Holy Cross / How to get in
How to Get Into Holy Cross
Around 18 percent of applicants are admitted, though Early Decision rates run much higher. The middle 50 percent of enrolled students scored roughly 1250 to 1410 on the SAT, and only a minority of the class submits scores at all, since Holy Cross is genuinely test-optional. Here is the academic profile that keeps you in the running, what Holy Cross weighs most, and where to put your energy.
- 3.7-3.9
- GPA (middle 50%)
- 1250-1410
- SAT (middle 50%)
Every college publishes how heavily it weighs each part of your application in its Common Data Set. Here is how Holy Cross reads applicants, most important first.
- Course rigor
- Grades (GPA)
- The application essay
- Character and personal qualities
- Recommendation letters
- Extracurricular activities
- Talent or ability
- Class rank
- Test scores
- First-generation status
- Legacy relation
- Geographic origin
- Demonstrated interest
Holy Cross is test-optional, so you can apply without SAT or ACT scores, though a strong score can still help.
Early Decision I November 15 · Early Decision II January 15 · Regular Decision January 15 · Notification (ED I / ED II / RD) Dec 15 / Feb 15 / mid-March. Applying early (Early Action or Early Decision, where offered) can modestly improve your odds and signals commitment.
Your grades and course rigor are mostly set by now. The highest-leverage things left are your essays and how you frame your activities. Holy Cross reads holistically, so a specific, well-told essay is where you separate yourself from other qualified applicants.
How to get into Holy Cross: FAQ
Is Holy Cross hard to get into?
Around 18 percent of applicants are admitted, though Early Decision rates run much higher. The middle 50 percent of enrolled students scored roughly 1250 to 1410 on the SAT, and only a minority of the class submits scores at all, since Holy Cross is genuinely test-optional. At Holy Cross, applicants clear a high academic bar first, then stand out through essays, activities, and character.
What GPA do you need to get into Holy Cross?
Admitted students at Holy Cross typically have a GPA around 3.7-3.9 (middle 50 percent). A strong GPA in demanding courses is the foundation, though it never guarantees admission.
What SAT score do you need for Holy Cross?
The middle 50 percent of admitted students at Holy Cross score about 1250-1410 on the SAT. Scores in or above that range keep you competitive.
What does Holy Cross look for in applicants?
Holy Cross weighs course rigor, grades (gpa), the application essay, and character and personal qualities most heavily, alongside a strong academic record. The parts you most control late in the process are your essays and how you present your activities.
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