If you’re just starting the college admissions process, you’re probably feeling a little overwhelmed by all the things that you need to do. Luckily, you have nearly three months to get yourself together and organized for the application process that awaits you in the fall. Here are some things that you can do to maximize your summer leading into the college application process to better position yourself for a fall filled with less stress.
Tip #1: Visit as many different colleges as possible.
If you have no clue as to what kind of school you want to attend, visit a large variety from technical schools to large schools to small schools to art schools. See how they feel to you when you set foot on their campuses, and from there you will get a better sense of what is right for you. Don’t judge a school only by the materials you read. These materials are marketing materials to stimulate your interest in the school so they’re all going to look good based on the brochures you get. It’s in your best interest to set foot on these campuses to get a sense of what the place is like behind the brochure. If you already know that you want a certain kind of school, then visit several different ones in that category. So if you want a small liberal arts school, visit one near a city, another one that’s in a rural location, and so forth. There are over 4,000 schools and we are all different from another in some way. Here is a great worksheet from US News to help you document each institution you visit.
Good luck, and check back for more advice in the coming months!
Tran Kim-Senior
Assistant Director of Admissions
Coordinator of Multicultural Recruitment
Every spring, I find myself at college fairs speaking with students about Holy Cross. During my conversations, I can’t tell you the number of times students inquire about becoming involved in the sciences while on our campus. A few weeks ago our staff took a personal tour of the new science complex on campus. Below are some photos from the experience:
Seniors … its hard to believe you’re “done”, right? Well, “done” with high school anyway … College in the fall awaits! While one chapter seems to be ending, another is just about to begin! If you’re a high school senior and reading this blog, chances are good you’re planning on beginning a new chapter here on Mt. St. James in the fall. Indeed, much excitement awaits you. There will be new friends to make, a new place to live, new classes in which to engage, and loads of newfound independence. Of course, there may also be a bit of anxiety mixed in with all that excitement too, but don’t worry, we’ve got that covered! Gateways Summer and Fall Orientation is the answer! Your next step is to carve out the time to attend the 
Holy Cross’ first year program, 
May is an interesting time of the year on a college campus. As we’re getting ready to bid farewell to the graduating seniors and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors, we’re also excited about welcoming in our newest class that will be arriving at the end of the summer. 
My name is Krystle Allen and I am an Admissions Counselor here at Holy Cross. Having recently graduated with my master’s degree, I am new to the staff and all too familiar with the college search! My graduate studies degree, in Cinema and Media Studies, turned me into a movie buff. I love to watch old movies and catch all of Hollywood’s new releases at the theater on Friday nights. I am also busy planning a wedding this summer and, while I am enjoying spring at Holy Cross, I cannot wait to be enjoying my honeymoon in Italy! Watch out because come August I will be Krystle Leveille.
The flowers have begun to come into full bloom and the trees are finally full of green leaves again. Needless to say, it is an absolutely beautiful day at Holy Cross. Unfortunately, our students have just finished their spring semester classes and are eagerly (or begrudgingly) spending these gorgeous days locked away in the library preparing for their final exams. Although our campus tours for the spring semester have officially come to an end, it does not mean that you as a prospective student cannot enjoy our campus during this beautiful month. If you have some free time and want to visit during the month of May, you certainly may do so. Feel free to stop by our office, fill out a walk-in visitor form and grab a map of campus to explore on your own. We are more than happy to direct you and point out some of the highlights of campus to you and your family.
This past week, I’ve been doing a few college fairs at high schools and at national events. College fairs are a good way to start seeing what types of colleges are out there, but they can also be extremely overwhelming. Students often come up to our table and not know what to do or say. I thought I’d share a few pointers to get you started:
Open House for admitted students may just be my favorite day of the year. Why? The excitement, energy and enthusiasm of all who participate create an atmosphere that is well, electric. On Sunday, April 18th, 550 students arrived on our campus, along with parents and assorted other family members. They were greeted by an army of Holy Cross student volunteers.