<p>In my experience, those students who appealed their merit based awards received additional money. Not sure how it is for transfers.</p>
<p>Also, from what I’ve heard, while Fordham is cutting some things, financial aid is not among them. Again, not sure how this applies to transfers, especially when our incoming freshman class is so large</p>
<p>@nyc2013: Hmm. The only reason I’m transferring out of my furrent school is because of the major spending cuts… This is just great. Anyways, I saw you in the Barnard thread! Ahah </p>
<p>@yenrod: That’s good to know that they’re willing to work with students and that financial aid isn’t being cut. Thank you.</p>
<p>Yeah, I’m an Art History/ History double major so I’ve been looking at other schools with larger art history programs. Fordham only offers about 4 classes a term so it’s a really hard major to schedule.</p>
<p>If I drove to Fordham RH from Queens is there a bridge fee I have to pay?</p>
<p>Hi. Thanks for answering everyone’s questions, you’re very informative. =)</p>
<p>I have a few questions…What stats/EC’s are necessary in order to have a good shot at merit aid? How difficult is admission to the honor’s college?</p>
<p>Also, how would you describe social life at Fordham? Is it vibrant, overwhelming if you’re coming from a smaller high school/shy, suffocating, welcoming, etc?</p>
<p>Thanks again. :)</p>
<p>How much merit aid are you looking for?</p>
<p>Dean’s scholarships seem to be given to students who have SATs anywhere above 1400 and GPAs at or above 3.7. However, if you have solid ecs and essays, I’m sure you would be awarded something if you were below these thresholds. </p>
<p>Full tuition scholarships are given to national merit semi-finalists and finalists.</p>
<p>Presidential scholarships (room and tuition) are given to those students with near perfect SATs and GPAs as well as outstanding ecs.</p>
<p>Admission to the honors program is difficult (I’m only familiar with Rose Hill). Becuase there are so few spots (bout 35 per class) not even all of the presidential scholarship recipients are admitted. You need to have excellent stats as well as strong ecs and engaging essays. Because the honors classes are all seminar style with no more than 12-14 students they want applicants who demonstrate their ability to write, discuss, and think critically and eloquently. </p>
<p>Social life at Fordham is very special, in my opinion. First off, the student body is very diverse; there is a good “bro”/jock/prep population as well as a strong hippie/artsy/hipster population. In addition, there’s a good number of students I honestly would have no idea how to classify. So, no matter what your personality is like, I believe you could fit in.</p>
<p>Second, if you like to party/drink/do drugs you will of course be able to do that at Fordham, just like you would at any college. What’s unique about our party scene is that the off-campus bars, liquor stores, and even many restaurants do not card and will usually serve underage. We don’t have any greek life, so the bars are central to Fordham partying.</p>
<p>However, if you do not drink, or even if you only drink once in a while, there is SO MUCH more to do at Fordham and SO MANY people to do these things with. As we are in New York, there are endless restaurants, museums, concerts, cultural events, and other unique opportunities that will keep you occupied without alcohol. I think that this atmosphere attracts a certain type of student to fordham who wants more out of college social life than an artificial buzz or high. For example, some highlights from this past year include seeing five broadway shows (at an average cost of about 15 bucks each), attending a Bo Burnam concert, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge at night, and bumping into Lady Gaga at the MoMa.</p>
<p>Finally, there are tons of on-campus events all the time as well.</p>
<p>Yenrod covered the social aspect very well so I don’t think I need to add much. Coming from a very small school and very small town, I had no problem with feeling overwhelmed. I found the city exciting and a great change of pace, but also knew I always had my small group of friends on campus to come home to. I think it’s a bit easier to socialize and make friends at RH since the immense commuter population of LC makes it hard to connect with people (as a resident).</p>
<p>Yenrod- did you/ someone you know actually bump into Lady GaGa? O_O I know a bunch of people who stumbled on Gossip Girl sets but that’s a new one. </p>
<p>I’ve found that scholarships are based much more on SAT’s than GPA’s. My GPA probably did not hit the 3.7 mark (I went to a really good private school that doesn’t give actual GPA’s so I can only estimate from my letter grades), but my SAT’s were well above Fordham’s average and I received a really great scholarship.</p>
