Reviews

The academics at Holy Cross seem intense, and the students here study more than at most other colleges. With a Princeton Review academic rating of 98, only five other colleges and university's place above it. More than just pure academics, Holy Cross seems to be a place where you will learn a lot about life. Their Jesuit ideals of men and women for others hold true, and most of the students are dedicated to community service and giving back to society. The college also has an over-the-top Pre-Medical program, getting 87% into medical school, and is one of the only schools with a faculty medical committee. One thing to note is that the Pre-Med program is not open to everyone, and you have to apply for it specifically during admissions.

Holy Cross, although homogeneous, does not seem to be cliquey. Students are friendly, open, and willing to help each other out. The campus atmosphere is amazing- warm and focused. HC students really seem to be able to achieve the perfect balance between academics and social life, something that would make anyone enjoy being where they are.

Student's Bleed Purple meaning school spirit is high, and everyone is proud to come from Holy Cross, with a 95% graduation rate to prove it.

Needs Blind, and 100% need met, what more could you ask for? Holy Cross is also rated 8th on Kiplinger's Best Value Colleges. The alumni giving rate is astronomically high, showing that not only does the school have a large endowment, but that people you attended the university loved it, and are successful in life.

Be on time for everything. And interview! Holy Cross definitely puts emphasis on the interview, so make sure your interview is scheduled on time.

Student's who want personal teaching, but also a science focused school. For those who know where they want to go in life and love purple!

The professors I have met seem to be genuinely interested in their fields, and are willing to help. It seems like a strong school academically.

Although the school is very small, if that is the kind of school you want, then go for it. It seems like a pretty close-knit college community, and very welcoming.

It is a little expensive, but for the level of education you will be receiving, I think it would definitely be worth it.

The interview is a HUGE part of the application process. If you can, visit the campus and schedule the interview. It will really make a difference.

It would be great for students who are interested in community service, and who want to go to a small college.

I applied to the Ivy League like any other hopeful high school grad, but I couldn't be happier at Holy Cross. The academics are rigorous and rewarding and as a small, private college the professors are there to help you and make an effort to know you're name; you're not just a number in a lecture hall. The intimate classes have an excellent learning atmosphere and the overall feel of the college is both gorgeous and alive with constant Happenings on the Hill and endless opportunities for both the social butterfly and the academic bookworm.

It's true, GPA isn't everything, but Holy Cross is looking for the best and brightest so keep your grades up and work hard to be well-rounded. Get involved in your high school, join some clubs, get into student government, volunteer your time, and never stop expanding your horizons. The more experience you bring the table the better. Be prepared to be challenged and anticipate spending some serious time in your studies. You can't just skate by. Holy Cross expects you to actively participate in your classes, so pursue what you're passionate about! And don't be afraid to leave your dorm! You should get involved as much as you can handle but be sure to budget your time wisely and save some room for sleep! There's a lot to do here and plenty of opportunities for fun and excitement.

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!

Living in a dorm is what you make of it. The facilities are clean and organized and if you can find a roommate you get along well with, it will feel like home. There is a strong sense of Dorm Loyalty and constant happenings within the halls. Boys and girls are always on separate levels, but of course you can always go and visit your friends regardless. The rooms may seem barren but with your own personalizing touch you can make these blank canvases into your inner sanctum easily. So go into it with a positive mind and attitude and remember, the dorm is only a small portion of your college life. Get out and explore!

Holy Cross caters to all dining needs including Kosher, Vegan, and Vegetarian, but you may disappointed with their basic meals. Know where to look and balance your meal plan well with Dining Dollars for store-bought items and Meal Swipes for hot meals. You can easily eat with a healthy life style in mind or pig out on tasty pizza and fries. Fresh coffee and hot chocolate round out your day along with a warm bagel and danish. If you get bored of munching on school food, you can always order off-campus or go out and try Worcester dining. I've never gone hungry and have always enjoyed my meals regardless.

