Admission: Not Impossible

Just last Friday, I attended Shabbat dinner here on campus alongside five Holy Cross faculty members, and seven Holy Cross students. Rabbi Norman Cohen ’72 , led the service, and two  students prepared a traditional Jewish meal, including a fantastic matzah ball soup, and a beautiful loaf of Challah. It was a wonderful night of reflecting on our respective Holy Cross experiences, and getting to know each other. The night further solidified my love for Holy Cross, and its open-minded appreciation for diversity.

Growing up in Worcester’s Jewish community, I never thought that I could feel comfortable at Holy Cross. Now, having worked here for a little over two years, I can tell you that at no point have I ever been made to feel excluded, judged, or like an “other,” for not being Catholic. On the contrary, working here has helped me to more fully recognize how much we all have in common. The Jesuit sentiment of being “men and women for others” is very similar to the Jewish tradition of giving Tzedakah, or charitable donations.  The words Tzedakah comes from the Hebrew root Tzadei-Dalet-Qof, meaning righteousness, justice or fairness, (all words we rely on heavily at Holy Cross).

Though the majority of students at Holy Cross are Catholic, our community is enriched by Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Protestant, Orthodox, Coptic, Hindu and non-practicing faculty and students. While we do have a religion requirement among our common area requirements, it can be fulfilled with classes like Comparative World Religions, Ancient and Medieval Hinduism, and Zen Buddhism.

Shabbat dinner is just one example of the opportunities Holy Cross provides its non-Catholic students.  Earlier this year, our Center for Religion, Ethics, and Culture hosted a Zen Meditation and Social Justice Forum, and every Sunday, an interdenominational Christian service  is held on campus. Finally, the Chaplain’s office will drive any student to any of the wide array of worshipping communities in the city of Worcester.

Come for a visit, and hopefully you’ll find that Holy Cross is a  comfortable place for you to explore your own faith, and the faiths of others.

Julia Sanders

Admissions Counselor

It’s not Boston, and it’s not New York, but I believe Worcester to be the perfect place to attend college, especially when combined with the constant stream of activities that Holy Cross provides its students.    Here are just a few reasons why ‘the Woo’ is an ideal place to spend four years:

1. 1.Because it’s NOT Boston or New York.   Worcester provides you with TONS of options ranging from street festivals and fabulous restaurants, to concert venues and hiking trails , without the constant distraction.  College is, in fact, a place to get some studying done, and our gorgeous hilltop location provides you with the opportunity to do just that.  Check out this view of campus!



2. Service:   in the Jesuit tradition.   Worcester is an incredibly diverse city – home to both great wealth, and a fair amount of poverty.  The original intention of the Jesuits was to build institutions in cities that could benefit from the students’ presence there.  So live out the Jesuit mission, and complement your liberal arts education with a taste of the real world.
3. Experience is the most important thing on your resume, so maximize your liberal arts education with an internship.  Holy Cross alums are scattered all throughout the city, just waiting to give a Crusader a shot at greatness (Worcester area internships are offered at banks, law firms, hospitals, newspapers, radio stations,  magazines, social service agencies, sports teams, and a variety of other professional institutions.) If you don’t find what you’re looking for there, take a look at a sample of our summer internship offerings
   
4. Multiply your course offerings by twelve. When you come to Holy Cross,  you are allowed to take classes (one per semester) at any school that is part of the Colleges of Worcester Consortium, including Tufts Veterinary, UMass Medical, Clark University, and WPI.

Want more? Call the Admissions Office, I’d be happy to share.

Julia Sanders
Admissions Counselor

 I just finished up my first interview of the new season.   I must admit, prior to the interview, the rainy day was making me feel a little “blah.”   But there’s just something about a nice conversation with someone that makes me smile.   She didn’t have to do any magic tricks or back flips, or cure cancer, or bring me cookies (my favorite is chocolate chip with walnuts). (And no, you are not supposed to bring me cookies). (Unless you reeeeallly want to).  All she had to do was show up, and have a conversation.  She told me about her interests in service, law, and art;  we talked about the new Star Trek movie;  and we reminisced about how beautiful western Massachusetts can be when there aren’t so many tourists around.