<p>I did! It was at the Marina Abromovic exhibit. I saw this strangely dressed woman and was irritated because I thought she was “such a poser.” Later, she started walking towards me and came inches from my face, but I was too busy being irritated by the huge crowd around her that was blocking the escalator to fully understand what was going on. Someone even asked her to get a picture with her but she responded “I can’t because I’m in a museum.” A few seconds later, I realized who it must be and ran back to the crowd, snapped a picture, and later visited an online celebrity blog to confirm that it was actually Lady Gaga. </p>
<p>See, everyone, if you come to Fordham, you will meet Lady Gaga haha</p>
<p>Underage drinking and drug use is a very serious issue at Fordham and all colleges. At Fordham, if you are caught drinking underage you can be written up. If you are caught with drugs it can have more serious consequences. Young people like to think they are free and independent and sort of above/outside the law. That is incorrect. Does underage drinking occur at Fordham? Yes. Is it condoned by the Administration, ResLife or the RA’s ? No. Ditto for any drug usage. </p>
<p>I don’t give a rats behind if people here (students at Fordham) think I am a big ogre. I am here to tell you there are rules and breaking rules have consequences, not to mention could put you in personal danger, health risks and potentially adverse academic standing. I know people who have been asked to leave…one was tossed over Thanksgiving break. </p>
<p>Fordham is an academic school. Its also a lot of fun. If you employ “the rule of reason”, which means all things in moderation and avoiding risky behavior, you can have a very good time at Fordham, do very well in your classes/grades, and grow and learn a lot. You can make friends of a lifetime, including some faculty members. </p>
<p>I do think people here need to be very careful about discussing party behaviors and suggesting a lax atmosphere about it. Kids will be kids. </p>
<p>There are plenty of healthy avenues to express yourself, find yourself and burn off stress and anxiety (from school and dorm drama/annoying people.) </p>
<p>There is great diversity at Fordham which is one of its great selling points. And I don’t just mean racial diversity, which admissions is always looking to improve. So you can always find people like you, who think like you, have work ethic like you, and values like you. </p>
<p>I am well aware of what occurs at Fordham in the dorms and on Arther Ave and on Fordham Road. Fordham EMS, sadly, is often very busy for the wrong reasons. Drug usage, by the way, can seriously inhibit your employment if you are caught, and in many cases can result in your federal financial aid being canceled and any loans being called due and payable immediately. Don’t do drugs.</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p>Ghostbuster, I’m not disagreeing that, to be concise, drinking/ drugs are not a wise choice of behavior. However, I think is important to respect the opinions of others and the right of every person to decide what they believe is a good choice and a bad choice. I appreciate as a parent that you care deeply about the behavior of your children and those around them, but I do not think anyone on this board needs to be lectured as to why they shouldn’t do drugs because trust me, we have all heard it throughout high school. If some people decide to participate in those activities regardless it is their own responsibility to deal with the fallout.</p>
<p>However, I do want to point out that Fordham, while officially does not support drinking/ drugs, has certain policies that tend to allow it. For instance, when a friend of a roommate smoked weed in our bathroom, and my roommates and i tried to report it (so we would not be blamed for the smell), the school’s official response was that they would not do anything because there was no physical proof. No school is perfect, and I’m not encouraging this type of behavior, but I do think it’s important to point out that college is different in high school in that they allow students to make their own choices and yes, their own mistakes. </p>
<p>Yenrod- hahahahaha that is amazing! XD I can’t believe I’ve been in NYC a year and the best celeb spotting I’ve had is the “I’m on a horse” guy from the Old Spice commercials. =[</p>
<p>NYC2013:</p>
<p>The “lecture” came because it was my opinion people on this forum were tossing around a lax view of partying without giving the warnings of personal and legal consequences. This is a public forum. You don’t know who is reading this, including administrators and/or police. Further, you most certainly don’t want to give an impression that Fordham is tolerant of illegal behavior, because it is not and such an impression could be dangerous, and some students that Fordham is interested in recruiting may be turned off by it. As well as their parents.</p>
<p>The response of the administration on your anecdotal report was appropriate. Fordham, I am sure, doesnt want to do room by room searches like the gestapo because somebody thinks they smell pot. They have to respect the reasonable expectations of privacy of students in their dorms. But if an RA catches someone using drugs of any sort, they are required to write them up and report it. Ditto for underage drinking. </p>
