Month: January 2018

Name: Maeve McNamara

Class Year: Sophomore

Major/Concentration: Political Science/Peace and Conflict Studies

Hometown and State: Brewster, MA

What was something that stood out to you about Holy Cross?

The alumni are what stood out to me about Holy Cross. They are so involved with the school and are clearly very excited to help out current Holy Cross students when it comes to networking, internships, and jobs.

What was most nerve-racking about the admissions process, and how was this resolved?

My interview at Holy Cross was the most nerve-racking aspect of the admissions process. It was really more of a conversation, though, with no trick questions, so there is no reason to be as nervous as I was!

What was something you looked forward to experiencing at Holy Cross?

I looked forward to feeling at home and a part of the community at Holy Cross. Transitioning to college life can definitely be a challenge, but you pretty quickly feel like a member of the community.

What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

My favorite spot on campus is the first floor of the Hogan Campus Center. It is the perfect place to see people you know or to hang out and study. There are so many beautiful spots on campus, though, so it is hard to choose just one!

What do you like talking about most on campus tours?

I like to emphasize the connection between professors and students at Holy Cross. Due to small class sizes, students are actually able to go to office hours and really get to know their professors. Holy Cross has really incredible professors so it is a cool opportunity to get to know them outside of class.

What have you learned from being a tour guide?

From being a tour guide, I have taken notice of places or things on campus that I would not have otherwise. As students, we get used to the campus around us, but to a family that has never been here before, certain things stand out. I have had several families visiting for the first time who were shocked that we had a cemetery on campus. It was never something I thought was really peculiar but, as a tour guide, you get that outside perspective that makes you look at the campus differently than you might otherwise.

What is your favorite thing about HC?

My favorite thing about Holy Cross is the opportunities it has given me, in meeting amazing people and professors, and all the opportunities I will have after graduating.

Once you graduate, what will you miss most about HC?

Once I graduate, I think I will miss being a student at Holy Cross. Although I won’t miss all the homework and papers, I think it will be really strange to come back and visit as an alumna, rather than a student.

What is one piece of advice you would like to give to prospective students?

The admissions and interviewing process can be really overwhelming. I would advise prospective students to simply show passion for something. You have to think about what you offer a campus community. Find that thing that makes you different or special, or simply something that you are passionate about!

What is the most exciting event you’ve attended this year?

The most exciting event I attended this year was the Hanify-Howland lecture given by former U.S Ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power. It was an incredible opportunity to get to meet her and hear her speak!

Name: Allie Silge

Class Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Economics Major, Art History Minor

Hometown and State: Lake Forest, IL

What was something that stood out to you about Holy Cross?

I was drawn to the small class size and liberal arts education.

What was something you looked forward to experiencing at Holy Cross?

I looked forward to the Jesuit education and clubs available on campus.

What do you love most about interacting with prospective students/families?

I love sharing with them my own experiences and how I have grown as a student, person, and friend while here at Holy Cross.

What do you find prospective students are most concerned about and what advice would you give them about it?

I think that prospective students are most concerned with the academic rigor. I reiterate to them that the professors are more than willing to help you succeed and there are so many different resources available on campus to do well.

What makes HC special for you?

I love the community present on campus.  It is so inclusive and feels just like a family.

What is your favorite thing about HC?

My favorite thing at HC are the variety of clubs and activities available.

Once you graduate, what will you miss most about HC?

I will miss my friends the most when I graduate.

What is the most exciting event you’ve attended this year?

The most exciting event I attended this year was the Open House! I love the energy!

Name: Mike Ward

Major:History

Hometown: Phoenix, AZ

What was something you looked forward to experiencing at Holy Cross?

I was really looking forward to advancing my Jesuit education from high school and seeing how I would transition what I learned into college

What was most nerve-racking about the admissions process, and how was this resolved?

I was incredibly nervous for the interview, but this was resolved by how much I actually enjoyed my conversation with the admissions counselor.

What was most worrisome about transitioning to college, and how was this remedied?

I was worried about not being friends with anyone going into school and this was solved with my roommate being one of my best friends to this day.

What stands out to you the most in an applicant during their interview?

A drive or a passion for something they want to pursue in college.

What is something applicants shouldn’t do in an interview?

Applicants should not be passive and give one word answers, we want to learn more about you!

What are you going to miss most about Holy Cross?

I am going to miss being around such amazing, motivated people everyday.

Do you have any plans for the future?

I intend to work on a US Senate campaign

What did you learn at Holy Cross that you will take with you into the world?

I will take in the positives about being involved with so many different things on campus and having the ability to relate them to one another and apply my experiences in the workforce.

What piece of advice would you like to share with prospective students?

Holy Cross was the best choice I have made in my life, jump into the college experience with two feet.

