Admission: Not Impossible » Ann McDermott

From Inside the Committee Room

Admissions — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 04:13:14 +0000

We’ve just completed the third week of committee. 4,424 decisions made, 2500 left to go. And yes, all 6900+ applications will be seen by the twelve members of the Holy Cross admissions committee. The discussions so far have been very good. We don’t always agree, and very often we will dig deeper into the file, going beyond the reading sheet for greater clarity.

One of the most common requests this week has been: “Can we please see the essay?” And often, after reading the essay, the decision becomes clear. So while you wait to hear your decision (We expect to mail the decision letters on March 26th), please know that you do have a voice in this process. Your essay allows us to hear directly from you, and what you have chosen to share can be enormously helpful to our discussions. Thank you for sharing your stories with us, and making our job just a little bit easier.

Ann McDermott
Director of Admissions

An Unexpected Gift

Admissions — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:09:54 +0000

I had a million things to do this weekend. But like most of you living in the Northeast, I woke up to a winter wonderland. Snow was falling, the wind was blowing, and roads had yet to be treated. So the “to do” list was put on hold. Instead, I played. As a family we finished decorating the Christmas tree, giggling at homemade ornaments from pre-school days. My dog and I made snow angels and wrestled in the snow. I happily prepared a very complicated family favorite for dinner without the slightest concern for the time. I could not have asked for a better day.

The list of things to be done remains, but this break in the frenzy of holiday preparations was an important reminder to relax, slow down, and just enjoy the moment.

Wishing you the peace and joy of this holiday season!

Ann McDermott
Director of Admissions

Early Decision Versus Regular Decision

admin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:22:28 +0000

During my travels last week I received a number of questions about Early Decision…who should apply, what is the process, are there benefits to applying ED? If you have had similar questions, please read on!

By applying Early Decision you are stating that Holy Cross is far and away your first choice for college. There should be no doubt in your mind that this is absolutely the place you want to be. The process is binding, which means that if admitted to Holy Cross, you will withdraw all other applications and enroll here. This is a serious commitment, so the decision to apply ED should not be made casually.

Unlike Regular Decision, Early Decision files are reviewed on a rolling basis, beginning November 1. Once an application is complete, the application will be read by two members of the Admissions staff, and then presented to the full Admissions Committee. Students are notified of the decision as soon as they are made. Therefore, the earlier you apply and complete you application, the earlier you will receive your decision. The deadline for applying ED is December 15.

If you plan on applying for Financial Aid, you will want to submit the CSS Profile at the same time you submit your application for admission. Our financial aid policies for ED are exactly the same as for Regular Decision. We are need-blind in the application process, which means that we do not consider the level of financial need in making our admissions decisions. We also meet full demonstrated need for all admitted students. Financial aid for Early Decision is packaged in exactly the same way as in Regular Decision. However, if you and your parents are interested in comparing aid packages from other colleges, then applying Regular Decision would be the better course of action.

So what are the advantages of applying Early Decision? An Early Decision application demonstrates your commitment to and excitement about attending Holy Cross. Because the applicant pool is smaller, we have more time to evaluate your candidacy. We respect the commitment you are making to Holy Cross, and value the fact that you are committed to attending the College. Both of these factors are given serious consideration as part of our decision making process. Also, an Early Decision acceptance alleviates the stress of the college search during the remainder of your senior year!

Ann McDermott
Director of Admissions

Summer: A Great Time to Visit Holy Cross

Admissions — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:24:41 +0000

It’s August and it seems that summer has finally arrived on Mt St. James! The upside to all the rain we have had: a very green campus! While I admit to being a bit biased, I know that our visitors will agree that the campus looks amazing. If you haven’t visited yet, or if you would like to return, we have tour guides eager to show you around, and an enthusiastic staff ready to answer your questions. So stop by and say hello.

Ann McDermott
Director of Admissions

“Why I love Holy Cross”

Admissions — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 21:02:33 +0000

We know you have a big decision to make. Over the next few weeks, members of the Holy Cross community will share their thoughts on what makes Holy Cross so special.

As I was walking through the Admissions Office waiting room, I overheard one of our students speaking with a group of visitors. “I absolutely love it here! I can’t imagine myself anywhere else,”

That is what I love about Holy Cross. Our students are not only amazing, they are amazingly happy.

I encourage you to take some time to learn why. On April 15th and 22nd, log on to our on-line chats and “talk” to our students about their experiences here. Come to the Open House on April 19th and see first hand what is unique and special about Holy Cross.

