<p>I am having trouble deciding which of these two colleges (Bates or Holy Cross) would be better to attend. I am in love with both of them and want to go early decision on one... but the trick is which one? If anyone can help guide me in the right direction it would be great. I know in the end it is my decison but advice is always helpful.</p>
<p>If you love both and don’t have a clear first choice early decision is not for you…Wait for RD and apply to both…</p>
<p>I agree that you should only use ED if you are positive that one school is above all others in your mind. If you need more time to consider the options, I believe both schools have ED2 as well. </p>
<p>I would strongly consider visiting the two schools again and spending a day on each campus. Often admissions can arrange for your to shadow a student for a day (you can sit in on classes, eat in the cafeteria etc.) or there is some other similar type of program. My D went back to her top two choices in the early fall and once she spent the additional time on each campus one school stood out as her absolute top choice (and she applied ED, got in, and loves it).</p>
<p>IMO they are both great schools but the two schools have pretty different vibes with the students at Bates being generally more liberal and students at HC being the generally more conservative group.</p>
<p>Holy Cross has division 1 sports so if that matters to you that may be a tie breaker. Bates is Division 3.</p>
<p>HC is Catholic and Bates is not. Also, the locations are completely different. Have you visited them both?</p>
<p>Holy Cross has better alumni network, bigger endowment and is closer to a big city Boston.</p>