College of the Holy Cross

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Students Say - Academics
The College of the Holy Cross is a smallish, "rigorous" Jesuit school "that does an incredible job of giving its students a very broad education [and] preparing them with the tools for the real world." Every student must complete a broad liberal arts curriculum. Regardless of your major, you'll take courses in history literature, religion, philosophy, foreign language, math, science, and art. In additional, all first-year students take part in full-year seminars that are heavy on intellectual development. There's an array of exciting and often exotic study abroad options. The semester in Washington, D.C. receives a lot of praise. Internship programs are also abundant, and students also have access to a "large and strong alumni network." "Holy Cross alums are insane" about their old alma mater, and they love to hire the latest batch of graduates. "The emphasis here is on teaching and learning, not research," and the academic atmosphere is intense. "At Holy Cross, the professors will keep you busy throughout the week." "Classes are hard," warns a biology major. Good grades are hard to come by. "You have to work your tail off to just get an Aâ€"." At the same time, students love their "caring" and "amazing" professors, and they point out that small class sizes provide opportunities for meaningful faculty-student interaction. Profs are "very accessible outside the classroom," too. In fact, they "almost force you to get to know them." "If you show interest and work hard, you will do well," concludes an English major.

Students Say - Campus Life
There's "a lively social scene" on this "beautiful" hilltop campus. There are more than 80 clubs and organizations, and virtually everyone is "active in something, whether it be a varsity team, intramurals, student government, clubs, the newspaper, theater, or music." Studying is also an exceedingly common pastime. "The libraries and study rooms are often packed with students at night." On the weekends, however, "Holy Cross is a very big party school." "Although I would not consider Holy Cross to be the most outrageously fun school," relates a senior, "the student body at Holy Cross likes to drink." "People work hard during the week, and they like to let loose and have fun." Parties generally occur "in dorm rooms or at nearby off-campus housing." "Bars are popular," too, and usually "cheap." Students are also quick to call our attention to the fact that there is plenty to do on the weekends besides drinking. "If that's not your scene, there are so many other things to do," reports one student. There is everything "from going to plays, to sporting events, dances, karaoke, and stand-up comedians-all right here on campus." The food is probably the biggest complaint we hear. "Stick to the pasta," recommends a senior. The surrounding city of Worcester is home to "great" grub, but it's kind of sketchy otherwise. Luckily, "trips to Boston and Providence are extremely feasible, and the school has free buses to these locations on the weekends."

Students Say - Student Body
Holy Cross is a "remarkably" welcoming campus. "This is the most friendly campus you will ever step foot on," claims a senior. You can find students from just about every state, but the majority tends to come from New England and the mid-Atlantic states. Students tend to be Catholic, though there are certainly plenty of people with different religions and with no religion at all. "Religion is not a major issue" here, really. Atypical students exist, and they "fit in just fine," but most of the undergraduate population at HC does kind of fit a certain mold. "The typical student is upper-middle-class, white, somewhat preppy, and athletic." That student is "smart," "hardworking," and probably "from the suburbs." "If you dress really preppy all the time, party hard on the weekends, and study in the rest of your remaining time, this is the school for you."

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