I am going to be applying to Holy Cross in the fall of this upcoming school year, and I wanted to apply for the Beans scholarship, which is given to incoming freshmen who wish to major in Classics. I have a few questions concerning the scholarship itself and the application for Holy Cross overall. As of right now, the college stands at my number one, but I am not sure if I want to go there, so I am probably not going to apply there early decision. Because I am not applying for early decision, does that worsen my chances of getting the scholarship? Would my chances increase if I were to apply early decision and then apply for the scholarship later on, or do I apply all at once for both the scholarship and the school? Also, because the Bean Scholarship is only given to two applicants every year, although I think that I am a very eligible candidate for the scholarship, my chances of receiving it are low. Does Holy Cross offer any other merit-based scholarships aside from the Beans, music, and Worcester high school alumni scholarships?
The only thing I can say about the Bean scholarship is that it is extremely competitive. That said, I do know someone who was a Bean scholar who did not apply early decision. She was a very strong candidate (chose Holy Cross over Harvard for perspective). I don’t know of any other merit scholarships at HC besides those you list (not to say there aren’t any).
Not sure of other merit scholarships other than those listed, except I think another classics scholarship is offered every 4 years, in addition to the Bean scholarship. I just wanted to add that I also know of another Bean scholar who did not apply ED, and I think the Bean scholarship and the offer of admission to the college are completely separate and handled by different departments. I agree with xhaavic that this is a very competitive scholarship, and I think a very strong demonstrated interest in the classics is also helpful, not just great overall stats. What a great opportunity and program. You probably know that demonstrated interest is also important to the admissions committee for Holy Cross, as well. If you are able, visiting the college and meeting classics professors and students and sitting in on a classics class or two can be arranged, and would be helpful for the Bean scholarship and for admission purposes. Good luck with your senior year and applications!
Chiming in to say that I also know a Bean scholar who applied RD