypt and India and several other countries. It was so incredible to learn about students from all over the world, as they threw their hats in the ring for a chance to be part of our community. I am so humbled to work in Admissions here at Holy Cross and get to be a part of this amazing process!
Students’ incredibly hard work certainly did not go unnoticed in this admission cycle. We tapped our feet to drumming videos; smiled through scenes from plays like Shrek and Legally Blonde; felt shivers run down our spines during vocal performances; enjoyed stunning self-portraits, photographs, still-life paintings, and ceramic pottery; laughed at funny essays (and teared up at tender essays); and of course, we voted. We chose students who we think challenged themselves in high school and will relish the academic rigors here on Mount Saint James. We chose students who we believe will enhance our community with their wonderful talents, their varied interests, and their strong drive to not only better themselves but also better the lives of others. And finally, we chose students who showed us their desire to study at a liberal arts college, and if they could, their desire to study at Holy Cross specifically. Applicants showed us in all kinds of ways that they wanted to be Crusaders–by visiting campus, interviewing with an admissions counselor or an alumnus/alumna, writing to us, submitting their application response form, sending us supplemental materials, and/or attending a campus event. Now that this part of the admission cycle is over, we look to the next step: helping admitted students choose Holy Cross!
I would like to end this post with my deepest congratulations to everyone who applied to the College this year. You are all such incredible people with so much to offer, and it was an extraordinary experience to review your applications. Working at a small liberal arts college, we had to make some hard decisions, and I wish that we could have taken more students–we saw so many well-qualified students in this pool. While we could not offer a spot to everyone, we thank you all for applying and wish you all the best in your final semester of high school and in your future studies!
Hello Holy Cross Admissions Staff,
I am very interested in learning more about your school. My mother grew up in Massachusetts and my grandfather attended Holy Cross way back when … I believe in the 1940’s or 50’s. Both sides of my family are Catholic. I attended ten years of Catholic schools, and really feel it has made a big difference in my life. I am now a Core Team leader at our church where I lead and assist the younger confirmation students.
What was the average GPA and SAT score you accepted during the 2014 application year? I was a very good to excellent student through my freshman year of high school, but my grades slipped thereafter due to changing schools and some personal difficulties. I am trying to bring them back up and hoping to do well on the SAT. If both are not up to the number you typically accept, do I still have a chance at being admitted?
Thank you for your time.
Prospective Student,
Sarah Koep
Hi Sarah,
I apologize for the delay in my response; I didn’t see this comment until recently. We do not calculate the average GPA or test score, nor do we have a minimum GPA or score. We take a holistic approach to our review process and seek students who challenged themselves academically at their particular high school. I hope this helps you!