Is Holy Cross too much of a reach for me?

Colleges and Universities A-Z College of the Holy Cross
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<p>I'm VERY interested in Holy Cross, (my top choice), but I missed the deadline for the alumni-interview. And I might not be able get an on-campus interview. (MA is a long way away...) I have been showing interest by attending the on-line chats, though.</p>

<p>I am 20 year old bi-racial (Black and Hispanic) Male from Georgia, but I attend a school of correspondence located in Lansing, Illinois.</p>

<p>I've taken the most rigorous curriculum through high school, but my school doesn't offer APs, IBs, or honors. Also, by the time I graduate (next may) I will have taken almost six years to complete high school. The reason is because of serious family issues and I was sick for about six months. However, my GPA is 3.96 (I've been told that I rank in the top 5% of the school).</p>

<p>Does anybody know how this will affect my chance of admission? Negatively or not at all?</p>

<p>Here are my Extra Curricular activities for all my years of high school. Keep in mind, though, that most of them will be community-based since I basically have been home-schooled and I only recently got my driver's license, and before that, I had no way to get to local EC opportunities. (My Mom doesn't drive, and my Dad usually works every day except Sunday.)</p>

<p>Automotive Mechanic Assistant: Worked with my Dad on project cars he has purchased. All through high school.</p>

<p>Started a community clean up team. Works included picking up trash and cutting grass (where the county would never get...) in my subdivision. All through high school.</p>

<p>Captain of community basketball team. All through high school</p>

<p>Co-Captain of football team. First two years of high school, only.</p>

<p>Non-official business: Ever since I was about 13, I've bought and sold video games and gaming cards.</p>

<p>Since November of 2009, I have been running errands for my family. My Dad (since he drives) is usually the one who runs errands with my Mom, but since I've gotten my license, I have been doing this for a year now. I usually spend about eight to fourteen hours a week doing this.</p>

<p>Started a community Rosary Prayer group. I'll admit it, though, it has been difficult getting more people to join. As of today, only three people have joined. =| I've done this since late 2008.</p>

<p>Volunteer at a thrift shop that funds the local Battered Women's Haven House. Started last week.</p>

<p>I'm also in the process of raising money from local businesses for the Haven House. </p>

<p>Based on this information, what does the HC community on College Confidential think? Will I get in, or not? Thanks!</p>

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<p>Send par72 a PM and ask him directly. He is always plugging Holy Cross, even when thread starters are not specifically mentioning this school. You obviously ARE interested, so maybe he can offer you an answer. I don’t see you mentioning your test scores-- SAT I, SAT II’s, or ACT-- have you taken any of these and, if so, how did you do? Some of the answer to your question may be located in the results of your test scores. Good luck!</p>

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<p>Well, I wasn’t planning to submit my SATs, but I’ll be sure to PM par72 for some advice. Thanks!</p>

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<p>Standardized test scores are a very important factor in the admissions process at Holy Cross. I’m not sure your attendance at a “school of correspondence” makes you exempt from submitting them. I also find it extremely odd that par 72 would not respond to your post. He’s responded to several other posts within the last few days. If he is an employee or EC at Holy Cross, and unable to specifically give you the answer you are looking for due to college rules/restraints, he should just come out and say so.</p>

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<p>I have spoken to an admissions counselor over the phone and was told that regardless of the school I have attended, I don’t need to send my scores.</p>

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<p>^I’m glad someone was able to help you. Good luck!</p>

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<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>Also, since I can’t edit my original post, I’ll post here what I forgot to mention above.</p>

<p>The high school I attend is called American School. It’s accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.</p>

<p>I’ve taken 5 math courses (Algebra 2 being the most advanced),5 Social Sciences, 2 Foreign Language courses, 4 English courses, and 3 Science courses.</p>

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<p>Anyone else???</p>

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<p>I think you have a much better than average chance because you are bi-racial. Holy Cross is really trying to diversify and attract minorities.</p>

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<p>I agree I think you have a good shot. Holy Cross will understand if you were unable to make it to an interview because of specific reason, I think you’ll get in either way. </p>

<p>ps. I just got accepted and didn’t send my SAT scores so clearly they don’t matter to HC. Good luck! it’s such a great and beautiful school</p>

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<p>MLDangelox23 - Congrats!!! How do you hear of your acceptance and was it today?</p>

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<p>Thank you ! :slight_smile: I found out on November 24. An admissions officer called me then I received a letter in the mail around December 3rd.</p>

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<p>Congratulations!! HC is my D’s first choice. You got your response extremely fast. I assume you applied ED?</p>

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<p>FlaDad53- Thank you! Yes I applied ED and submitted my application around the middle of October. So I waited about 5 weeks which was a very short amount of time.</p>