<p>Fordham changed their core a bit a few years ago. But generally, they use AP courses to help place you. Testing out is usually a function of language courses. </p>
<p>You DONT want to test out, even if possible, of the Fordham core in History, English, Philosophy, Theology, and even some math and science. Why? Because you are cheating yourself. AP courses, despite being sold as college credit (which is usually granted credit at state schools, but not generally the highly competitive liberal arts colleges and not at all in the Ivy League), is really just a prep course. No high school matches the content or depth or experience of a college course. Fordham’s core is not to be avoided, but to be embraced. Its what helps make Fordham a superb liberal arts college, and what makes Fordham graduates prized when entering the work force: depth, clarity, vision, breadth, compassion etc. </p>
<p>My kid was able to graduate one semester early. That wasnt planned initially. But graduate school is VERY expensive. She was done with major/minor and only further electives…while fun…were remaining that last semestey. She wanted to stay with friends and enjoy senior spring semester. But she needed to work (had a job) and needed to save money and not pay another semester of tuition in order to afford graduate school living expenses (had a scholarship for tuition.) She did make all the events for Senior Week and Pre Graduation. She was granted credit for some electives with her AP courses…but not the core, as I recall. That was then (2007-11). </p>
<p>But overall, since you are going to be at Fordham for four years, and paying tuition, you may as well enjoy the ride. Select some challenging electives and some challenging core choices (there are many). Learn something. Grow.<br>
My kid placed out of language, but elected to take upper division and graduate level language courses…which were wicked hard but very very helpful and incredulous in depth (e.g. Medieval French, as in language of that era…omg hard…but so amazing.)</p>
<p>My daughter wasnt bored in any course at Fordham…not one. Most in fact stretched her to the max and she embraced it and dove in head first. (You can always aim for a gentleman’s C and skirt along superficially in many courses…but thats an expensive way to attend college…and you learn almost nothing and certainly never gain the support of faculty. That is presuming you dont flunk the course either.)</p>
<p>Every year people come in loaded with AP courses or IB courses and expect trumpets to blare and red carpets rolled out and core requirements waived and well…everyone at Fordham has that coming in…and you are among thousands with AP courses…which are valuable as PREP courses primarily. Trust me. This was true in Chemistry and Math and English and History for my kid who came in with all 5’s and 9 AP courses. You will be well prepared for college,but it wont replace college courses. Plus, many faculty are ‘famous’…that is very popular at Fordham…and many teach those amazing core classes. My daughter had an adjunct who was earning his PhD at Fordham under the late Cardinal Dulles, S.J. He (professor) was the Lutheran Minister at Princeton. He was simply amazing…she wouldnt trade that for anything. Among many other professors. </p>
<p>Embrace the Core. Its your friend. Its a transitional experience. A buffer before your major. Relax…you will get your major completed ontime…in due time. ;-)</p>