Tips for Your Application to the College of the Holy Cross

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Kamela Dino, an Assistant Director of Admission at the College of the Holy Cross, in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info. 

 

What’s Covered:

• Application Essay
• Recommendations
• SAT & ACT Scores
• Interviews & Supplemental Materials
• Financial Aid

 

 

This article will provide tips for students applying to the College of the Holy Cross in the state of Massachusetts. Holy Cross accepts both the Common Application and the Coalition Application. The school’s Early Decision 2 and Regular Decision deadline is January 15th. If you’re applying to Holy Cross, keep these tips in mind as you navigate the admissions process. 

 

Application Essay

 

When you write your application essay for Holy Cross, make sure you choose a topic that means something to you, such as an experience you had that gave you an opportunity for growth. It’s also important to choose a topic that you’ll have fun writing about. Rather than worrying about what the admissions committee will think of your essay or whether they’ll like it, focus on enjoying your experience and writing well. If you have fun writing your essay, they will have fun reading it!

 

Recommendations

 

Recommendation letters are an important aspect of your application to the College of the Holy Cross. Two recommendations are required; many students provide one from a teacher and one from a counselor. 

 

You can opt to send a third recommendation letter from a parent, mentor, or similar figure in your life, but it’s better to have two high-quality recommendations from people you chose carefully than to send another letter of lower quality or from someone who doesn’t know you well.

 

SAT & ACT Scores

 

Holy Cross has been test optional since 2006, so sending your SAT and/or ACT scores is not required as part of your application. If you think that your scores reflect well on the type of student you are, you should send them; however, if they don’t show you at your best or if you find yourself thinking too hard about whether to send them, it may be wiser to leave them out of your application. After all, four hours of a test on a Saturday morning cannot tell the admissions committee very much about you!

 

Interviews & Supplemental Materials

 

Interviews are strongly encouraged as part of the Holy Cross admissions process. Holy Cross keeps track of all interactions between prospective students and the admissions office, beginning with interviews that you can participate in during information sessions, so keep in mind that your level of demonstrated interest will be shown through how much you engage with the school. 

 

You also have the option to send supplemental materials to Holy Cross as part of your application. If you have something in mind that you want the school to know about you, something that reflects well on you as an applicant, you should include it in your applications. Students have sent poems and videos, among other things, to give the admissions committee a better idea of who they are. An applicant profile is made up of more than just academic information, and you’re more than just a number, so don’t be afraid to show a bit of your personality with your supplemental materials. 

 

Supplemental materials can be used to demonstrate your involvement in extracurricular activities. Holy Cross is interested in students who are engaged in more than just schoolwork, so you should take the opportunity to demonstrate that you fit the criteria.

 

Financial Aid

 

When it comes to affording your education, Holy Cross meets 100% of demonstrated financial needs for its students. In the 2020-2021 year, the college awarded $64.3 million in financial aid, and accepted students whose families have a total income of $75,000 or less received a full-tuition grant. 

 

Your job is to study hard, do the best that you can, and send in the strongest application possible, and Holy Cross will make sure to award financial assistance based on the needs of you and your family.