College of the Holy Cross Top Questions

I think it is really important to visit the colleges you plan to apply to. I based a lot of my college decision on how I felt when I visited the campus. Once you are enrolled at the college, I think it is important to try and focus on the things you do like rather than the things you don't like. Remember the reasons you chose to attend the school. Also, maintain a positive attitude. I think it is really easy to let yourself fall into negativity, especially freshman year, as you are adjusting to the new place. But try to keep in mind all the things that you enjoy about your school. When I was unsatisfied with Holy Cross, I finally had to realize that I could not change the school, instead I had to embrace it for what it is. I was much happier once I came to terms with the fact that Holy Cross would not change and that I just needed to enjoy it for what it is.

I would say that visiting schools is one of the most important parts of the application process. Most people can intuitively sense if they will fit in and be happy on campus just from seeing the other students walking around and from touring the facilities. If the student does not the school for any reason, it is probably not a good match. Being happy at college is all about having a good attitude and being open to change, and these come about most easily in a comfortable environment. Find a school that puts you at ease, and you will be more likely to enjoy the college experience and let yourself grow as a person.

I think that students need to trust their gut instinct when they are visiting schools. Have in mind what you want in a school and do the research but I think that so much of it is the feeling you get when you step on the campus. Also, keep in mind the type of students that attend the school. You may like the classes and the teachers and the look of the campus but you need to be able to get along with your peers as well in order to be happy at a school.

It's easy: When picking a schoool, just go with your heart! When making the most of the college experience and making decisions, do the same!

Apply to a diverse number of schools in different geographic locations, with different student body populations. What you may want in high school isn't what you may want in college.

I would say apply and visting a variety of schools. Keep in mind what you want to do in life, and how is that will be to achieve at a certain school. Distance from home and settling into college is hard enough, so keep in mind to pick a school where you can excel.

In choosing the right college, go visit the campus and spend as much time as you can there. For me, choosing a school was based on how I felt there. Try to picture yourself living there and taking classes. Spend an overnight and go to a class if you can. Ask a lot of questions, it's good to know as much as possible. Talk to students, they'll tell you what the college is really like. Don't choose a college that you think will be too difficult for you, because then you will be overloaded and overwhelmed all the time. To make the most of the college experience, work and study very hard, but also get involved! Join clubs, teams, groups, and make lots of friends.

I would tell parents and students that the most important factor in choosing a school is the visit. It is necessary for the student to be on a potential campus, walk around, and experience the interactions with others who are around on campus. Students, when you're on the right campus, you'll know it. This is the only way to know whether or not the size is right for you. Also, I would suggest searching for financial aid early; before accepting an acception to a school. To make the most of your college experience you need to be open minded and ready to make friends. Talking to people and socializing is the best way to feel comfortable and safe.

Find a school that has the right size classes for you.

Honestly, I think the best way to get the most out of college is to attend a school where students are most like yourself. I do not mean in terms of race/ sexual orientation or other options requiring a politically correct term, but rather in terms of academic and social interests. If you want to work really hard academically, then go to the most challenging school you can get into. If you would rather spend your time partying then maybe a bigger state school would be best. Don't try to fool yourself; you know yourself better than anyone else and it's important to be happy during these four years. Some people use college to enter a career, others use it to learn how to drink be more social; there really isn't a right or wrong option, techincally either way your are developing. While at college, make sure you enjoy it because it goes by fast. Don't spend all your time studying, b/c you will miss out on a lot of good times and great people to meet. Learning how to balance your academic and social life is the key to success.

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.