<p>Hello everyone,</p>
<p>Holy Cross and Bates seem to be my top choice colleges. I would like to know a few things about how the two colleges compare side-by-side. But first, a few things: 1) I know this is the HC forum, and opinions could be heavily biased, but I would like to see what those more in favor of HC have to say about their school compared to how they may feel about Bates. 2) Please don't freak out about the dreaded word..."Prestige". I am curious about each school's reputation in certain fields, and even regions in the US.</p>
<p>To be quite honest, I could see myself equally at both colleges and I got the "feeling" at both colleges more than any of the many other LAC's that I've visited. I am actually in favor of the lack of a greek scene at both colleges. I know Bates is a bit smaller than HC, but how do students at HC feel about the size? (i.e. Class sizes, Getting to know Profs better than at a bigger U) What are the Political Science/Politics departments like at Holy Cross? Do you know anything about how they compare to Bates? Does Holy Cross have decent Law School placement? - And what is the average GPA for graduates of HC? Also, internships in politics...how do the offices of politicians, political think tanks, etc. view Holy Cross students and graduates?</p>
<p>Is their a large faith-based presence on campus at HC? I am fairly serious about my Catholic faith, and I would like it to be somewhat of an existent aspect of my college experience.</p>
<p>Lastly..."Prestige". I am from MD, and Holy Cross is a school that many Catholics are aware of...but it seems that is where it ends. As far as Law Schools (I know it is basically just LSAT and GPA...but still), Employers, and even just the educated public is concerned...how is a degree from HC viewed?</p>
<p>I would appreciate any insight, even a small amount, on the topics above.<br>
Thank you very much!</p>
<p>Academically they are quite comparable especially for grad school admissions and have comparable grading scales. My impression is that Holy Cross has more name recognition in large part due to its higher profile division 1 sports and being in the greater Boston metro area. HC students tend to be more sporty/conservative and Bates more quirky/liberal. You really need to visit both schools and see where you feel most at home given your own personality and likes/dislikes.</p>
<p>Thank you for your input! I am visiting Holy Cross again this Summer. Do you know anything about how the SAT-Optional system works? (i.e. Can an applicant be looked down upon if scores are not submitted? Are there any recommendations for applicants who choose not to submit these scores?) - I plan to do an interview regardless. Thanks!</p>
<p>I would recommend submitting them if they exceed the average of the school but don’t submit if they don’t (otherwise it might hurt you). The most important items are class rank, and that you have taken the challenging classes at your high school and have done well in them. Really need to be in the top 10% of your class unless you have special talents the college needs.</p>
<p>Thank you collegegrad!</p>
<p>MountainDewd-- I hope you won’t mind me just copying a posting about Holy Cross (my alma mater) that I made on another thread as the subject matter—Politics & Law–is similar to yours. Re:religion–you would certainly have every opportunity to practice your
Catholic faith at Holy Cross and to participate in, as an example, the “spiritual exercises of St Ignatius Loyola”, the famous Jesuit retreat program. I believe that campus ministry is the largest student group on campus–but don’t misunderstand–not everyone is going to Mass every day.</p>
<p>EARLIER POST:</p>
<p>As a Holy Cross grad, and the father of one, I think HC’s singular focus on the liberal arts is the best training for anyone for any job. Obviously I am biased–but I don’t think I’m very far off the mark. As far as international relations, it’s interesting to note that the Director General of the U.S. Foreign Service (U.S. State Dept) is a Holy Cross grad, Harry Thomas of the HC Class of 1978. Below is a link to an article on him on the HC website. Holy Cross has always had an outsized presence in the U.S. government, for example today HC grads hold four seats in Congress and one in the U.S. Senate. I’d guess, with only 535 total reps/senators that very few other schools can boast of thast, particularly schools with only about 30,000 living alumni.</p>
<p>As far as Law School goes, Holy Cross does mighty well there also. Among prominent HC grad attorneys are the famed Edward Bennett Williams, R.I.P., said to be America’s #1 trial lawyer in his day; current Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas; and Ted Wells, the man to see among criminal lawyers in DC, and many, many others. </p>
<p>I urge you to take a campus visit–you will fall in love with Holy Cross.</p>
<p>Note also that Holy Cross has a “Jr year in Wash DC” program</p>
<p>[Director</a> General Harry Thomas '78 to Give Talk to Students Interested in Careers in U.S. Department of State | College of the Holy Cross](<a href=“http://www.holycross.edu/publicaffairs/features/2007-2008/harrythomas_08]Director”>http://www.holycross.edu/publicaffairs/features/2007-2008/harrythomas_08)</p>
<p>[College</a> of the Holy Cross | Holy Cross Magazine](<a href=“http://www.holycross.edu/departments/publicaffairs/hcm/fall07/GAA/gaa4.html]College”>http://www.holycross.edu/departments/publicaffairs/hcm/fall07/GAA/gaa4.html)</p>
<p>I can also speak a bit about Bates–an outstanding college. My younger daughter and I looked at Bates (and Bowdoin and Colby) last Spring and were very favorably impressed. It’s much smaller than HC and I think it’s a bit “artier” than HC–there are a tremendous number of bands of campus–music is big there. I don’t think sports are that important. We did eat in the cafeteria and the food was outstanding. I believe Bates has an very strong reputation.</p>
<p>Thank you KY Crusdaer! I think I have decided that I will attend an LAC, for the reasons you provided - the “training” that an LAC offers, preparing grads for the “real world”, etc. I have always been leaning toward attending a Catholic or Jesuit college. I think that Holy Cross fits the bill perfectly: Premier LAC with Jesuit identity.</p>
<p>The info regarding alumni in the realm of politics is very interesting! I was not aware of the frequency that the Holy Cross name appears in the field. I might add The Holy Cross Journal of Law & Public Policy. I read about it a bit, and it seems like a very interesting opportunity for “Pre-Law”, if you will, students to participate in.</p>
<p>I cannot wait to make an official visit!</p>