Visit to The College of the Holy Cross

The College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, Mass, is located on a steep hill overlooking the city. Students making the trek between the dining hall at the bottom to their dorm at the top will get their exercise for the day.  The campus is beautiful, and registered as an arboretum.
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There are 2877 students, all undergrads. Over half of students are Catholic. The college is led by the Jesuits, and the religious influence is said to be somewhat greater than at other Jesuit schools. But daily mass is not required.

Core academic requirements include 12 courses in 10 academic areas. All classes are taught by professors. Strong programs are said to be Biology/Premed, History, Economics, and English.

There are no Greek organizations, so social life tends to center around the dorms. Dorm rooms are spacious, and organized single-sex by floor. Seniors have suites with two double rooms and a kitchen.

Students with a suitable GPA may apply for the honors program at the end of the freshman year. Honors program students will complete a research project and write a thesis.
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Holy Cross is test optional. They track demonstrated interest closely. Interviews are highly recommended.
Other stats:

• Admit rate, 43%
• Average % of need met, 100%
• Classes under 30 students, 90%
• Freshmen returning as sophs, 94%
• Graduating in 4 years, 90%
• Full-time employment within 6 months, 61%
• Pursuing grad school directly, 13%