Supplement for Holy Cross?

My D was surprised that College of the Holy Cross does not appear to require a supplemental essay to the Common App. Does anyone know if this is a recent change? It seems unusual for a highly rated liberal arts college.

Once you submit the common app, HC gives you a login to a portal. There is a supplement listed. In a nutshell, it’s “Why do you want to attend Holy Cross?”

Thanks,that’s very helpful. I’ll let her know.

They don’t require a supplement because they require (HIGHLY RECOMMEND) an interview with admissions (not an alumni interview). They get everything they would get from the supplement from the interview process.

How are you contacted for an interview? I finished my app a few days ago but don’t see a place on my portal for an interview

You need to request an interview through the admissions office

Do I email them? Or is it online form?

Because I missed the deadline for an interview, my admissions counselor encouraged me to do the supplement. The question asks “In what ways have you gotten to discover and learn about Holy Cross?”. It seems like one of those “how have you heard about us” questions. Does anyone know how strict they are on following this prompt? In my opinion answering this question won’t really let the admissions people know much about the applicant…

You need to follow the prompt. But in doing so you can certainly let yourself come through. For instance you can write about a program or a class or something else that you ‘discovered’ about Holy Cross and why that interests you, using that as a stepping stone to highlight aspects about yourself. Use the prompt as a way to let the reader know the reasons why you are interested in the school and in doing that you will be telling them about yourself.