I submitted my Regular Decision application way back in October, why will I not hear the decision until April?
Great question. Although math is not my strong suit, I will put on my Stat. Hat and consult with the Fraction Faction to provide you with an answer:
Holy Cross will receive roughly 7,000 applications this year. Each application is carefully read by two members of our thirteen member admissions staff between January 1st and February 15th. Therefore, each counselor must read ((7,000 apps x 2 reads)/12 counselors) applications over that six week period. I will not go any further with the math in terms of applications read per day, but I will note that a typical 5 day/8 hours a day work weeks go out the window in the Admissions world during reading season (and travel season for that matter).
So, why don’t we hear on February 15th?
Full of great questions, are we? Well, the process does not stop after reading season is over. Our twelve person Admissions staff then goes to Committee through the end of March to revisit every single file to make our final Admissions decisions as a group (majority rules – all votes counted evenly). Therefore, (12 counselors discussing 7,000 apps/6 weeks) = (396 cups of coffee/x bathroom breaks)+(8,326 insightful questions asked + 178 Counselor calls) A.K.A. The creation of the Class of 2015.
So, please remember that we are working on par with Santa’s elves this holiday/application season before you pick up the phone to inquire if we have made a decision on your Regular Decision application yet. My advice: Munch on Holiday cookies, enjoy time with your family and friends, and leave the application stress to us.
Dan Weagle ’08
Admissions Counselor
