I’m a high school senior and Fordham University is my #1 choice, but I know I’m way below their average.
GPA: 3.0 (I started fresh and soph year with almost all B’s and C’s, but last year I got almost all A’s, made honor roll, etc. There is a clear upward trend, and my essay is about what made my attitude towards grades change)
ACT: 27 (34,32,23,21)
EC’s: Nothing freshman year, art club sophomore year, junior I did Filipino Club and Art Club, and this year I was head of the props department for my school play, vice president of gaming club, joined art club, campus ministry, and all four years I did theater outside of school. Junior and senior year I volunteered occasionally at an animal shelter, and last month I got a seasonal job as an actor in a haunted house and I currently work as a janitor at a gym.
Awards: Won the Word Wright Competition Junior year, a schoolwide reading comprehension contest
I just want to know if I have a decent or possible chance of admission. I haven’t visited yet but I’m going to soon, and I figured if I have no chance I shouldn’t waste money going up to visit. Thank you.
Do you go to a catholic high school? I think having a mentor could help you a lot in explaining your grades and potential. Also, you could take the ACT again.
I go to an extremely small Catholic high school in Chicago. I just got in to St. Norbert, Loyola, and DePaul for reference. I already sent in my app and scores and everything.
If you have a teacher or a priest who knows you well,talk to him. He may have (Jesuit) connections. A word from the right person can get your application noticed.
Your academic stats are below Fordham average for both GPA and ACT. https://www.fordham.edu/info/24633/admission_facts Sure, put in an application and give it your best effort, but understand that it is a reach. (In another post you said your GPA was 2.95 which further lowers you chance at admission.) And applying as a history major will have no bearing on your chance for acceptance.
Have you looked at any other schools in the area? Pace, Iona, Concordia etc.? Also if your plan is to transfer to Fordham make sure you’re very aware of fordhams core requirements. I think your chances are decent but not that great. I agree with the above about having a connection and showing interest. Many people use fordham as a safety.
Hi leafconeybearismart ~ first, Congratulations for bringing up your grades as you progressed through a challenging private high school! I do know that’s not easy and says a lot about your hard work and potential as a future college/university student. My sincere advice to you, as a parent of four college/grad school kids, is to stay in touch with your college reps at the schools you are highly interested in attending (i.e., Fordham) and let them know your strong interest! Keep your grades up, which I’m sure you’re doing this year, and put time into your essay – maybe sharing experiences that have helped you grow and get to where you are now & how that could help you as a future college student. These are just suggestions & you can take what works for you and discard the rest of my advice. Just don’t give up on your goals and keep flexible in your plans! Sometimes, it’s not even about grade point averages or test scores, but ends up being about applicant pool that particular year or financial aid (need aware vs. need blind) and so many other factors. Just keep your confidence high & try not to stress too much! It’s hard for everyone – no matter how many extra-curriculars or how many times a person retook the standardized test to get higher scores. Good good luck!
Leafconeybearissmart, I can’t offer any advice on your question, but just wanted to say that i got a kick out of your user name. ( one of my daughters favorite shows to be in)