She did a great job, and she made my day just a little brighter.

So what should you take away from this?  That in addition to helping you get into college, and giving you insider information on whichever colleges you’re considering,    interviewing makes admissions folks smile, and that never hurts. 

Julia Sanders
Admissions Counselor

On-campus interviews are available now through December. To arrange an on-campus interview, please call the Admissions Office at 1-800-442-2421.  For more information, please see our Web site.

To the Holy Cross Office of Admissions:

I just received my decision letter, and you guys got it WRONG.  JUST PLAIN WRONG.

P.S.  WRONG

Sound about right?
We in the Admissions Office recognize that many of you are pretty disappointed right now and we just want you to know — we understand,  we know this is tough, and we’re really bummed, too.

The frustration you’re feeling is indeed justifiable.  You’re probably brilliant, hard working, charismatic, thoughtful, and talented.  You’re a three sport captain.  A class president.  An Irish step dancing mathlete.  A bassoon-playing robotics champion.  And on top of all of that, you are getting an A in AP Calc!  You are an admit-a-la-mode.  It may not feel like it right now, but we think the world of you.  And though you may have visions of us sitting around some big table, laughing devilishly, drumming our fingers together a’ la Mr. Burns, casting out careless decisions while contemplating the many delicious ways to destroy your life, the fact is, none of us enjoy letting you down.  Our decision making committee consists of a bunch of sappy, sensitive nerds, who’ve committed the last four months of their lives to meticulously scouring your applications for every morsel of goodness.  Deciding between such wonderful and often equally deserving students is incredibly grueling, and simply heartbreaking.  Smiling devilishly? No.  We rather feel like sulking in the corner.

Please try not to doubt yourself or wonder what you could have done differently.  Due to an insanely competitive applicant pool, we simply couldn’t admit all of the admissible applicants we wanted to.   So, while we hope you can trust that we did our best to make the fairest decisions we could, we acknowledge and understand your disappointment.

Please know that you are all stars.  You’re part of the most exceptionally talented applicant pool Holy Cross has ever seen, and we’re confident that wherever you end up, you’ll find unlimited success.

Julia Sanders
Admissions Counselor

Monday morning, 9:00 AM:  Company in.  Twelve admissions counselors.  Twelve cups of coffee.  Our mission?  To decide who gets in.

With so many remarkable candidates, just how do we decide?  While some contend we could simply throw the applications into the air, grab a few thousand at random, and hope for the best, the Holy Cross admissions process is a democratic one, where all applications are voted on;  majority wins.

As today’s committee fly on the wall, I would like to take this opportunity to shed some light on our unique process.  So follow me, behind the closed doors.

Every day, for nine hours a day, for about 5 weeks, we gather together, in the cozy space pictured below:

Back when we were reading all of your applications, we were also summarizing everything in your file, onto what we call a “reading sheet” – a crucial piece of paper that houses a breakdown of your transcript, bits from your recommendations, quotes from the letter from your mom, impressions gathered from your interview, an evaluation of your essay, notes on the academic curriculum offered at your high school, a listing of your test scores (if you decided to submit them), bits about your extra-curriculars,  awards,  jobs,  etc.

During committee, the reading sheets are projected onto the wall, one at a time, for all committee members to see.  Everything in your file finds a place onto your reading sheet, and thusly, everything in your file is evaluated by twelve sets of eyes, before a decision is made.  

With your reading sheet projected onto the wall, we do, in fact, talk about you. We talk about your achievements, your personality, your background, your goals, your successes, and your failures.   Conversations can last anywhere from two minutes to twenty – depending on the case.   If there are any questions, we rummage through the file and fill in the blanks.   We might re-read the essay.  We might double-check the transcript.   We examine your school profile.   If necessary, we call your guidance counselor.  We check again.  And again.   And again.  We might even call your mom. (I kid).  The point is, when it comes to assessing your candidacy, there are no stones left unturned

When we are ready, it’s decision time.  “Anyone want to Accept?”  Hands are raised. And counted.  Majority wins.  And this is how it works, each and every time.