How do you feel you’ve grown over your time at Holy Cross?

I have matured so much since I first arrived on the Hill. I have learned how to take care of myself and challenge myself in ways I did not think were possible

What is your favorite thing about HC?

The community

What is the most exciting event you’ve attended this year?

Senior Ball

Name: Maggie Scanlon

Major:History Major with Peace and Conflicts Studies Concentration

Hometown:Wakefield, MA

What was something you looked forward to experiencing at Holy Cross?

When looking at Holy Cross I was able to pick up on the sense that all students were involved in the campus community in one way or another. Whether that be in sports, music or community service. I was really excited to be surrounded by people that were so enthusiastically engaged in their campus community.

What was most nerve-racking about the admissions process, and how was this resolved?

I was definitely most nervous about my interview. Since Holy Cross was at the top of my list for schools when applying, I made sure to do some practice interviews before coming into my interview at Holy Cross. I also made sure to do my research about Holy Cross before my interview and made sure to read the admissions blog for helpful tips.

What was most worrisome about transitioning to college, and how was this remedied?

I was really worried about making friends and adjusting to the academics of Holy Cross. The best thing that I did was get involved right away. This does not mean go out and join every club that Holy Cross offers, but get involved in a club or organization that you are passionate about and you will be able to meet so many people from all class years. I joined the Student Government Association as a freshmen and it was a really great experience. I was able to meet so many upperclassmen who became mentors to me while also participating in something that I am really passionate about. In terms of academics, it takes time to adjust to the college work load. As a freshmen, you cannot come in thinking that study habits and things you did in high school are going to cut it. You definitely have to put in the time and effort, but if you make sure you are prioritizing  your academics you will be able to do well without a problem.

What stands out to you the most in an applicant during their interview?

I am really impressed with applicants that have been involved in unique things in high school, that have clearly does their research on Holy Cross and applicants that are clearly very interested in coming to Holy Cross. I also look for applicants who are able to carry on a conversation really easily and are engaged and prepared with good questions.

What is something applicants shouldn’t do in an interview?

Applicants should never wear jeans. This is my biggest pet peeve. Dress to impress is the rule of the game. When you dress professionally it shows that you care about the interview. Also do not tell me how much you hate high school. I want to know what things you did in high school but I do not care about how you got into a fight with your ex-best friend and cannot wait for college because you do not have to see her everyday. Focus on talking about you and the things that you did in high school.

What are you going to miss most about Holy Cross?

The people. The people at Holy Cross whether that be the students, faculty, staff, facilities, dining services employees and anyone else at the college really make Holy Cross so special. Everyone from my roommates and my freshman history professor that I still visit frequently to the cleaning ladies in Figge and the facilities workers in the library who always offer words of encouragement. There are a very special group of people at Holy Cross and I feel so lucky to have been able to get to know many of them.

Do you have any plans for the future?

My Post Grad plans change depending on the day. At Holy Cross I am really involved in student government association and the spring break immersion program. It is my hope that I am able to combine my passions for those two organizations into a career, possibly working in communications and marketing.

What did you learn at Holy Cross that you will take with you into the world?

One thing that I have learned at Holy Cross that I will take into the world is to always be questioning the things around you and how to ask questions. This may seem like something very simple but it is something that has been ingrained in me since my first day at Holy Cross. Whether that be asking questions in class or asking tough questions will friends at dinner regarding a political issue. It is so important to make sure that we are always asking more and making sure that we are always questions the things that we do. The slogan of “Ask More” is something that can be applicable to any situation in any career or relationship and is so important despite its simplicity.

What piece of advice would you like to share with prospective students?

The more that you reach out to Holy Cross, the better. Holy Cross loves applicants who love Holy Cross. Do everything that you can do to show them that they are at the top of your list. Whether that be doing a tour, going to an open house, having an interview or simply going on an online chat. Every single thing that you do to show Holy Cross that you are interested in them helps you.

How do you feel you’ve grown over your time at Holy Cross?

I feel like I have been able to grow inside and outside the classroom. I have been able to take on a variety of leadership positions and have learned how to work with my peers and also faculty and staff. I also have been challenged in the classroom which has increased my capacity to think.

What is your favorite thing about HC?

My favorite thing about Holy Cross is the traditions that we have every year. Whether that be the fall fest dinner in kimball dining hall, the lessons in carols in the chapel right before Christmas or the homecoming weekend football game. All of these events are a time for the Holy Cross community to come together and they are always something that I look forward to each year.

What is the most exciting event you’ve attended this year?

The most exciting event that I have attended this year has been Senior Ball. Senior ball is a formal event for the senior class every fall at the DCU Center. It was great for everyone to get dressed up and come together as a class. It was such a fun night