Where is College of the Holy Cross Located?
The College of the Holy Cross, nestled in the vibrant city of Worcester, Massachusetts, is a distinguished institution known for its academic excellence and rich Jesuit heritage. Located in the heart of New England, Holy Cross offers students a unique blend of intellectual rigor and cultural diversity. Nearby attractions include:
- EcoTarium: Explore a blend of science and nature at the EcoTarium, a science and nature museum with interactive exhibits and outdoor trails.
- Worcester Art Museum: Immerse yourself in art and culture at the Worcester Art Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artworks from various cultures and time periods.
- Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts: Enjoy a diverse array of live performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and more, at this historic theater.
- Cristoforo Colombo Park: Relax in the scenic Cristoforo Colombo Park, offering walking trails, picnic areas, and beautiful views of the city.
- Shrewsbury Street: Experience the culinary delights of Shrewsbury Street, known for its diverse range of restaurants and eateries offering international cuisine.
- Wachusett Mountain State Reservation: For outdoor enthusiasts, the Wachusett Mountain State Reservation offers hiking, skiing, and stunning vistas just a short drive away.
Is College of the Holy Cross an Ivy League School?
College of the Holy Cross is not an Ivy League school. The Ivy League is a group of eight prestigious private colleges and universities in the northeastern United States, known for their historical significance, academic excellence, and selective admissions processes. The College of the Holy Cross, while a respected institution, is not part of the Ivy League. It is a liberal arts college located in Worcester, Massachusetts.
The Ivy League schools are:
- Brown University
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Dartmouth College
- Harvard University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Princeton University
- Yale University
Admission Requirements for College of the Holy Cross
Required Items:
- Common Application or Coalition Application (choose one)
- High school transcript
- Two letters of recommendation (one from a school counselor and one from a teacher)
- Application fee of $60
- Status: For first-year applicants
Optional Components:
- A personal interview (strongly recommended)
- Standardized test scores (SAT I, SAT II, ACT) – entirely optional; not submitting them won’t put you at a disadvantage
- Supplementary materials showcasing special talents or achievements, such as artwork, performances, original writing, research, and additional recommendations
Application Process for College of the Holy Cross
Application Process Overview:
- Holy Cross offers an online application process where you can apply and gather more details about the application procedures.
First-Year Applicants:
- Options: Early Decision (a binding commitment to attend if admitted) and Regular Decision.
- Requirements: Common Application or Coalition Application, high school transcript, two letters of recommendation, and a $60 application fee.
- Highly encouraged: Participation in an admission interview.
Transfer Students (Second- and Third-Year):
- Options: Transfer applications are welcome.
- Requirements: Common Application or Coalition Application, high school and college transcripts, two faculty letters of recommendation, College Official’s report, course descriptions, and a $60 application fee.
- Highly encouraged: Participation in an admission interview.
International Applicants:
- Options: Early Decision or Regular Decision for international applicants.
- Requirements: Common Application or Coalition Application, Holy Cross Certification of Finances Form, bank letter or financial affidavit, TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test Scores (for non-native speakers), high school transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a $60 application fee.
- Highly encouraged: Participation in a one-on-one interview.
Standardized Tests: What Tests Are Required for College of the Holy Cross
- The College of the Holy Cross does not mandate the submission of SAT scores for admission.
- However, if you opt to submit standardized test scores (SAT I, SAT II, ACT), it is entirely optional, and your decision to submit or not will not put you at a disadvantage.
- The college follows the score choice program, which means that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT test dates.
Scholarships and Financial Aid at College of the Holy Cross
Scholarships and Grants at the College of the Holy Cross:
- Holy Cross offers a range of scholarships and grants to assist students in funding their education.
- Scholarships and grants are essential components in managing educational costs.
Types of Scholarships:
- Holy Cross primarily provides need-based institutional funding, with a limited number of merit-based scholarships available for qualifying students.
- Some of the scholarships offered by the college include the Magis Scholarship, Faber Scholarship, Holy Cross Merit Scholarship, Ellis Scholarship, Brooks Scholarship, Bean Scholarship, and Fitzgerald Scholarship.
Holy Cross Grants:
- Eligibility for Holy Cross Grants is determined based on financial need, as demonstrated through the financial aid application process.
- Each year, nearly 450 first-year students receive Holy Cross Grant funding, with amounts ranging from $2,500 to over $60,000, depending on financial need.
Accessibility and Jesuit Values:
- The college is committed to the Jesuit belief that education should be accessible to all who aspire to a life of passion and service.
- This commitment is upheld through robust financial support systems that enable Holy Cross to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need.
Special Tuition Grant:
- Families with a total income of $75,000 or less and reasonable assets receive a full tuition grant, further promoting accessibility to education.
These financial aid initiatives at the College of the Holy Cross demonstrate the institution’s dedication to providing opportunities for all students to pursue higher education.
Top Undergraduate Programs at College of the Holy Cross
Top Undergraduate Programs at the College of the Holy Cross:
At the College of the Holy Cross, you can explore a diverse range of top undergraduate programs, including:
- Accounting
- Africana Studies
- Anthropology
- Arabic
- Architectural Studies
- Art History
- Asian Studies
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Business
- Catholic Studies
- Chemistry
- Chinese Studies
- Classics
- Computer Science
- Creative Writing
- Dance
- Deaf Studies and Sign Languages
- Economics
- Education Graduate Program Opportunity
- Engineering
- English
- Environmental Studies
Academic Rankings:
According to US News & World Report, the college is highly regarded, ranking at #33 among National Liberal Arts Colleges and #41 for Best Undergraduate Teaching. These rankings reflect the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and teaching quality.
