Academics

The classes at Holy Cross not only challenge you in their academics, but in your overall perspective as a human being. You will be asked to reflect on big-picture questions that will get you thinking and excite you. Always go the extra mile. Stimulate a discussion. The professors what to know what you think and feel. This school is powered by the voice of its students. You will be expected to spend at least 3 hours of study for every 1 hour of in-class time, but with so many resources available studying is easy and enjoyable. Find a class that you believe will interest you and become engaged in the conversation. Don't just do the bare minimum; find things that excite you! As a liberal arts school, you will be expected to dabble in a vast variety of different fields. While this might seem daunting, take it as a reward for your hard work in high school. Now you can study whatever you want!

Holy Cross was fifth in the nation for Return on Investment, and came in at number 22 on the Most Rigorous list according to the 2011 college rankings of Newsweek magazine. I can't even begin to tell you how academically difficult and challenged Holy Cross is. All Holy Cross students no matter how much they may party, are all smart because Holy Cross is a hard school. The professors grade so harshly and if you get a B, B+, or even B- that is essentially in the ranks of an A because it is very difficult to get an A at Holy Cross. There is also only A- and A, no A+ in the Holy Cross grading system which is really weird. Alot of students are not above a 3.1 or 3.2 in gpa at Holy Cross. Really think about Holy Cross if you've been accepted or are applying. Once you are at Holy Cross, academically, it is very hard. There are other schools like BC, Brown, Harvard, etc. were it is not as difficult as Holy Cross and the professors don't grade as hard. However professors are always around for office hours and they want to see you work hard. If you don't understand something, they will be there to help you.

Holy Cross is very challenging academically and pushes each and every student to truly dedicate themselves to their chosen paths of study. Although it is a challenge, it is rewarding and the professors are more than available to students. I have had multiple professors willing to stay until 11 pm in order to help students who are struggling or need extra help. The investment the professors make in their classes and seminars is unheard of and invaluable in my opinion.

Very intense classes and will make you work. You will have to earn your grades and they won't be handed out to you. Professors are awesome when you need help and are just great teachers in general. The students don't say that their academics are as hard or maybe even harder than Harvard's for no reason.

Holy Cross is not an easy school. You will be challenged to think harder and deeper in all subjects.

All of my classes have been tough but I have been graded fairly.

I was in Dinand Library the other day for 7 hours on top of the 5 I spent the night before. Holy Cross kids know how to work. The professors expect a lot out of us and we do not disappoint. Tons of reading and writing, but it's to broaden your academic knowledge.