Ann McDermott
Director of Admissions

Admissions Director: Selection Process Nears End

Admissions — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:05:00 +0000

Once again, the twelve members of the Admissions Committee will gather in an impossibly small room, coffee in hand, to discuss and debate the remaining applicants for the Class of 2013. We are almost done.

As I reflect back over the past few weeks, I am struck by the overall quality of this pool of applicants. It is truly amazing, and I admit a bit humbling, to see what you have managed to accomplish in just a few short years. My staff and I have enjoyed “meeting’ you and learning about your journey through high school. We applauded your academic successes, cheered with you as your achieved victory on the field, laughed along with you at the comedy of high school, and yes, cried at the losses many of you have suffered.

Thank you for sharing your personal stories with us. You have achieved so much already, and I am certain that the best is yet to come!

Ann McDermott
Director of Admissions

Test Scores: To Submit or Not to Submit

Admissions — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:43:00 +0000

Some of the most common questions I get asked from students, parents and counselors are the following: “At what point should a student decide to not submit testing?” Or “When will submitting testing help my chances?” In reality this decision is entirely up to you. If you feel your testing says something about you and your abilities, feel free to send them along. We will look at them in conjunction with your transcript, your recommendations, essay and interview (if you have had one) and make our assessment. If, on the other hand, you feel that your test scores do not represent you well, then do not hesitate to withhold them. We will not make any assumptions about your testing, and will focus our attention on your transcript and the other accompanying credentials that are contained in your application.

Holy Cross has always placed far greater weight on the academic experience of a candidate as demonstrated through the high school transcript then on a single test or combination of tests. Our experience has shown that the rigor of a student’s program and overall academic performance can best illustrate commitment, motivation, and willingness to take on challenges. Our process credits students who have achieved at a very high level in the classroom, with far less importance placed on testing.

So, submit or not to submit? The choice is yours!

Ann McDermott
Director of Admissions

Greetings from Holy Cross!

Admissions — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:21:00 +0000

Welcome to the Holy Cross Admission blog! I hope that the start of the new school year has been a successful one for you. The Admissions staff and I are pleased that you are considering Holy Cross as one of your options for college. Please know that we are eager to provide you with more information about the College, and more importantly, with tips on taking some of the stress out of the college search. Throughout the year, my staff and I will be posting our observations and suggestions, as well as sharing some of the specifics about our admissions process.

Ann Bowe McDermott
Director of Admissions

Happy Thanksgiving!

Admissions — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 14:38:32 +0000

It’s Wednesday.but not just any Wednesday. It’s the day before Thanksgiving. I was reminded of this (as if I could really forget) as I drove into the College’s near empty parking lot this morning. The student exodus began mid-morning on Monday and continued throughout the day yesterday. The campus is now peaceful and quiet with little observable activity.except for the Admissions Office. The staff is here in full force, conducting interviews, processing applications, answering phone calls and reviewing candidates for Early Decision. Our Thanksgiving break will begin later this afternoon, hopefully before the traffic build up begins.

On behalf of the entire Admissions staff I would like to extend to you and your family our very best wishes for a happy Thanksgiving. We hope you have a wonderful holiday surrounded by family, friends, and of course, good food.

Best wishes,
Ann McDermott
Director of Admissions

Director of Admissions’ tips for application process

Admissions — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 21:15:00 +0000

I hope you are enjoying getting to know members of the Admissions Staff. I have been reminded by a staff member (okay, it was Kelli) that I have been invisible since my opening greeting. So here is a bit of my story:

I am originally from Wilton, CT (though born in CA) and attended public schools there. I sort of stumbled upon Holy Cross, and after a visit to campus knew that this was where I wanted to spend my four years of college. I was a psychology major, but took full advantage of the broad range of classes offered here. I have spent all of my professional life working in the field of admissions, returning to work in the Holy Cross admissions office in 1989. My husband Ed is also a graduate of Holy Cross. He is an attorney by profession, and on the side he too is employed by the College. He teaches a class on legal reasoning and rhetoric, and coaches the College’s mock trial and moot court teams. Our oldest child, Brian, is a sophomore here, and daughter Lauren is a junior in high school. Will she follow in mom, dad, and bother’s footsteps? That’s a blog for the future.

My tip for making the college application process a bit saner: Don’t get sucked into the hysteria that frequently escalates at this time of year. Getting distracted by the frantic conversations among classmates about who’s applying where, deadlines, etc. is simply not helpful. Stay focused. Be organized. Maintain perspective. And breathe.

Ann McDermott
Director of Admissions