Think back to when you began your college search. How did you decide which schools to consider? Likely you cracked open one of the many college books at your disposal, and your list began to form based on your pre-determined criteria. Statistics likely built your initial list. This was a good start, but only a start.
Remember those campus visits? While logging hours at information sessions or on campus tours, your ideal college probably began to take shape in your mind. Your list of likes and dislikes grew as you learned more about yourself and about what each school could offer. When I interview a student, I always try to get a sense for what drew them to Holy Cross, and what keeps them coming back. There are certainly some common responses. Many students are drawn to Holy Cross because of its size, location, Jesuit identity, or its strong liberal arts curriculum. But what I tend to hear from the most enthusiastic prospective students is that it just “felt right”. They came. They saw. They’re hooked.
Early Decision (our deadline is December 15) will be a great option for some of these students. They have done their research and know what they want. They have determined not only what Holy Cross can offer them, but what they could bring to the College. They have determined with virtual certainty that this is where they would like to spend their next four years, without interest in competing offers of admission or scholarship. If this sounds like your experience with Holy Cross, then Early Decision might be for you.
Whether applying via Early or Regular Decision, don’t let numbers alone make your decisions for you. Use the wealth of information at your fingertips, but include your instincts in the equation.
