Click here for the Common Application

There’s no fee to submit the Common Application to Holy Cross College.

The Common Application essay is required (view essay prompts here). 

• 400-500 words recommended (minimum 250 words)

Holy Cross College seeks to form scholars, citizens, leaders, and disciples who serve the Common Good. What about this mission or other aspects of Holy Cross College interest you? Recommended response of 150-200 words.

• 100-150 recommended (minimum 50 words)

Students are also encouraged to complete the Activities section of the Common Applications with their involvement in their school, local, and religious communities.

You will have to designate at least one school official (e.g. school counselor) to submit the Common Application School Report with the transcript. The School Report often includes a letter of recommendation from a college counselor.

Common Application en Español.

Official High School Transcript

• It is preferred that official transcripts be submitted via the Common Application School Report.
• Alternatively, official transcripts can be sent to the Office of Admissions directly from a school administrator.
• Updated transcripts via the Common Application Optional Report and/or Mid-Year Report are welcome.
• A final transcript showing successful high school graduation must be submitted prior to enrollment. An offer of admission is contingent upon receipt of a final transcript and review of final grades. We prefer final transcripts be submitted via the Common Application Final Report.

Letters of Recommendation

• You’ll have the option to designate teachers who can submit letters of recommendation on your behalf. Letters of recommendation aren’t required but can be helpful in the evaluation process.

SAT and/or ACT Scores

• Holy Cross has a test-optional policy for first-year students applying for Fall 2022 enrollment.
• For students who have taken the ACT and/or SAT, scores can be submitted to supplement the application.
• SAT and ACT scores reported on the high school transcript are considered official.
• Holy Cross College will consider self-reported test scores from the Common Application or if submitted via the Holy Cross Applicant Portal.
• Holy Cross College super scores the SAT and ACT if multiple tests are submitted. Therefore, it is recommended to send all tests you have taken.
• How to send SAT scores (our SAT code is 1309)
• How to send ACT scores (our ACT code is 1203)

Fall Enrollment

• August 1, 2021: Common Application is available
• November 1, 2021: Early Action Deadline/Rolling Admission begins
• Late-November 2021: Early Action decisions are released
• February 15, 2022: Regular Decision Deadline/Rolling Admission continues
• July 28, 2022: Common Application closes
• May 1, 2022: Priority enrollment confirmation deadline

Spring Enrollment

• August 1, 2022: Common Application is available
• December 1, 2022: Application deadline
• Mid-December 2022: Decisions released
• December 20, 2022: Enrollment confirmation deadline

Final decisions for deferred students will be released on a rolling basis and by March at the latest. 

All applications submitted on or before November 1, 2021 will be considered for Early Action admission and will receive earliest notification of admission and merit scholarship status.

Early Action applicants will be notified of admissions decision before the end of November. There are three possible decision outcomes:

• Admitted. Students admitted in Early Action are asked to reply with an enrollment decision (deposit) on or before May 1, 2022, the national confirmation deadline. Deposits will be accepted after May 1, 2022, as space allows.
• The admissions staff may defer the decision to Regular Action. These students are encouraged to supplement their application file with updated transcripts or resumé, letters of recommendations, etc., prior to a second review by the Committee on Admissions. All updates must be submitted by February 15. Final decisions for deferred students will be released in March.
• Denied. Students may reapply in the next admissions cycle as first-year or transfer applicants, and we encourage them to strengthen their application before doing so.

Applications submitted after November 1 will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with decisions released two-to-three weeks after the application is completed. The Regular Decision application priority deadline is February 15, 2022.

Applications submitted on, or before this deadline are eligible for maximum merit scholarship consideration. 

There are two possible decision outcomes: admitted or not admitted. Although unlikely, it’s possible for applicants to be offered a space on the waiting list if enrollment limits are reached. Admitted students are asked to reply with an enrollment decision (deposit) on or before May 1, 2022, the national confirmation deadline. Deposits will be accepted after May 1, 2022 as space allows.

Students who are not admitted cannot reapply for admission for the same entry semester.

All First-Year applicants are encouraged to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for the state (Indiana residents), federal, and institutional need-based financial assistance. The FAFSA becomes available on October 1, 2021, and can be submitted before completing the Common Application.  

To ensure Holy Cross College receives the FAFSA, use Federal School Code 007263. (Learn how to add a college to your FAFSA if you’ve already submitted it.)  The FAFSA priority submission deadline is February 15, 2022, for financial aid notification, well in advance of the May 1 confirmation enrollment deadline. More information can be found here.

There are no additional applications necessary to be considered for merit scholarships; if you qualify for one, you’ll be notified in your admissions decision packet. Select admitted students will be nominated for a Signature Scholarship. To be considered for a Signature Scholarship, the Common Application and other required documents must be submitted on or before February 15, 2022.