High School Junior - Is Holy Cross Possible?

Colleges and Universities A-Z College of the Holy Cross
1

<p>Hi-</p>

<p>My son is a high school junior. Holy Cross is a top choice for him. I have some questions and concerns about him being a solid applicant for Holy Cross:</p>

<ul>
<li><p>GPA through end of sophomore year is a 3.5. He is half way through his junior year. He has worked very hard and has straight A's with a competitive course load of AP, Honors & College Prep classes. Does Holy Cross recalculate GPA's? Do they appreciate an upward trend in grades?</p></li>
<li><p>Scores: Holy Cross is test optional so at what test score level would it be best to submit the scores? Based on the PSAT the scores would be equal to a 1230 (M & CR). Also he has already taken the World History Subject Test with a score of 740 and the World History AP Exam with a score of 4.</p></li>
<li><p>Public High School: This is a big concern for us. Through freshman year in high school my son had always attended catholic school. His freshman year in high school he was in a Jesuit high school. He left and transferred to the local public high school. Will leaving a Jesuit school hurt him when applying to Holy Cross? He left for a variety of reasons - a big one was family finances at that time. Should we be concerned with this situation?</p></li>
<li><p>Misc.: He participates in several EC's - Best Buddies, Junior State, Spanish Honor Society, Hospital Volunteer (for three years), Student Council, plays one sport that he is very dedicated to in that he either plays or trains year round. He is expected to be invited to join the National Honor Society (per a recent meeting with his guidance counselor).</p></li>
</ul>

<p>I would appreciate any feed back about my son's chance for admission to Holy Cross as well as any suggestions on how to be a stronger candidate for admission. Holy Cross is one of his top choice schools.</p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

2

<p>I think he is looking strong especially with how well he is doing his junior year. A lot will depend on the reputation of the high school with Holy Cross and their experiences with past graduates. Being at a public or Jesuit high school is of relative minor importance. They give slight preference for Jesuit high schools since they are a Jesuit college but public school kids are not penalized and the vast majority of students come from public schools as was I. I would suggest setting up a meeting with an admissions counselor at Holy Cross if you want further details.</p>