Holy Cross has traditionally drawn many of its students from a pool of historical Catholic high schools and private boarding schools, though a majority of current undergraduates come from public schools.[10] Holy Cross' overall undergraduate acceptance rate for the incoming 2019 class was 34 percent.[14] In 2020, the middle 50% SAT score range for those who submitted a score was 1290–1430 out of 1600.[10] Holy Cross admitted its first women students in 1972, and its student population is currently majority female.[10] Holy Cross was described as one of the Hidden Ivies for its academics and admissions process which are comparable to the Ivy League in the guide The Hidden Ivies, 3rd Edition: 63 of America's Top Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities, published in 2016.[15]