Class of 2010: A Profile

The record 6,705 applications for admission to the Class of 2010 — a 41 percent increase from the previous year — meant that acceptances to Holy Cross were particularly competitive this year, and that the incoming class is one to watch.

The spike in applications was partly due to the publicity surrounding the College’s announcement in the spring of 2005 that standardized testing would be an optional part of the admission process. Still, 70 percent of applying students decided to submit their scores. The increased applicant pool resulted in an acceptance rate of 34 percent.  Early decision applications were up 49%.  The incoming class also includes an increase in the percentage of ALANA (African-American, Latin American, Asian-American, and Native American) students to 17%.

“We’re delighted to welcome the Class of 2010,” said Ann B. McDermott ’79, director of admissions.  “As a group, these young men and women have already accomplished a great deal in their high school classrooms, demonstrated an interest in community service, distinguished themselves in creative pursuits and athletic endeavors—and are as excited as we are that they’re joining the Holy Cross community.”

Here’s an “at-a-glance” profile of the incoming class:

Applicants: 6,705 Last Year: 4,744

Accepted: [#] [%] 2,310  34% Last Year: 2,266  48%

Enrolled: 763 Last Year: 726

Percent ALANA: 17% Last Year: 15% Five Years Ago: 14% Ten Years Ago: 9%

Submitted SAT scores: approximately 70%

Percent Male: 45% Percent Female: 55%

Percent from MA: 36% Percent from outside New England: 46% Number of States: 35 Number of Foreign Countries: 7

Percent from Public Schools: 51% Percent from Catholic Schools: 27% Percent from Private Schools: 10% Percent from Jesuit Schools: 12%

# Related information: Applications to Holy Cross Jump 41 Percent

# New standardized testing policy