Name: Mike Ward
Major:History
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
What was something you looked forward to experiencing at Holy Cross?
I was really looking forward to advancing my Jesuit education from high school and seeing how I would transition what I learned into college
What was most nerve-racking about the admissions process, and how was this resolved?
I was incredibly nervous for the interview, but this was resolved by how much I actually enjoyed my conversation with the admissions counselor.
What was most worrisome about transitioning to college, and how was this remedied?
I was worried about not being friends with anyone going into school and this was solved with my roommate being one of my best friends to this day.
What stands out to you the most in an applicant during their interview?
A drive or a passion for something they want to pursue in college.
What is something applicants shouldn’t do in an interview?
Applicants should not be passive and give one word answers, we want to learn more about you!
What are you going to miss most about Holy Cross?
I am going to miss being around such amazing, motivated people everyday.
Do you have any plans for the future?
I intend to work on a US Senate campaign
What did you learn at Holy Cross that you will take with you into the world?
I will take in the positives about being involved with so many different things on campus and having the ability to relate them to one another and apply my experiences in the workforce.
What piece of advice would you like to share with prospective students?
Holy Cross was the best choice I have made in my life, jump into the college experience with two feet.
How do you feel you’ve grown over your time at Holy Cross?
I have matured so much since I first arrived on the Hill. I have learned how to take care of myself and challenge myself in ways I did not think were possible
What is your favorite thing about HC?
The community
What is the most exciting event you’ve attended this year?
Senior Ball
Name: Maggie Scanlon
Major:History Major with Peace and Conflicts Studies Concentration
Hometown:Wakefield, MA
What was something you looked forward to experiencing at Holy Cross?
When looking at Holy Cross I was able to pick up on the sense that all students were involved in the campus community in one way or another. Whether that be in sports, music or community service. I was really excited to be surrounded by people that were so enthusiastically engaged in their campus community.
What was most nerve-racking about the admissions process, and how was this resolved?
I was definitely most nervous about my interview. Since Holy Cross was at the top of my list for schools when applying, I made sure to do some practice interviews before coming into my interview at Holy Cross. I also made sure to do my research about Holy Cross before my interview and made sure to read the admissions blog for helpful tips.
What was most worrisome about transitioning to college, and how was this remedied?
I was really worried about making friends and adjusting to the academics of Holy Cross. The best thing that I did was get involved right away. This does not mean go out and join every club that Holy Cross offers, but get involved in a club or organization that you are passionate about and you will be able to meet so many people from all class years. I joined the Student Government Association as a freshmen and it was a really great experience. I was able to meet so many upperclassmen who became mentors to me while also participating in something that I am really passionate about. In terms of academics, it takes time to adjust to the college work load. As a freshmen, you cannot come in thinking that study habits and things you did in high school are going to cut it. You definitely have to put in the time and effort, but if you make sure you are prioritizing your academics you will be able to do well without a problem.
What stands out to you the most in an applicant during their interview?
I am really impressed with applicants that have been involved in unique things in high school, that have clearly does their research on Holy Cross and applicants that are clearly very interested in coming to Holy Cross. I also look for applicants who are able to carry on a conversation really easily and are engaged and prepared with good questions.
What is something applicants shouldn’t do in an interview?
Applicants should never wear jeans. This is my biggest pet peeve. Dress to impress is the rule of the game. When you dress professionally it shows that you care about the interview. Also do not tell me how much you hate high school. I want to know what things you did in high school but I do not care about how you got into a fight with your ex-best friend and cannot wait for college because you do not have to see her everyday. Focus on talking about you and the things that you did in high school.
What are you going to miss most about Holy Cross?
The people. The people at Holy Cross whether that be the students, faculty, staff, facilities, dining services employees and anyone else at the college really make Holy Cross so special. Everyone from my roommates and my freshman history professor that I still visit frequently to the cleaning ladies in Figge and the facilities workers in the library who always offer words of encouragement. There are a very special group of people at Holy Cross and I feel so lucky to have been able to get to know many of them.
Do you have any plans for the future?
My Post Grad plans change depending on the day. At Holy Cross I am really involved in student government association and the spring break immersion program. It is my hope that I am able to combine my passions for those two organizations into a career, possibly working in communications and marketing.
What did you learn at Holy Cross that you will take with you into the world?
One thing that I have learned at Holy Cross that I will take into the world is to always be questioning the things around you and how to ask questions. This may seem like something very simple but it is something that has been ingrained in me since my first day at Holy Cross. Whether that be asking questions in class or asking tough questions will friends at dinner regarding a political issue. It is so important to make sure that we are always asking more and making sure that we are always questions the things that we do. The slogan of “Ask More” is something that can be applicable to any situation in any career or relationship and is so important despite its simplicity.
What piece of advice would you like to share with prospective students?
The more that you reach out to Holy Cross, the better. Holy Cross loves applicants who love Holy Cross. Do everything that you can do to show them that they are at the top of your list. Whether that be doing a tour, going to an open house, having an interview or simply going on an online chat. Every single thing that you do to show Holy Cross that you are interested in them helps you.
How do you feel you’ve grown over your time at Holy Cross?
I feel like I have been able to grow inside and outside the classroom. I have been able to take on a variety of leadership positions and have learned how to work with my peers and also faculty and staff. I also have been challenged in the classroom which has increased my capacity to think.
What is your favorite thing about HC?
My favorite thing about Holy Cross is the traditions that we have every year. Whether that be the fall fest dinner in kimball dining hall, the lessons in carols in the chapel right before Christmas or the homecoming weekend football game. All of these events are a time for the Holy Cross community to come together and they are always something that I look forward to each year.
What is the most exciting event you’ve attended this year?
The most exciting event that I have attended this year has been Senior Ball. Senior ball is a formal event for the senior class every fall at the DCU Center. It was great for everyone to get dressed up and come together as a class. It was such a fun night
