Admission: Not Impossible

Taking the Stress out of the College Application Process

Phew!

Let me tell you how stressed I was when I applied to college.  I had never spent so much time writing, editing, rewriting, having others read, and writing some more.  Those essays nearly caused me to have a breakdown.  I'm sure none of this is news to you.  You've all been experiencing the same thing over the last few weeks.  But the best part is that it's over!  You're done!

But wait!  What if I don't get in?  What if I didn't say everything I should have?  What if the waiting makes me have an even bigger breakdown?!  Take a deep breath.  Not a big deal.  Take Patrick's advice and calmly look over the application.  If there's anything you left out then send it along.  If you've said everything you wanted to then you need to remember that you've done your best and it's out of your hands.  Relax, stop the stressing.  Push those applications far from your mind and just enjoy your last semester of high school.  Do your homework, hang out with your friends, forget that college exists.  Really, it will help you out.  Trust the girl who panicked endlessly.  In April when the letters start arriving it will be a nice surprise and not a burden that's been looming over you.  Then you'll have a fun decision to make!

And then, in another few years, the process will begin over again for graduate school :-)

Amanda Juriansz
Assistant Director of Community Outreach

Application Reflection

The Friday before New Year's Day tends to be a very busy one in the Admissions Office at Holy Cross.  It is the final day for on-campus interviews, so counselors are very busy talking with applicants about their goals, activities, academic interests, etc.  The mail, which does not stop coming during the Christmas vacation, has been held at our campus post office until the office opens after Christmas, and so buckets of mail are delivered on this day.  It's also a very busy day for the phone.  Students and parents are calling about interviews, about their application, and, if they are Early Decision candidates, are wondering when they will be hearing back from us.  On the other side of things, you students aren't as busy (that's why we have so many appointments and phone calls).  I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but actually good, because it gives you an opportunity to reflect on your college application process.

For many of you, these days allow you to breathe a sigh of relief.  PHEW!  Applications have been completed (or should be soon for you procrastinators), recommendation letters have been sent, papers have been handed in and tests have been taken.  Take advantage of the opportunity to catch your breath and read over your application.  I hope you have saved a copy somewhere!  Start reading with a clear mind and try to imagine that you don't know whose application you are reading - because in many cases, we haven't met you before.  Look over those activities that you've listed on page 3...what do they say about you?  Turn to page 6 and re-read your personal statement for the 800th time (hopefully)...is it still the best paper you've written about yourself? 

Most importantly, I want to you think about whether you think that your application shows the reader who you are as a person - you the student, you the musician, you the employee, you the athlete.  When reading an application, we are looking for you to tell us everything about who you are.  The more information we have, the more informed our reading can be.  If you suddenly feel as if you've left something out, well, it happens...don't panic!  Take this time to identify exactly what is missing from your application and try to figure out a way to tell us about it, then send it along.  We'd love to hear more about you!

Patrick Maloney '02
Assistant Director of Admissions