Applications to Holy Cross Increase for Second Consecutive Year

Holy Cross has seen another jump in the applications for admission.

The number of students applying increased this year by 5 percent.  While the figures are still preliminary because the processing and reading of applications have not been completed, 7,054 students have applied for a place in the Class of 2011. 

That compares with 6,705 applications last year, which was a record 41% increase from the previous year. 

Early decision applications were on par with the previous year.  Preliminary information shows that the geographic and ethnic diversity of students applying for admission has increased.  The percentage of applications from ALANA (African-American, Latin American, Asian-American, and Native American) students is up 20 percent, according to Ann McDermott ’79, director of admissions.

“These statistics show that last year’s record increase was not a one-time aberration, and more high school students and their parents across the country recognize what a Holy Cross education offers,” said McDermott.  “And, the story behind the statistics is that we’re seeing even more and varied examples of students who have made the most of their talents—academic, creative, athletic—in their high school careers.”

The 2006 surge in applications was attributed in part to the publicity surrounding the College’s announcement in the spring of 2005 that standardized testing would be an optional part of the admission process. Still, 70 percent of applying students decided to submit their scores – and that percentage remained constant this year.
Admissions Committee meetings have begun, and will continue through March.  Students will be notified of the committee’s decisions in early April.