The opportunities are endless. From the Hart Fitness Center to Women's Club Rugby there is an infinite amount of ways to spend your time. The social life off-campus is studded with parties not to mention that as a part of the Worcester Consortium, you have the opportunity to cruise the social scene of nearly a dozen colleges. Holy Cross has a ton of clubs and if you can't find one that suits you, you can start your own! From horse-back riding to sailing, there is always something to do. You can even grab the shuttle for a 50 minute ride into Providence RI or an hour ride to Boston MA. You and your friends will be overwhelmed but just how much is happening on and off campus.

Holy Cross is expensive, there's no doubt about it, but their financial aid is wonderful. I wouldn't have been able to attend without their generous scholarship and I certainly would never dream of going to school anywhere else. The professors, the classes, the activities, the lifestyle, 'Sader Nation is THE place to be. You will have a bad case of Purple Pride before you know it and you won't regret spending a single cent.

We have a beautiful chapel on campus for services of all denominations that caters also to alumni weddings. Sometimes, it's not just the school you fall in love with!

Academic thinkers
Big-Picture activists
Well-rounded
Carefully organized
Time budget masters
Serious Studying machines
Open-Minded

As I said before, there are dozens and dozens and dozens of clubs and activities. If sports interest you we are a highly-athletic school with Division 1 teams as well as recreational club sports. In addition, if you can't find it, start a club! Holy Cross is constantly adding to their list of clubs and student activities. The happenings don't just stop at the hill. Worcester volunteering opens up a huge field of opportunities for those looking to help out in their new community.

Holy Cross does not have a Greek Life.

Not once have I every felt in danger at Holy Cross, and as a female in college that's saying something. There are safety patrols on constant alert and Blue Light Emergency Stations are at every building. Even at night you don't feel as though you have to look over your shoulder because everyone here is out to help you and be your friend. You'll see nothing but familiar faces. The campus is gated and there is no need to worry about any strange intruders threatening the calm.

Holy Cross is truly an academically rigorous liberal arts school that was ranked by Forbes #27 in best colleges and universities in 2011 and #41 in 2012. Our motto at Holy Cross is men and women for others because all students strive to help people through community service. Also you will have lasting lifelong friendships among your classmates because the students are so fun, kind, and friendly.

For prospective students make sure you ask about career services when you attend the school for a visit for internships and job opportunities in the year and summer. Also, when you're a freshman, your dean throws so many different services, clubs, and activities at you that you become a little confused and overwhelmed. Take a breath, relax, and figure out what interests you. Research and ask questions about the school from other students walking around campus because everyone is honest.

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.

Dorm life gets better throughout the four years. Freshman are in doubles or unluckily triples with 2 communal bathrooms for each floor. Also the dorm is co-ed but the floors are same sex. Sophomores have the same set up except no triples and you may potentially be able to be in a junior dorm room with another roommate with your own bathroom. Juniors can live in suites without a bathroom, 2 communal bathrooms on each floor (rooming 4) or with a bathroom (rooming 4-6). You can also have a room housing 3 with a bathroom. Also juniors can live off campus with their own house, with the number of roommates ranging from 3-7. Lastly seniors can live in suite like apartments, the nicest dorms on campus, rooming 4 students with a bathroom and kitchen.

The Food is alright, nothing that is really spectacular. The thing is that when your parents or hometown friends come visit you they will be amazed because the main dining hall, Kimball, is like buffet style with salads, vegetables, dairy, meat/chicken, pasta, rice, pizza, bread/bagels, breakfast services, burger lunches, etc. However as students, after a few months of freshman year, we get tired of the food and it becomes very boring. This summer Holy Cross Dining received top honors in this year's national Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards contest, receiving Gold and the Grand Prize for the newly constructed Science Cafe. The contest, sponsored by the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS), chose the Science Cafe out a pool of 140 different projects from colleges and universities across the country. This with other food service areas on the Holy Cross campus, Crossroads, Cool Beans, and Cool Beans 2 are usually what students like over our main dining hall Kimball.