Why do we do it this way? While admissions-sponsored snacks  (important decisions require sustenance) and the option to dress down are obvious perks, we make our admissions decisions as a committee because we feel that a democratic voting process is the fairest way to handle such an overwhelming and often times subjective task.

Why am I telling you all this?  Because you have worked very hard on your application, and we believe your hard work affords you reciprocity.   We want you to have faith in the fact that your application is in the hands of people that will stop at nothing to make the fairest decisions possible.

And with that, it’s time to get back to work.

Julia Sanders

Admissions Counselor

The people that surround you during your four years of college can truly make or break your experience.  With that in mind,    I just want to take a moment to reflect on how wonderful Holy Cross students can be.  Here’s just one example:

A few weeks ago I was buying some soda pop at the food shop in Hogan.  It was morning, and I was carrying my standard four or five bags (far too many for a normal person) and I’ll admit it, I was flustered.   So flustered,  in fact, that after the clerk had rung in my purchases,  I couldn’t find my wallet.   Panicking, I put all my bags on the ground and knelt down to begin the great search.

On the verge of dumping my belongings all over the floor,  I was stopped by the sweet sweet sound of  “I’ve got it, don’t worry”.   I tried to protest, but the student (whom I’d never met) had already paid for me.

It may have only been $2.50, but during that stressful moment, it made all the difference in the world.   I truly believe that this student’s behavior exemplifies the values that Holy Cross students hold so dear.

(And my wallet was in my pocket).

Julia Sanders
Admissions Counselor

Thanks to all of you who came out to Open House on Sunday, October 5th.
It was so nice to see all of your smiling faces (sometimes for the second or third time!)  And, for those of you who missed it – fear not!  We’re holding a second one on November 16th,  from 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM.  You can register in advance online.

Open House is our “one stop shop” for experiencing life at Holy Cross.  You and your family can take a campus tour;  sit in on faculty, student, and admissions panels;  talk to representatives from various clubs, organizations, and athletic teams;  and most importantly,  sample the food!

And now for some reflection and advice:

While I spoke to many wonderful students and parents with many wonderful questions, at times it felt like I wasn’t getting enough questions. I left Open House wondering if I somehow came across as more intimidating than I had previously considered. I mean, I suppose the hefty 6’4 stature, guns of steel, and world champion logger status could throw you,  but I’m actually quite warm and smiley when you get to know me. I kid, I kid (I’m actually rather lanky and clumsy), but I kid to drive home my point:   Colleges host Open Houses and other similar programs specifically to give you the opportunity to get your questions answered. We know that trying to decide on where to apply to college can be a very overwhelming and stressful process. And the guidebooks, independent counselors, school counselors, and best friend’s sister’s of the world only know so much.  So be smart consumers, and take advantage of the people in the know.  We are here to help. And we are not scary.

Julia Sanders
Admissions Counselor

It’s a beautiful place filled with warm and brilliant people, and though you might think Admissions folks are scary, after working here for over a year, I can assure you we don’t go around scratching our beards and glaring at each other through thick bifocals.  Come to think of it, I’ve never seen anyone sneer.  Not even once.  We’re actually all really nice…and a little nerdy.

My favorite part of my job is meeting prospective students  and hearing their stories.  What are you passionate about?  What makes you come alive?  Think about it, and then come tell me about it while I’m on the road in California (Northern and Southern) and New York City.  Do you really love, Italy, Jane Austen, or the Patriots?  Have you been on a mission to Central America, or to Bridge club with your grandma? Have you had any great falls lately?  We all have stories…they’re what make us human.  Cultivating your stories will make your essay writing and interviewing experiences that much easier, and that much more fun.  So please, don’t be afraid to try a few of them out on us.

I grew up here in the GREAT city of Worcester. After college,  I took my liberal arts degree out to Los Angeles to try my hand at Television and Film Production.  The majority of my time was spent casting Documentary and Reality shows, and as fun and exciting as that was, I had a persistent itch to do something a little more helpful.   I ended up moving back to my beautiful hometown, and am thrilled to be a part of the Holy Cross Admissions team.

Outside of the office, I like to get outside, hang out with my dog, take pictures, listen to music, watch The Office, and root for New England sports teams.

Once again, we’re all looking forward to hearing about what makes you, uniquely you.

