College of the Holy Cross Top Questions

Get involved in every activity you can! Make the most out of your experience!

You should choose a college that has a large major in your interest, so you have more support of faculty and alumni

I would advise students and parents to visit schools once accepted. I think its important to see the schools again once you have recieved your acceptances so you can really get a feel for the schools. I also think its important to spend time with a student on that campus to get plenty of time to have all of your questions answered. Too often applicants focus on the things they have heard from friends about features or reputations of the school instead of making their own conclusions. Its an important decision and it requires careful consideration and time.

I would advice students who are looking at schools to go visit the school in person. Through doing this, you can observe the students at that school and see their overall tone as they go about their day. Also, take note of schools where students are friendly and polite. My college had an unwritten rule that whenever you walk into a building, you hold the door for the person behind you. If the person was a few steps away, you still waited and held the door for them. While this may sound stupid and was sometimes annoying, it is a nice little gesture that shows the kind of close-knit community present on that campus. My second piece of advice would be to follow your gut. If you visit a school and it feels right, then go for it. I fell in love with my school on my first visit and, while other schools had majors closer to what I wanted, I found a way to make that college work for me and to get the major that I wanted. I never regretted picking that college!

Students need to find a place where they feel that they will succeed both academically and socially because grades and education is just as important for a promising future as networking and the connections you make in school. College of the Holy Cross is excellent because it is such a tight knit community. There are under 3,000 students which creates an environment that is both familiar and available all the time. It can be a blessing and a curse. Big schools are great for big parties but small schools allow you to recieve the individual attention from professors that you are denied at bigger universities.

When choosing a college/university, one must look at the interests of the student in mind while considering the finnancial situations the student is in. In a perfect world where money is no object for the student, the student should choose based upon what instinct. When visiting, a student should feel a sense that they could belong with those that already attend the school. In addition, the academics should play an important role. It would make no sense for a student interested in a business to attend a liberal arts school with no business programs. The four years would be wasteful as the academic interests of the student would not be meet. When finances become an issue, it sometimes becomes neccessary to avoid the top tier of schools because they cost so much. This is when it is crucial for the student to pick the college/university that allows them to grow academically yet at the same time remain affordable.

I, just as many other students applying to college, did not end up at my first choice school. At first I was unbelieveably devastated. I couldn't imagine how I could work toward the life I dreamed of at any other school. Now, two years into my college career, I could not be happier right where I am. I am convinced that you end up exactly where you're meant to be, whether you know it at the time or not. Enrolling at your second choice school does not take away any of your talents, acheivements, or potential. It's not where you go; it's what you do when you get there.

I would tell students that before choosing a school you absolutely must visit and stay with a student. Experiencing the campus, buildings, and social life with a student and without parents around is essential to getting a complete feel for the school. You have to be able to feel out the environment you could possibly be living in. It's the only way to know if it's the right place for you. Also, you should do this at a variety of schools. Even if you think you want a big school, visit small schools and medium sized schools, you may find they surprise you. Regarding making the most of your experience, don't hold back. Shed all bits of timidness you may have had and don't be afraid to try new things and meet new people. Talk to everyone and be friendly. Stay on top of your school work but don't forget to have fun too.