<p>So I have been accepted to Holy Cross and Assumption College for the class of 2015 and I'm sort of torn in my decision. I received a fairly substantial scholarship from Assumption, and I haven't yet received the financial aid package from Holy Cross yet, so that is still a big deciding factor. I like Holy Cross more for it's campus, school spirit, reputation, etc, but, what I'm most concerned about is basically the academics. </p>
<p>I was accepted as a bio major at HC, but I'm not sure if I want to major in that. My other option would be economics. However, I am definitely set on dental school after, so I would want to be in the pre-health department. Whichever college I go to, I will be doing the dental pre-reqs which are idential to pre-med. Anyways, my one big worry is keeping my GPA up. To be competitive for dental school, I really need to be above a 3.3, preferably above a 3.5. My dilemma is how Holy Cross academics are reported to be extremely challenging. I know I will get an amazing education, but I don't want to be killing myself to stay above a 3.0 for four years, only to go to dental school hell for another 4 years. </p>
<p>If I went to Assumption, I would most likely have a much easier time keeping my GPA high; however, Assumption obviously does not have the prestige that HC has. But, I'm not sure if the prestige of HC will out-weigh perhaps a lower GPA than what I would have had at Assumption.</p>
<p>I've heard some scary things about the HC academics - how it is extremely rare to get an A on an assignment and even top of the class students barely had 3.8 GPAs - that I'm starting to get worried about how I would do there...Any advice/words of wisdom?</p>
<p>Assumption would be a lot easier than Holy Cross but ask how many students get into dental school. Holy Cross has many future doctors and dentists (mine included) graduate from there and they have great counseling and preparation. </p>
<p>Visit, ask questions, look at the pages for pre-med. I know a higher GPA is needed for school, but being ready for the tests and challenges are also important.</p>
<p>Well, it looks like my decision has been made for me. Just received my financial aid package and Holy Cross generously gave me about $9,000 in loans. So yeah, not gonna happen. Apparently they think my parents can afford the additional $43,000 even with my sister going to college at the same time and having three younger siblings. My family is pretty well off, but spending about $80,000 a year for my sister and me is definitely not feasible. Oh well, it was just nice getting accepted. Thankfully Assumption does have very good statistics for students getting into medical/dental school, and I have a half-tuition scholarship, so it looks like I’ll be going there. </p>
<p>Good luck though, to everyone who is going there!</p>
<p>WindKP, congrats for getting a great scholarship to Assumption. Just make sure your parents know you are making your decision based on financial aid (if that is really the case). It is very considerate of you. As a parent, I know that I would not want my kids to choose a school based on what they think I can or cannot afford. Every parent has a different philosophy. You will do well wherever you go.</p>
<p>I don’t know anything about Assumption, but wanted to assure you that you are making a good decision. GPA is an important factor for any graduate program and, while I appreciate that HC is not into grade inflation, the fact that profs rarely give As seems a bit on the other extreme. If you work hard and learn the information, you will do well on graduate admissions tests. My son was admitted to HC and HC was one of his top schools. He visited and spent the night. The students are super – nice, inclusive and so forth. My son got the impression that they party a lot, however. What he learned from the sophomores he stayed with was that very few students get As or have over a 3.4! And, there is one senior that is graduating in 2011 with a 4.0 – the first since 1973! While it is unrealistic for anyone to think s/he will get a 4.0 in college, there are usually one or two a year who do. I think it would be demoralizing to work your tail off for Bs. … if a person deserves an A, it should be given. Like you, my son is now choosing a small Catholic school (University of Dallas) he liked as much as HC because of the generous scholarship he received and the fact that he did not want to work his butt off for Bs. And, you should go to college where you can focus on learning rather than surviving. Finally, my nephew choose University of Dallas over Boston College. He received an excellent education, worked hard for his 3.7 GPA and when he applied to graduate school he was well-prepared. He was accepted to Harvard and University of Chicago. If you are a good student, you will do well. There are many, many pathways to success. Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>I realize Holy Cross doesn’t give out easy A’s, but students do get them. My daughter tells the story of a transfer to Dartmouth junior year who had a FB that said he reason was “I wanted an A” That said, grad schools take HC students in high numbers as well as medical school, law schools, etc. They know how they grade and the caliber of student.
When my son entered grad school he said there were many A students, many high GPA’s, but not all did well. Preparation for GRE’s, MCAT’s etc. is important. I’m not saying you can’t get that at a lower tier school and you are correct, there are MANY pathways to success, but you have to make sure you are getting all you can out of the college you are at. I am sure the OP will.</p>