<p>I am sure you know people who test the limits of the rules. Kids are kids. But there are also bright red lines, and illegal drug usage has serious consequences. </p>
<p>I am also aware students want to present themselves and Fordham as “cool” and they think that will attract students like them. Birds of a feather. </p>
<p>I don’t apologize for my opinions, nor my politics, nor my parental instincts. I was also “20” once and I don’t have a holier than thou or hypocritical viewpoint.</p>
<p>Binge drinking on campuses has caused deaths around the country. Alcohol is also a known depressive agent and can lead to mental problems that spiral out of control. (I also know alcoholism is a disease related to brain chemisty and enzymes and some people can NEVER drink because of it…having nothing to do with the quantity or frequency of drinking…its a disease.) </p>
<p>I want kids to come to Fordham and have the time of their lives, a fulfilling academic experience and to spread the gospel of Jesuit ethos and ethics. I want a diverse community of catholics and non catholics, black, white, asian, hispanic, geographical diversity, economic diversity…all of that. </p>
<p>I want it to be a fun place, a healthy and safe place, and above all a respected institution of higher learning. </p>
<p>Its not a personal attack on you or others here on this forum. I am just being clear about the consequences (and yes, Fordham has dismissed kids for bad behavior). </p>
<p>Having one beer (even if under 21) or a glass of wine is not my concern. But binge drinking or gross intoxication or ANY illegal drug abuse is my concern and the concern of every parent and the University. Does it happen everywhere? Yes it does, sadly.</p>
<p>Alcohol is allowed in the dorms for upperclassmen who are of age. I have no problem with that. Alcohol is served at Fordham social events. I ask students to respect the rules and the law and to be moderate in their usage, for their own safety and health and that of their fellow students. </p>
<p>Ask any EMS worker at Fordham (many of whom are Fordham students) and they will tell you the sad tales of students who overdosed or passed out from drinking.</p>
<p>In the meantime, have fun, be respectful and focus on your studies. Its a very expensive school! </p>
<p>Have a good day.</p>
<p>Ghostbuster, I am only asking that you be respectful of others opinions and understanding of those who do not share the same view as you. I am always aware others may read this which is why I refrained from detail in that example as well as from giving more blatantly tolerant ones. However, in a private message if you would like to further discuss this issue and how Fordham could handle it better I’d be more than happy to do so. In the mean time let’s leave this space for questioning high school students looking for information about Fordham, and leave personal opinions on morality and behavior aside.</p>
<p>I am respectful of the law. End of story. Drug abuse is illegal. Illicit drug possession is illegal. Its not a “choice”. Its the law. It has serious consequences. </p>
<p>I think kids should be told in no uncertain terms what happens to them if they are caught using, abusing, possessing illicit drugs, including expulsion, loss of federal financial aid, and maybe prosecution in extreme cases. </p>
<p>Binge drinking isnt a “choice” in the sense we have to “respect people’s choices.” There is nothing to respect about drunkeness and binge drinking. It is to be pitied and a helping hand in recovery from alcoholism, perhaps. But not respected as a legit choice.</p>
<p>I can respect the person (I do) but detest the conduct (I do.) That is my point.</p>
<p>Freedom comes with responsibility. Too many kids in colleges around the country presume that Freedom means no responsibility. Wrong. </p>
<p>If one abuses Freedom, then it can be taken away. Its the law.</p>
<p>Now that is the hard and fast rule and the bottom line with me. I am tolerant of a glass of wine or beer…all things in moderation…and with respect. I love a good time like anyone. I was 20 once. </p>
<p>It is my hope that kids respect the law and reasonably respect the rules and regulations at Fordham. Nobody likes to see EMS carting off an overdose or passed out kid to St. Barnabas Hospital. But it happens. And its very sad. </p>
<p>Good kids, decent kids make mistakes. I acknowledge that. Live and learn, and hopefully never repeat. </p>
<p>Again, I want Fordham to be as much fun, as it is seriously academic. But “fun” has its limits.</p>
<p>I respect you as a person. I acknowledge your opinions and feelings. I am just here to remind those who may be tempted, that there can be serious consequences to bad behavior, not to mention risks to them personally (date rapes or robberies) as well as health risks. </p>
<p>Sorry to be a hardliner on this. But its for everyone’s own good and the overall well being at Fordham and “respect” of others in your dorms. </p>
<p>If you ever went to the restroom in freshman dorms in the middle of the night and witnessed a puke fest all over the walls and floors etc…you might change your position. </p>
<p>Have a good day. Wellness is a good thing! :-></p>