We have a club called CAB (Campus Activities Board), that creates the fun stuff that students can be part of for the year. From six flag trips, movie nights, comedian nights, the pub on campus, our Spring Concert and Spring Weekend (By the way insane and awesome weekend!) [although in the past two years police have been annoying and cracking down on off campus parties, the ones at houses because other people live in the neighborhood too and the houses have been so loud in recent years]. Also there is a nightlife in Worcester where alot of student go out on Thursdays and Fridays usually. The dorm parties are fun and depending on preference, the house parties off campus can be more fun but the police have been very serious about stopping it which really sucks. One saying at Holy Cross is that we students work hard during the week, and party even harder during the weekends.

This is interesting because Holy Cross is just so expensive that it is just unbelievable. Other schools are less expensive and just as good with academic ranking. A College should not cost the amount Holy Cross costs. The 2009-2010 tuition was about $50,400 and now its about $55,200. However, the school does give families financial aid which is great. Holy Cross does try to help families that are in need. Newsweek magazine ranked Holy Cross 5th in Return on Investment among colleges and universities in America in 2011. So basically, you can end up getting a good job or going to a good graduate school, etc. after graduation or down the road.

The campus is small but really beautiful. Its nickname is The Hill or Hogwarts because when looking at it from Worcester it seriously looks like Hogwarts no joke at all. St. Pat's Day is very big at Holy Cross because Worcester (2nd largest city in New England after Boston) had Irish Influences too just like Boston. It is a crazy day when the students come drunk to class and even skip class. The professors even know that students do that on that day which is pretty funny. In addition, the quad, newly rebuilt in 2011, is an area outside to lounge and chill which is pretty awesome. It's kinda the center of campus.

Students that come to Holy Cross are already smart and hardworking. If you are these things than this could be the school for you. It's a good ranked school but the school finds it ok to grade students really hard which students don't agree with. If you're willing to get mostly B's, even though you try your very hardest, those will mostly be your grades at Holy Cross. Of course you can get an A- or even A, but it is extremely difficult and hard.

There is a range of so many clubs and activities at Holy Cross (over 100). Your life at Holy Cross within the next 4 years will be multidimensional because of the different things you can be part of. Anything from sports, community service, theatre, student government, music groups, art, can balance out your academics.

We are a Jesuit liberal arts institute with no affiliations with Greek life. Some students like that we don't have it and some students wish we did have it.

Some parts of Worcester are dangerous but within the campus grounds, public safety does an amazing job keeping our campus safe.

Located in Worcester, Massachusetts, Holy Cross is a welcoming community based of Jesuit values. The students are engaged in their classes as well as the outside community and are always working to become more well-rounded and worldly people. Although small, the college is a setting that fosters growth in every aspect of a student's life.

If possible, take a tour of the campus! It is beautiful! Also, take advantage of the blogs and discussion boards that the Office of Admissions offers to prospective students if you have any questions or concerns. All the student volunteers in the office love to talk and answer any questions you can think of. Academically, be ready to work and socially, be ready to have a hundred new best friends.

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.

A majority of students live on campus all four years in the underclassmen residence halls and senior apartments. The rooms and bathrooms are cleaned multiple times a week (the cleaning staff are extremely nice and love to say hi) and the RAs do a wonderful job of creating a sense of community within each residence hall. It is extremely convenient to have most of the student body on campus because you can move throughout the halls and see people very easily. In terms of safety, you must swipe into each dorm and floor so there are never any safety issues.

The meal plans include meal swipes in order to get into the main dining hall, Kimball, as well as dining dollars which allow you to buy food at all the other food spots and cafes. The food is decent and definitely improving due to the acquisition of a new nutrition expert. More vegan and vegetarian options are available and there is a movement to make the college fair trade certified.

Each weekend, the College Activities Board (CAB) provides plenty of different activities as an alternative to the typical college weekend that everyone imagines. The college also provides transportation to Boston, Providence and various malls in Worcester, Auburn and Natick. There is plenty to do around campus as well as in the surrounding towns. There are plenty of academic and recreational clubs to partake in and AMAZING hills for sledding in the very snowy winters.

An amazing liberal arts education that provides a rigorous academic program and supportive alumni that are always more than willing to help a fellow Holy Cross Crusader.

Between the haunted clock tower and Dinand Library's never-ending stacks, Holy Cross is an incredible school filled with nearly 200 years of tradition.

