I recently just visited both, and while I liked Wellesley I loved Holy Cross. The problem is I don’t know exactly why I like Holy Cross so much. Both my parents went there, so I wonder if I have been brainwashed all my life. My parents would love if I went to either school.
I am planning on being an International Relations major. The course load at Wellesley is more intense. I have heard the amount of classes is equivalent to a double major when you factor in the language and core requirements. I am also not sure about the Women’s college aspect and the grade deflation. The impression I got of Wellesley is that it is very intense and the women are competitive overachievers. I take school very seriously, but I chronically underestimate myself and feel intimidated by the atmosphere. I know Wellesley has an amazing reputation and network that is far better than Holy Cross. When I think only about facts or logic I think Wellesley is a better choice. I am also very interested in doing study abroad and internships. I did not expect to get into Wellesley and I did not know how great of a school it was when I applied, so my heart was always set on Holy Cross.
What prevents me from committing to Holy Cross is I don’t know why I love it. Every time I visit the students are the most friendly and welcoming. Holy Cross does not have and International Relations major, but has an International Studies major. It’s not an official major, but is interdepartmental like Wellesley’s, but is so popular there is a course guide. Holy Cross is very strong in the aspects of IS and the major requires 3 less classes than Wellesley’s. I know Holy Cross has a good reputation, but not as great as Wellesley’s. I have also heard Holy Cross has grade deflation and it is hard to come by good grades, but for some reason I am less scared of their environment. Holy Cross seems to have equally good study abroad programs, but I am unsure about internship opportunities based on Holy Cross’s location. I am not super religious or into sports so that does not factor in my decision. As cliched as this sounds my heart chooses Holy Cross but my head chooses Wellesley. I don’t know if I can choose Holy Cross based on feeling alone.
I forgot to write about activities. I want to get involved in a few clubs in college. Would it be much harder to achieve high positions at Wellesley than at Holy Cross?
I think it doesn’t matter why you love Holy Cross. Sometimes students step on campus and they just feel at home - and it doesn’t really matter why they do; what matters is the fact that they do. You feel comfortable and alive at Holy Cross; it’s your place and those are your people. So I think your decision is made - you just need to let go of the “logic” telling you that Wellesley is a better choice.
You already say that you don’t like the perceived atmosphere at Wellesley. (Whether or not it’s actually like that is less relevant; that’s how you perceive it, so that is going to affect your experience). The only thing that seems to be attractive to you about Wellesley is its name recognition and prestige; but Holy Cross is plenty prestigious, and HC students seem to have a very tight-knit network. A friend of mine went to HC and she seems to hang out with her other HC friends all the time! Just the fact that you have heard that both Wellesley and HC have grade deflation, but HC’s doesn’t scare you, is a good sign that Holy Cross is where you really want to be.
You already said that your heart was set on Holy Cross from the beginning, but the only thing that made you waver is now you know “how good a school” Wellesley is. Set that aside. Both schools are excellent and you will get a great education at either. You will have great opportunities from both colleges.
So go to Holy Cross!
Yes, if the Wellesley name were not prestigious, you would not have it still on your list. You love Holy Cross–go there! It’s the same reason I didn’t want to live in the country club neighborhood in my town. While it’s nicer, and offers a lot of great things, I just wasn’t as comfortable there as I am on the street I ended up choosing.
Thanks to Wellesley for the opportunity (and the vote of confidence!) but Holy Cross is the one for you!
Lots of attractions, to colleges , people, places are mysterious, so stop trying to find a nice neat, logical explanation. Go to H
C.and stop the pondering.
Absolutely go to Holy Cross. Were you comparing East Swampy State – which you loved – to Wellesley, there might be some debate (I’d still recommend “going with your heart,” however). But Holy Cross is a first-tier, long-esteemed and excellent LAC, it’s in greater Boston, it has a very substantial reputation, it annually places students in every graduate/professional school, and it certainly has a strong, active and ardent alumni network.
You are not crazy. Fit is an important part of the equation. Go to Holy Cross and have a fantastic four years.
One caveat: is one substantially cheaper than the other?
Overall, I agree with everyone here, go to Holy cross 
They’re pretty much the same price for me
Bill Simmons went to Holy Cross. No question in my mind.
Holy Cross for the win
Coincidentally, Bill was my dad’s roommate and is still his close friend.