Julia Sanders
Admissions Counselor

To the Holy Cross Office of Admissions:

I just received my decision letter, and you guys got it WRONG.  JUST PLAIN WRONG.

P.S.  WRONG

Sound about right?

We in the Admissions Office recognize that many of you are pretty disappointed right now and we just want you to know — we understand,  we know this is tough, and we’re really bummed, too.

The frustration you’re feeling is indeed justifiable.  You’re probably brilliant, hard working, charismatic, thoughtful, and talented.  You’re a three sport captain.  A class president.  An Irish step dancing mathlete.  A bassoon-playing robotics champion.  And on top of all of that, you are getting an A in AP Calc!  You are an admit-a-la-mode.  It may not feel like it right now, but we think the world of you.  And though you may have visions of us sitting around some big table, laughing devilishly, drumming our fingers together a’ la Mr. Burns, casting out careless decisions while contemplating the many delicious ways to destroy your life, the fact is, none of us enjoy letting you down.  Our decision making committee consists of a bunch of sappy, sensitive nerds, who’ve committed the last four months of their lives to meticulously scouring your applications for every morsel of goodness.  Deciding between such wonderful and often equally deserving students is incredibly grueling, and simply heartbreaking.  Smiling devilishly? No.  We rather feel like sulking in the corner.

Please try not to doubt yourself or wonder what you could have done differently.  Due to a record breaking number of applications totaling well over 7,200 (200 more than last year), and an insanely competitive applicant pool, we simply couldn’t admit all of the admissible applicants we wanted to.   So, while we hope you can trust that we did our best to make the fairest decisions we could, we acknowledge and understand your disappointment.

Please know that you are all stars.  You’re part of the most exceptionally talented applicant pool Holy Cross has ever seen, and we’re confident that wherever you end up, you’ll find unlimited success.

Julia Sanders
Admissions Counselor

Awhile back I found myself in a gloriously gold rented Impala on the Mass Pike, west of Springfield, headed toward the New York state line.  It was just one of those days: fake blue sky, fiery leaves, twinkling sun, me pretending I can sing like Bob Dylan – the whole nine.

It also happened to be the last day of October, quota-filling frenzy day for state cops. Western mass’s unpredictable downhills and traffic-free highways were making it difficult for me to sustain my careful 72 in the 65 mph zone, and I slowly became frustrated by the attention my speed maintenance was requiring. After all, it was taking away from all the foliage-viewing and loud-singing I had on my schedule.

To remedy the situation, I considered, for maybe the first time in my life, setting the cruise control.

I scrapped the idea about five seconds later.

My thinking was this:  My hands are on my wheel, I am driving this car.  This is my experience, not the Impala’s.

This decidedly lame analogy is leading up to one anti-climactic piece of advice:   As you go through the college search-and-destroy process, make sure to keep your hands on the wheel.  By this I mean two things:

1. Try not to place too much importance on other people’s opinions.
2. Work on trusting your own beautiful instincts.

Many of you are blessed with guide book –toting parents, schlepping you from college tour to college tour, quite certain that their idea of your perfect collegiate experience precisely reflects your idea of the perfect collegiate experience.

And don’t get me wrong, your parents/guardians are great (the Holy Cross Admissions team LOVES parents).  Your parents are so great that many of them are financing much of your postsecondary education. They’ve also souped you up with great features; and made sure you’ve passed all your inspections.  But they’re not the ones driving.

Consider them your GPS navigation system, attempting to steer you in the right direction.  But (as many of us have learned the hard way) the GPS is not always right.  Sometimes, it’ll direct you into a lake. That’s when your instincts can be rather beneficial.  When your hands are on the wheel, you are the song that’s playing, you are the one that follows the sign to the farm stand. You are the cloud watcher, the photographer, the ice cream seeker.   Your parents might tell you how to get to the ice cream shop, but you order cookies n’ cream because your taste buds told you it’s delicious.

So keep your hands on the wheel.  Pay attention to your gut when you take that campus tour.   Ignore the gossip. Ignore the hype. Hone in on your pitter-patter. If a school feels right to you, it probably feels right for a reason.

Julia Sanders
Admissions Counselor