Students who are motivated, intelligent and curious to explore the larger concepts and the world will thrive at Holy Cross. Students who want to be in touch with their fellow students and be extremely involved will love all the opportunities the college provides to its students.

The campus is always alive with students, professors, events and sports. After two years I am still discovering more clubs and events to be a part of, including club sports and groups dedicated to human rights and the arts. The college is supportive financially of many clubs and the great events they put on.

As a closed campus, Holy Cross is incredibly safe. Public Safety officers are always on patrol, ensuring the safety of the students body and the only people who can enter a dorm and a floor in that dorm are the students who live there.

All Professors either have their or in the process of obtaining their Doctoral Degree so, you know that you are taught by the best. All the material at times may be overwhelming but in the end you are surprised by how much and how in depth you know a given subject.

Holy Cross Students literally refer to the college life here as Life on the Hill. In reality it is like you are separated from the outside community in a positive way. The campus is small so you see familiar faces frequently; however, if you ever need time to yourself there are thousands of creative study places you can find. Ultimately, Holy Cross is the place the be if your looking for a place where you can experience simple diversity but not feel overwhelmed.

100% need met!! If you need it, you will most likely get it, and this is coming from someone that has had that blessing. Holy Cross tries to broaden the opportunities for families that need help. This help encourages people that it does not matter how bad or complicated your finanical status may be at home. Holy Cross will give you the chance.

I was never was a prospective student but, I have had the opportunity to meet a few. My friends that were fortunate to become host always try to bring them to the Cool Bean (the hangout), and then there is Kimball so they can meet people. Furthermore, if you ever come to visit just look at the building and view. The oldness but up to date buildings are breath taking and in a sense beautiful.

If your a person that likes small communities where it is easy to build relationships with the College Faculty or Students, then Holy Cross is for you. The Hill will keep you in shape so that is not to worry and the atmosphere is always encouraging for the students are all hard-working and helpful. It is a life that is close to the community of Worcester but then again distance because of gate. It is a easy to escape or be found so if your a person that likes to see everyone but, has their days when they need to be alone apply.

Holy Cross in my eyes is one of the best schools in the country. It isn't called a small Ivy or known as a Catholic Ivy for no reason. I've never heard of anyone regretting going to Holy Cross or wishing they went to another school, you can't go wrong with Holy Cross.

Do the interview. Even if you aren't sure about whether or not you're applying or if you're doing Early Decision or Regular, do it. Also, keep in contact with your admissions counselor or any counselor in general. They keep all your e mails on file and will review them as part of the application process. Another thing is visit the school. Although you are in Worcester and it may not be the nicest area to live in, being on The Hill makes you feel as if you're in another world and makes you feel safe and not like you are in a city. It is also key to remember that their academics are very well known and rigorous which means that when you are applying they take your first quarter grades and what classes you are taking into account and have the heaviest weigh in the academics portion of your application. Lastly, if you do not feel like your SAT scores are up to par, e mail your Holy Cross counselor and ask them for advice, they will help you, they want to have you here. If you are more than 100 off of their median range, about a 1950, I suggest you don't submit them. If your over, do of course and if you're in between do it but it won't neither help nor hurt you.

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.

Dorms are nicely sized as well as closets. Only thing I don't understand is why some guys dorms are larger than girls, when they are in the same building. Also really like how they cluster the freshman into 5 clusters based on your Monserrat class and then choose where you live and who you dorm with based on that. I also like how each building has it's own character and everyone knows it by something unique to just that building and that building only. Overall dorms are you typical college dorms just slightly larger in size.

Only has Kimball dining hall as main dining option but Holy Cross does also have Lower Kimball with comes with your meal swipes, which are unlimited with $450 to spend on other places. Also has a coffee shop in Hogan, Cool Beans, which has some really good coffee and breakfast items. Lastly there is also Crossroads which is under Hogan and serves steak, chicken fingers, burgers, hot dogs, etc. just your typical American food. There is also a bar for 21+ students that is where Crossroads is located but I haven't been in so can't tell you what that's actually like. Also there is a small 7/11 like convenience store next to Cool Beans which just has your basically junk foods and such.