<p>I’d like to ask if there are some nice hotels(clean,safe, not too expensive) near RH. I’m a freshman and I wonder where I could live if I come to RH a few days before August, 29 (the day when it’s allowed to move in).</p>
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<p>It’s hard to answer that, since my family’s financial situation may change radically in the next few years…but I’d say at least 1/2 tuition, maybe full tuition.</p>
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<p>Great info to have…but I couldn’t find any mention of NMSF/NMF scholarships on their website. Hopefully, the program is still in place.</p>
<p>For the Presidential scholarship, you mention that most have outstanding EC’s. How are you defining outstanding EC’s? Would that be ranking nationally in a sport, starting your own business, winning national/international competitions, etc?</p>
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<p>Admission sounds very competitive, which is a bummer, because the more I read about the honors program, the cooler it sounds haha.</p>
<p>How much difference is there in individual attention, challenging course work, etc, between the honors program and regular courses? And is the honors program as interesting and full of opportunities as it sounds?</p>
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<p>This is something that really attracts me to Fordham, since I don’t drink and I LOVE the idea of exploring NYC in my free time. Thank you so much for your replies to my questions. I feel much more informed now, and Fordham is definitely going on my college list. =)</p>
<p>@Misssilverwing:</p>
<p>I’m almost positive the national merit program at Fordham is still in place.</p>
<p>Your description of outstanding ECs is accurate. Lots of leadership, lots of unique activities.</p>
<p>If you are really interested in the honors program, make sure to contact Dr. Harry Nasuti, the director of the program at Rose Hill to let him know. You can find his email on the fordham website. Contact him right after you’ve been accepted to fordham when he will be reviewing the applications for admission into honors.</p>
<p>And the honors program is pretty incredible. But personal attention at fordham in general is great, especially for those students who demonstrate that they are particularly academically gifted. </p>
<p>@zhousu:</p>
<p>There’s not really any hotels near fordham (that aren’t scary). But, there’s hotels in Yonkers, West Chester, and Manhattan that are only a train/subway ride away from Fordham.</p>
<p>zhousu365:</p>
<p>It looks to me like you might be an international student? Forgive me if that is incorrect. Irregardless, I think Reslife can accomodate special circumstances and let some kids move in a few days early if the circumstances are unavoidable and necessary. Just let them know. I would imagine this is fairly common for international students and they may have special move in rules for them, I don’t know for sure however. So call or email ResLife at Fordham and ask.</p>
<p>Further, if you do the urban plunge that starts before move in day and that is a great opportunity to move in early and contribute to the community and learn your environs in the Bronx! </p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>ghostbuster, don’t make assumptions. We came from about 1200 miles away, and last year when we were trying to figure this out, we corresponded with other parents coming from California and other places where they flew in. We also spoke with parents who were driving in from the mid-west and everyone I talked to had come in a day or so early (we came in several days early to shop for all the school and dorm supplies we didn’t want to ship) and everyone was in the same boat. Everyone I know booked a hotel room somewhere. This wasn’t just the LC people, either, but also the RH people. </p>
<p>zhousu365: I can’t answer as to places to stay near RH, but I would suggest staying somewhere not too far and consider either renting a car if you’ve flown in, or even hiring a car service, which we did, which was very reasonable, to get all your stuff over to the campus on move-in day.</p>
<p>jptmom: Why on earth are you then responding about Rose Hill when you dont know anything about it?</p>
<p>zhousu365:
From what my S tells me, there aren’t great hotels in the Bronx. Many people stay in Westchester (you may be able to do without renting a car if you get a hotel in White Plains which can provide transportation to the train (Metro North) - that line goes to the Fordham stop on the local trains. Those who choose to splurge can stay in Manhattan. </p>
<p>One option to consider if you need to be on campus early is to take part in Fordham’s Urban Plunge program. This typically takes place a week before school begins. It’s a community service program. It is a way to get to campus early (you can stay in the dorms if you are in this program), do good work in the area and meet fellow freshmen even before orientation starts! I’m not sure if this would work for you, but it may be worth considering.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>