<p>Hi Holy Cross Thread--long time listener, first time caller.
Our D is very interested in College of the Holy Cross.<br>
She seems to know everything about the school, and my spouse and I are impressed, so much so that we will be visiting this summer.
I've tried to browse through as many of the previous posts as possible, but I wanted to ask a bit more about the Pre-Health program.<br>
1. are research and writing opportunities available through Bio, Chem, or BioChem depts for an enterprising student? I understand that the integrated science facility is a dynamic place.
2. are the notoriously difficult grading of Pre-Health courses leaving an impact on the GPA of those who are applying to allopathic schools?
3. are all Pre-Health courses held at CHC, or at other schools in Worcester?
4. when in the process--aside from grading results--does a student know if they're performing well enough to possibly gain the approval the HPAC?
Thank you very much everyone for your time.</p>
<ol>
<li>Yes there are a ton of opportunities and research is encouraged. Usually this occurs junior and senior year, but can be obtained earlier both on campus and off. </li>
<li>Grading is very tough, but graduate schools (especially on the north east) know this about HC. Also if you have a 3.5 cumulative GPA there is early assurance to Tufts Medical.</li>
<li>Most people take all the prehealth classes at HC because it’s simply easier. The other schools are mainly used by HC students when the class they want to take is not offered at HC.</li>
<li>The class of 2016 is the first class that will have to apply to the prehealth program after initial admission. So I can’t really answer that question.</li>
</ol>
<p>thank you Lily (to be more accurate, thank you once again–you have always shared so many wise thoughts about CHC and even some other schools!). </p>
<p>thank you for pointing out #4. I thought by reading an older thread that this was the case, but somehow thought, after my D chat session that this had changed even after that. I will re-read the website. </p>
<p>We can’t wait to visit the school. I cannot thank you enough for your help.</p>
<p>To clarify – The Class of 2016 is the first class that DOES NOT have to apply into the Pre-Health Advisory Program. It is now available to any student who wishes to pursue a pre-medical career, which includes medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant, and physical therapy. </p>
<p>–Holy Cross Admissions Staff</p>