Name: Lillian Piz
Class Year: 2019
Major/Minor: Biology Major/Chinese Minor
Hometown and State: Concord, MA
What was something that stood out to you about Holy Cross?
When I was a prospective student I had the opportunity to shadow classes and I was most impressed by how the Professors engaged with the students. I was happy to see how much students liked their classes because I wanted to go a school where people were excited to learn.
I was also struck by how friendly people were. I remember my own tour guide being really passionate about Holy Cross and the Montserrat program. Holy Cross felt like an exciting place but also somewhere that I could be at home.
What was most nerve-racking about the admissions process, and how was this resolved?
I remember being very nervous about my interview, but it turned out to be very easy mostly because my senior interviewer wanted to make my interview more like a conversation about some of the things I was passionate about and why I thought Holy Cross would be the best place for me.
What was something you looked forward to experiencing at Holy Cross?
I was really looking forward to my classes and having the opportunity to explore the wide range of disciplines that are offered at a liberal arts institution. It was exciting to think that I would have a major in just a year or two.
What was most worrisome about transitioning to college, and how was this remedied?
I was worried about living away from home and having to live with other people. I ended up having a fantastic first-year living experience because my RA was very good about encouraging all the girls on my floor to keep their doors open and she would always pop in and say hello.
Name: John Dube
Class Year: 2019
Major/Minor/Concentration: Political Science/Peace and Conflict Studies Concentrator
Hometown and State: Nashua, NH
What was something that stood out to you about Holy Cross?
The architecture around campus and the tight-knit community atmosphere
What was most nerve-racking about the admissions process, and how was this resolved?
I was most worried about my interview. But once the interview started, I felt much more comfortable. My interviewer was very kind and turned the interview into more of a conversation about myself and what I would add to the Holy Cross campus.
What was something you looked forward to experiencing at Holy Cross?
I looked forward to participating in the yearly traditions like the Tree Lighting Ceremony.
What was most worrisome about transitioning to college, and how was this remedied?
I was most worried about not fitting in. However once Gateways started, I was able to make a lot of good friends in my orientation group that I still have today!
Name: Catherine Cote
Class Year: 2018
Major/Minor: Psychology major, Chinese and Education double minor, Pre-Business track
Hometown and State: Hopkinton, MA
What was something that stood out to you about Holy Cross?
The defining feature of Holy Cross that lead me to choose it over other schools was 100% the people on campus. While a handful of schools “checked all of my boxes,” which were things like rigorous academics, liberal arts education, a Chinese department, a student-run theatre organization, and a reliable food allergy program, it was ultimately the people I met on accepted students’ day that sealed the deal for me. I remember saying to my parents, “These are my people.”
What was most nerve-racking about the admissions process, and how was this resolved?
I remember being worried that my essay, GPA, grades, and test scores wouldn’t paint an accurate picture of my personality and passion. My mom suggested I sign up for an interview, and it was the perfect chance to show my true self in a conversation with a senior interviewer.
What was something you looked forward to experiencing at Holy Cross?
The sense of community!
What was most worrisome about transitioning to college, and how was this remedied?
I have a few dietary restrictions and food allergies, which I was very worried about initially. Holy Cross’ food allergy program is fantastic. The locked Allergy Kitchen was a great resource, as was the dietician. The Kimball staff knew me by name and could list off my allergies by heart – they would prep safe meals for me multiple times per day. Knowing that they cared about me and my safety made all the difference in my transition into college.
