Why You Should Consider the College of the Holy Cross

When I started my college search in early 2000, the criteria that was most important to me was closeness to home and a school where I wasn't going to blend into a student body of thousands. The student/professor ratio needed to be kept in check for me to get the most out of my education. My search ended with Holy Cross and my life began when I stepped on the Hill. Since graduation in 2005, there probably have been many updates and improvements to the daily happenings at the school, considering we live in a constantly changing digital world. But the basics about what I loved about the school I'm sure have stayed the same.

Holy Cross is a Jesuit undergraduate liberal arts college located in Worcester, MA off of College Street, fittingly. Founded in 1843, Holy Cross is truly rich in tradition and values. If you are somewhat familiar with Worcester, and think of it as more an urban setting, you might be surprised when you step on this campus. The green grounds and its gorgeous brick buildings sit on a hilly slope in its own gated community.

Like I said before, it's a smaller school, perfect for those looking for a more intimate classroom setting. My graduating class of 2005 had around 650 students. There are about 2700 students at the College. I know its cliché, but the professors really take an interest in their students. If you exhibit a strong desire to learn, they will overextend themselves to help you if are having difficulty.

With Holy Cross being a Liberal Arts school, you should be prepared to take a myriad of diverse classes. My freshman year ranged from Intermediate Italian to Understanding Christianity to Creative Writing to Introduction to Music. You'll be such a well rounded and educated individual in the miscellaneous when you emerge from this school. It is a Catholic school, so yes, religion courses are required. And since the whole Liberal Arts theme is diversification, so are the classes within the academic departments. A sampling of the religion courses offered is Hinduism, Buddhism, or Christianity.

Dorm life I'm sure is amazing at any college. Tiny cubicles they pass off as rooms, a community bathroom on each floor, and cramped stairwells to lug up those futons. It wouldn't be college without those things and Holy Cross does not disappoint.

The freshman dorms consist of Mulledy Hall, which is co-ed and segregated by floor. I lived there freshman year, and although it was at the far end of campus, you got a good workout going to class. The other possibilities as freshman for residency are Hanselman Hall and Wheeler Hall. First year students are spread across campus and not clustered in one dorm which is a fantastic opportunity for First Years to build new friendships that span across campus.

Eating at Holy Cross never felt like a punishment like I've heard others experience at other colleges. Kimball Dining Hall, massive with its high ceilings and ample seating, provided tasty meals in my day and I'm sure the menu hasn't changed much. The macaroni and cheese and dinner breakfast were standout classics.

Another aspect of the Holy Cross environment is the dedication of the HC sports fan. All sports are followed and cheered upon by the athlete's fellow classmates. The Holy Cross Crusaders are the epitome of the scholar athlete. Focus is divided between studies, practice and competition. Friday and Saturday nights at the Hart Center were usually packed with students enthusiastically cheering on either the Men's or Women's basketball team. Watching and/or participating in sports at Holy Cross is a huge part of the student lifestyle.

I've only briefed you on a microscopic sliver of why Holy Cross should be a top choice on your list. I barely touched upon the relationships that can be formed and bonds that won't ever be broken even after you've left. Each and every person that steps on that hill makes a mark that won't be undone. All that you as a community endure together, the infamous feet of snow that builds high outside your window during the Worcester winters, the conversations with friends at the Pub, late night study sessions in the Dinand Library. Every year there are freshmen, beginners at college, a ball of clay ready to absorb and be molded and then there are the seniors, wise, and Holy Cross' finished product. They don't want to leave, but they have to go and share their knowledge the past four years has taught them.

And what a leg up they have...

Just the mere mention of Holy Cross, especially in New England, and more precisely, Boston, perpetuates impressed reactions. It's the best networking tool to have under your belt more than ever in these times. It's probably true of any school alumni, but I think Holy Cross the most; we love our own and will jump at an opportunity to nurture a graduate into our world outside the gates.