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Learning
at Holy Cross
Navigating your future
We help students find where they will thrive.
Students are at the heart of our process, from personalized college lists to one-on-one meetings, our counselors provide individualized guidance and support every step of the way. We empower students to make decisions with confidence, clarity, and a strong sense of purpose, ensuring their college journey reflects their unique strengths and aspirations. Our approach prepares students not only for academic success but also for lives of purpose, service, and ongoing growth.
Life After Holy Cross
College Counseling by Grade
9th Grade
- Engage fully. Colleges value students who pursue their passions and get involved in their community. Try a new sport or club!
- Practice time management. This essential skill will serve you well in high school, college, and throughout life.
- Seek guidance. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from teachers and your advisor; begin building relationships that will support you.
- Track your progress. Keep a record of your activities and achievements at Holy Cross so you don’t overlook any important accomplishments.
- Grades matter. Your first-year grades lay the foundation for your GPA and academic journey.
10th Grade
- Be open to new opportunities. It’s never too late to try something new and discover your passions.
- Seek leadership roles. Colleges prefer quality of involvement over quantity, so take an active role in your favorite activities.
- Challenge yourself. Take demanding courses where appropriate.
- Prepare for the PSAT. Practice builds confidence! Holy Cross offers the PSAT to all 10th-graders in October.
- Plan a meaningful summer. Research activities that help you grow, serve others, or pursue diverse interests.
- Update your list of activities. Keep your list of awards, activities, and accomplishments updated.
11th Grade
- Take the PSAT again. Another chance to practice arrives in October at AHC. Use it to sharpen your skills and confidence.
- Attend Junior Family College Kick-Off Night in December. Students and parents will complete surveys to help introduce themselves to their counselor and begin shaping a personalized college plan.
- Connect with your counseling team. In January, you’ll meet your counselor for your first one-on-one meeting. This will be followed by a family meeting to collaborate on creating a personalized college plan.
- List your schools. Keep a list of colleges in which you’re interested in SCOIR.
- Take a standardized test. Plan to take the SAT and/or ACT during the second semester.
- Visit. Take a road trip and see schools on your list in person - utilize school breaks if possible.
- Make the most of your summer. Visit more schools, start working on your applications, and continue discovering opportunities that align with your goals.
12th Grade
- Prepare at Application Academy. In August, before school starts, attend this workshop to complete your Common App and receive expert essay feedback from college representatives.
- Attend Senior Family College Night. In August, parents will learn the step-by-step process of submitting applications at this essential event.
- Testing. Take your final rounds of standardized testing in the fall.
- Finalize your college list. Collaborate with your counselor to confirm the schools that best match your goals and aspirations.
- Understand application requirements and deadlines. Research the specific requirements and deadlines for each school to ensure your applications are complete and accurate.
- Refine and submit. Work with care to make your applications stand out, and confidently submit them.
- Make your choice. With guidance from your counselor, evaluate your options, decide on the best fit for you, and celebrate your decision!
246
number of unique colleges the Class of 2026 was accepted to
$27 M
in four-year scholarships offered to the Class of 2026
126
colleges visited Holy Cross in the fall of 2026
Paying for College
AHC partnered with The SMARTTRACK® College Funding High School Initiative to provide our families with free resources to help plan and pay less for college.