I know some kids, basically just underclassmen well freshman, like to sometimes go out of Wednesdays or Thursdays and go to the local 18+ clubs/bars. DO NOT go on weekend thats when the local townies and not college kids go out and there will be bar fights and things can get very dangerous, perks of living in Worcester. But besides from that there's always something going on whether that's being hosted by a friend, a sports team or by the school/ school clubs you'll never be bored and not have something to do.

Kids who are looking for academic rigor and a community homey type of feel to a school. Someone who wants to be part of a great community of people that is willing to help others especially since the motto for Holy Cross is Men and women for others. But most importantly, are willing to Bleed Purple forever.

None sorry :(

Holy Cross provides students with an amazing Jesuit liberal arts education. With their focus on the whole person, I have been able to explore my interests both in the classroom and outside. The support from faculty, staff, professors and friends is something I will never forget from my time here on the Hill.

Come tour the campus; once you see Mount St. James at any time of year, you will fall in love. Also, make sure you schedule an interview, it sets you apart and allows the admissions staff to get to know you on a personal level. Since the admission process is unlike other schools where the whole team decides a students admission, knowing one person in the room can make a huge difference.

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

You spend more time in the dorms than you think and get to know your hall pretty well the first year.

There are not many options for dining on campus, and most underclassmen go to Kimball the main dining hall. It is improving every year though!

Everyone on this campus is involved in at least one extra curricular so that takes up a lot of time with classwork. There are great restaurants in Worcester, though!

Its a lot, but will pay off in the long run.

Hard working, plane and simple.

None

Attending Holy Cross is perfect for someone who does not like huge crowds of people or rowdy events. Holy Cross offers great programs, excellent professors and fun weekend events. Getting around campus is a good workout too, with the hills!

Be prepared to work hard but you will be very happy here. Dorm rooms are comfortable, clean and the staff is friendly.

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

A ton of fun, clean (most of the time) and good kids around for the most part.

Good food but sometimes seems too repetitive. Theme nights are fun.

There are excursions to Boston, Providence and downtown regularly but there are other things to sign up for too. Entertainment comes to the campus too.

Holy Cross is expensive but I'm finding it to be a really great experience. I'm in my third year.

The newly formed common area is proving to be a nice gathering spot for everyone.

Great for students who do not like a lot of commotion and noise. The college is not too big which was what I was looking for.

Any kind of club you can think of someone has created. I play frisbee, run, swim, sail.

I don't particiapte in any.

Never had a problem

I love Holy Cross. I've only been at the school for a little over a month, but I already bleed purple! It's safe to say, I'm a little obsessed.

Bring lots of ramen, because the dining hall doesn't have the best options.
Get ready to do a lot of walking up and down hills and stairs! Girls, don't even both bringing heels to go out in.
Be open to everything and go to all the events! So much free stuff!

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.

My best friends from college are from my dorm. Everyone is so friendly and nice. They respect your stuff so you don't have to worry about people stealing.

Kimball (the dining hall) could use a lot of revamping. Lower Kimball is delicious, especially the CHALUPAS! And they count as a meal swipe! Crossroads (only uses dining dollars) is equally delicious and their pizzas are to die for. And last but not least, the science cafe. My second home. It's like Panera Bread but better.

Lots of activities available on campus! But if you ever want to leave, there are shuttles that take you to Worcester and Blackstone Valley shops. There are also shuttles on the weekend that can take to into Boston which is always fun. Mainly, I stay on campus and meet new people.

Holy Cross recently came in 2nd in the nation via a survey done by alumni on their college experiences. Holy Cross alum still love the school. The network is out of this world. The community at HC is so warm and welcoming, I haven't met a single person that wants to transfer yet.

There is an exorcist room I heard some classmates talking about on campus. Not sure where it's located though.

Students that know how to work hard, but also when to let loose and party!

Soooo many clubs to choose from! There's a Club Fair at the beginning of the year. Unfortunately, there are more clubs than I have time for so pick and choose whats important to you!

No Greek Life at HC

I've only seen three or four blue lights around campus, but HC doesn't really need them. We're in an enclosed campus that's really safe.