@Fiona1997 , if Fordham doesn’t work out for you, would you consider a much, much smaller Catholic liberal arts college? Based on your comments and description if yourself in this post, I think you might like the Thomas More College of Liberal Arts in New Hampshire. You should check it out.
@Fiona1997 what are you planning to major in? Have you considered University of Scranton, Villanova, LeMoyne? I saw you were deferred, so you never know.
@MomTheChauffer I’ve never thought about these schools… although these schools are fine, they sent me fee waivers and mails…
my parents back home in China would really want me to go to a well-known school… they never heard of these small schools… all of the schools I’m applying to are in the “Top 50 national university/college” (except Fordham #66)
@Fiona1997 I know what you mean; unfortunately it seems to be a recurring theme with Chinese parents (mine care way too much about rankings too).
Do they realize that rankings (especially US News and World Report) are far from the definitive say on whether a college is good or not? Many of their rankings rely on number of applications vs number of acceptances. Colleges can intentionally strive to get more apps and less acceptances to make them look “more selective”.
I also understand your concerns about the social scene. I agree with Blueskies, if you want a more serious environment a smaller school may be good for you. ]
Have you considered College of the Holy Cross? It’s a Jesuit school in Worcester MA, is very well respected, and is much smaller. You’re talking about 3K students vs. 9K at Fordham.
Also, if your parents are interested, their USNWR Ranking is #32 National Liberal Arts Colleges (which I remember reading that you are interested in Political Science, so a LAC is also good for that).
@vineyardvines thank you! I am also applying to Holy Cross.
Villanova is a very VERY good school. My daughter’s best friend goes there as a PoliSci major. Very big with sports. believe me if your parents follow basketball they would know all about the playoffs last year - how 'Nova came THISCLOSE to winning, and a member of their pep band who was crying at the end of the game (her face was all over TV as she played the flute with tears streaming down her face, which reflected just about everyone on campus that day when they lost) and made it to play with The Roots on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Out of the schools I suggested, 'Nova is probably the best known of the bunch. And as @vinyardvines suggested, look into Holy Cross. That’s another great school, which might fit you even better. But I know 'Nova has their share of partiers and a Greek life, so that’s something to consider also. Her friend doesn’t like to party (the room mates did) but the sorority she joined was exactly what she was looking for and had girls that shared her same ideals. So it worked out.
Another good school for PoliSci might even be American University, it’s right in DC! Can’t get more political than that!
But you might stand a better shot in the RD pool for Fordham. My daughter got in with a 1760 (or 1740, I forget, it’s been a while) SAT and I think a 27 ACT. Small scholarship, but nice need based grant.
Good luck.
Our daughter has been accepted to Fordham Rose Hill for Fall 2016. We appreciate everyone’s thoughtful input on this thread, and others, discussing the academics, campus, and social life at Fordham RH. Fordham hits a lot of the marks for what she is looking for in a college. We are not New Yorkers, not even East Coast, and have not been to campus yet. We are looking ahead to attending one of the Admitted Student Days in the spring. Our hesitation is that elusive thing we all call “fit”. We are concerned the campus is not lively enough for her with lots of activities and school spirit. It wasn’t immediately clear to her that although Fordham has +8600 undergrads, that number is divided up between campuses. Now she is thinking Fordham RH will feel too small. She has also been offered admission to Notre Dame and Tulane. Obviously 3 very different schools in 3 very different locations. We are less interested in rankings and prestige wars, and most interested in “fit” and seeing her thrive at whichever school she chooses. We have lined up overnights at both ND and Tulane. We read on Fordham’s website that they do not offer overnights to admitted students. We’re not sure if we’ll get a real feel for the campus vibe on a big Admitted Student day. Any additional comments on campus and social life welcome.
@Midwest67 she got into Notre Dame??? That’s awesome! It’s my top choice! Do you mind to tell me her stats? And what are some tips for getting into ND?
Midwest67, no matter what anyone says, the decision will be a leap of faith, based largely on your child’s goals, her impression on visiting, and limited information. My students are sophomores and love their Fordham experiences. They are extremely involved, and have been since almost day one. They never want for things to do or for friends. They tell me this is true of almost everyone they know. The original poster here was bringing up concerns related to her child, and that has shaped the conversation. In addition, there are not many active, current students posting on CC – they are too busy. CC just can’t really provide what you are looking for.
I don’t know how useful and overnight really is – it, too, is so very limited, and lends a disproportionate weight that may or may not reflect a “real” experience – but, if you continue to feel that is an important experience, you might ask Admissions whether a Rose Hill Society member would be available to host an overnight guest I would suggest that you go early, and have your tour on a day other than Admitted Students Day – your group will be smaller, and you may have more of a chance to visit spaces/ask questions your daughter has a particular interest in. Do have your daughter stay for the student-only small group talk (assuming they still have them) later in the day.
We, too, are not from the East Coast. If you stay in Manhattan, take the train from Grand Central, at you will be just at Fordham’s lower gates.
@KvotheFan Thank you.
@Midwest67 If you have any specific questions, let me know. I have been out twice to visit and observed as well.
@MMCheer, how is your D doing since you posted earlier this fall semester?
@midwest67 she is doing better and has adjusted but there is a lack of campus activity from her perspective, she ended up getting a job in Manhattan to have more to do. Most of her friends go to the bar scene on Arthur- Mugz and etc… its a party scene and many love that and thats fine with her. She goes sometimes but it not a huge partier. I was in town twice- parents weekend was bustling - the other was not and seemed empty . she has friends; roomates for next year, and people etc… but the campus activity in our opinion tends to be low. We are from California and she was extremely involved in school and community. There is no Greek activity which Im sure you know. I dont think UND has that either. Is she a sports theatre etc… gal?
We went to visit day and the early admission reception and the summer bbq. I would make sure in small groups she asks all the questions imprtant to her and even see if admissions will give a contact number for a student. Also make sure to walk around outside campus. Its not a college town. We stayed in city and took Grand Central Railroad to the east gate Fordham. Good Luck - Congrats on ND
@MMCheer It’s good to read that your D is adjusting. We’ve heard many, many good things about Fordham RH. One We are not convinced it’s a fit for our D due to smaller size & quieter campus. Plus, even with the Semi-Finalist Scholarship, the four year COA is a shock.
We are anticipating UND’s COA to come in too high… When I ran the NPC the first time, I had neglected to take my oldest out of college for this D’s sophomore, junior, and senior years, and forgot to add in a 3-5% cost increase each year… On my spreadsheet, freshman year looks manageable, but the next three years do not. We are also anticipating 2016 to be a bit better financially, and that will likely raise our EFC in the future…
UND has a vibrant campus, and a unique fun single sex dorm system. But it’s in South Bend, not NYC. Of course there has to be a lot to do on campus, right?
We are waiting to hear on a competitive full-tuition scholarship from Tulane. On the outside chance she is fortunate enough to receive one, that could put Tulane in play.
University of Kentucky is making her an offer that I don’t think we can refuse. No loans, no debt. Honors College. Academic diversity. Good pre-health options. No plane tickets.
Thank you for your posts.
@midwest67 If your daughter is planning on doing the pre-health program, I would seriously re-consider Fordham. If you are looking at a great program in a school with good school spirit and more importantly, no debt, go for Kentucky. Tulane is excellent also plus they have their own medical school.
Good luck.