College of the Holy Cross vs. Denison vs. St. Olaf

Hello everyone. I’m currently a senior in high school and need help deciding which college to choose. I have narrowed it down to my top 3 choices: College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts, Denison in Ohio, and St. Olaf in Minnesota. I like all of the schools for different reasons. I’m a legacy at Holy Cross and I think I would do well there. I like the Jesuit values and more conservative views. However, it’s far away from home. I haven’t visited Denison yet but will be there in 2 weeks for an accepted students event. I know that Denison is a good school and more prep schools are sending their students there. I was awarded the Deans Scholarship which totals to $106,000 over my 4 years there. St. Olaf is close to home and I am familiar with the campus. I think the academics are strong there and it seems that the student body is happy. I also got a nice scholarship from there.

I am looking for a school that has a strong reputation and is well respected. I am planning to double major in economics and political science. I hope to go to law school in the future. I am a very hardworking student and have a 4.0 UW GPA and a 4.7 W GPA. I want to be in an environment where people are willing to work hard but are also not so competitive where it feels cut throat. I do not play a sport but will plan to get involved in debate, student government, and maybe the student newspaper.

Thanks so much for any comments! I am very conflicted on which one to choose.

I’ve only visited one of the colleges you’re considering, so I don’t have any specific advice. But I think you should think seriously about how far away from home you want to be. The first year away can be very difficult. Also, are you up for an adventure in a different part of the country or do you want to take a smaller step? Any of the three will be great academically for you, but I’d consider distance first and then also go to the admitted student days if you can. Maybe go on your own, so you can get a sense of what the distance feels like.