Anybody willing to chance me? (this is my first post ever)

<p>Hi, I am an international student from Macau SAR, China. I came to the States in August 2009 to continue my education as a high school senior. I am very interested in going to college at NYC and Fordham is one of my top choices. However, after reading some of the post here in the Fordham board, I am quite worried and I am not sure if I will be able to get in , or better yet, obtain a scholarship or financial assistance from the school. (Since my family is not that well off in the first place....)My SAT scores are not that high but I have a really nice TOEFL score...As for my essay, I think its pretty good for an international student but who am I to talk? :P </p>

<p>So if any of you are willing to tell me my chances (of getting in and a scholarship), i would deeply appreciate it! :)</p>

<p>My "stats":</p>

<p>My October SAT results:
1190 (CR+M) 1750 COMBINED
CR 560
MATH 630
WRITING 560</p>

<p>My November SAT Results:
1230 (CR+M) 1850 COMBINED
CR 600
MATH 630
WRITING 620</p>

<p>My TOFEL iBT score: 115/120</p>

<p>My unweighted GPA is somewhere between a 3.7 to 3.8
My weighted GPA is 4.36 </p>

<p>By the way, I am applying RD and through the CommonApp
Thanks!</p>

<p>You are in the middle of the pack for SAT and a bit higher for gpa. Your toefl will help. Why didnt you apply EA? You have a reasonably good chance on being admitted based on your scores, though I have no idea how being from Macau figures into that equation and no idea what they can do for you with financial aid. I doubt you will be offered a merit scholarship.</p>

<p>well the deadline for Early Action was November 1…I would not be able to get everything ready be then…I have one more question: Is it true that the addmissions officers have lower test scores standards for international students? Because according to the guidance counsellors in my school, my SAT scores are relatively high compared to the other internationals (in my school at least) I am studying in a high school in South Carolina, and I am pretty sure I am the only one applying there. Would this increase my chances of getting admitted since they might want more diversity in the University. Thanks!</p>

<p>People here on CC, except officials of the university, have no specific information to answer your questions, nor the questions of any other “chance me” applicant. All we can do is provide you with anecdotal information, opinions and best wishes. </p>

<p>I have never heard of any difference in admissions standards for any group, except perhaps athletes. Your SAT is not high, its not low, its right in the middle for what Fordham admits. Fordham SAT scores have been on the rise for several years as the number of applications have increased from the high teens to now over 24,000 applications per year. </p>

<p>Being the only applicant from your high school in South Carolina may well be an eye catcher. Fordham strives for diversity, including relative geographic diversity. What those numbers are is anyone’s guess. Do they fluctuate? Do they seek more kids from the Southeast? I have no idea. Currently they have about 3% of students from the South and Southeast. The vast majority of students come from Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. Massachusetts, Texas, Illinois and California have strong contingents at Fordham. In short, I think your location helps you. But how much it helps, I have no idea. At least its better than being one of 25 kids from your same school applying to Fordham. </p>

<p>Your guidance counselors may have outdated information on Fordham. Your best SAT score was 1230, with your previous score of 1190. I believe that Fordham superscores and will ignore your lower scores. (But I am not certain of that fact.) In any event you are above 1200 which is good. Its smack in the middle of the middle 50th percentile. You are likely very well qualified to succeed at Fordham if you are admitted. </p>

<p>Fordham has 12% students from the Asian/Pacific Islands ethnic group. They typically have between 3-4% international students. I am not aware that Macau has a strong contingent at Fordham and so that fact may also help you. If its up to me, I would definitely give you a shot at admission. I don’t think you qualify, however, for a merit scholarship unless there is some special fund for kids from Macau, which I highly doubt. </p>

<p>Fordham is very expensive. Then again, so are NYU and Columbia and most other private colleges. I don’t know whether you qualify as an International Student for financial aid under CSS and FAFSA but submitting those forms (online) can’t hurt. </p>

<p>Good luck</p>