<p>I thought that Fordham was my dream school until I went to an information session last week. The main focus seemed to be on the business program, which I understand is highly ranked, but it literally bored me to death. Most of what was spoken about was all the great internships for business students (including Nike- I'd think a Catholic school would oppose an institution with such human rights violations), and how much money their business school graduates make after the first year. Literally not a word about campus ministry, and hardly anything about community service. So dissappointed. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>Sorry you had a disappointing visit. To tell you the truth, the information session I went to with my S a few years ago wasn’t that impressive. But, what did excite us was the campus tour led by two wonderful students. During the tour my S and I asked the guides lots and lots of questions about topics we cared about and they were more than up to the task. I would not give up on Fordham but instead try to seek out people who can give you the information and answers you need to help you decide if it is the right school for you. For example, if you are interested in campus ministry, I would suggest calling them to get information and if you live close enought, maybe even arrange to make a visit to talk about their programs. Sometimes you have to dig a little to find gold! Good luck.
<a href=“http://www.fordham.edu/mission/mission_and_ministry/campus_ministry/campus_ministry_at_f/resources/staff_33717.asp[/url]”>http://www.fordham.edu/mission/mission_and_ministry/campus_ministry/campus_ministry_at_f/resources/staff_33717.asp</a></p>
<p>First, it’s important to note that the concept of “dream school” is in reality just that…a dream. It is very unlikely that you will find one school that meets all of your needs/criteria perfectly. Does that mean that Fordham is not a good fit for you? No, it just means that you have to prioritize your desires. </p>
<p>It seems obvious that if you have no interest in business you would not be enamored with a presentation that seemed geared toward business students. Clearly you wanted to hear about Campus ministry and community service. Did you ask for information about either? Have you looked at their website?</p>
<p>[Office</a> of University Mission and Ministry](<a href=“http://www.fordham.edu/mission/mission_and_ministry/index.asp?ql=vp_mission_ministries]Office”>http://www.fordham.edu/mission/mission_and_ministry/index.asp?ql=vp_mission_ministries)</p>
<p>[Campus</a> Ministry](<a href=“http://www.fordham.edu/mission/mission_and_ministry/campus_ministry/index.asp?ql=campus_ministry]Campus”>http://www.fordham.edu/mission/mission_and_ministry/campus_ministry/index.asp?ql=campus_ministry)</p>
<p>[Dorothy</a> Day Center For Service & Justice](<a href=“http://www.fordham.edu/mission/mission_and_ministry/dorothy_day_center_f/index.asp]Dorothy”>http://www.fordham.edu/mission/mission_and_ministry/dorothy_day_center_f/index.asp)</p>
<p>Hopefully you will get some information from some people on CC who have been involved in these programs. I can tell you that my S (a freshman at LC) just participated in Urban Plunge which is a community service program that begins before freshman orientation and he loved it. He said it was a great opportunity to learn more about the community, to serve others and to meet like minded students. He is also involved in Campus Ministry and sings at Mass on Sunday nights. He has not been able to attend any retreats as of yet but he did say they are available, look interesting and he does plan to go. </p>
<p>I don’t know if you spoke with any students when you visited campus but you should have and you should have asked specific questions to get information about your areas of interest. If you didn’t, then you really can’t blame admissions for an information session that bored you. Perhaps others, such as the business students for example, may have found their presentation exciting and helpful.</p>
<p>There must have been some good reason why Fordham was your dream school to begin with. I don’t know if you are able to visit again but I recommend that you do visit as often as you can if you are still considering attending Fordham. I also recommend that you visit both campuses if your intended major is available at both because you may find that you are better suited to one over the other. That said, I do think that if you feel that you did all the right things at your visit to Fordham and you just didn’t feel the vibe, then you should probably trust your gut and move on. How you feel at a school when you are there is one of the main reasons a visit is so important. Good luck! :)</p>
<p>^^^ agreed. Fordham College at Rose Hill is so much MORE than the Gabelli School of Business. In fact FCRH is more than double the size of the business school. Fordham has many programs in the liberal arts which are not only inspiring but are nationally recognized. Fordham’s faculty is top notch with a high percentage of faculty having attained their PhD’s at Ivy Colleges and other elite schools. </p>
<p>Fordham Lincoln Center doesnt have a business college and its students are all liberal arts. Of the 14 Fulbrights Fordham had two years ago, 11 were from FCLC. </p>
<p>Social Justice is a major theme of the Jesuits and if you are inclined into Social Justice issues, you will have a veritable candy store of opportunities in class selection, professor/mentor shopping, internship opportunities and volunteer projects to become involved doing. Its up to you…but you won’t be bored, I can assure you. </p>
<p>However, I also agree with sandkmom: if Fordham is not your thing, then move along. No hard feelings. Just be careful that before you make a judgment you are talking to the right people and finding out the facts. What makes Fordham special is that its NOT a one trick pony. There are environmental science programs coming on line (with MONEY!), there are amazing programs in Theology, Philosophy, American Studies, American Catholic Studies, English, Religious Studies, and some programs work as joint efforts so you could for example couple a program in Religious Studies with Latin American Studies. </p>
<p>Fordham wants bright and energetic and involved students. As Fr. McShane says, “We want kids to be bothered by injustice and strive to improve conditions.” Is that you, Meg?</p>
<p>Thanks for the input, it’s reassuring. I only just went to an information session in Miami, I’ve been to the Lincoln Center campus but just walked around (during the summer). It all comes down to whether or not I will get a big enough scholarship to go, then I’ll visit the school. Anybody know anything about that? I have a 2190 SAT (750 CR, 710 M, 730 W) and 4.0 GPA.</p>
<p>^^^OK, Meg, glad we could give you a little info and hopefully you won’t write off Fordham based on an OOS info session! I recommend that you keep Fordham on the list and apply. You should get some money based on your stats but as to whether the scholarship will be big enough? Well, you’ll have to wait and see on that. Just make sure you also apply to a school you can definitely afford and would be happy to attend.</p>
<p>Oh goodness…disappointed about an out of state information session? That is one person and I am sure he was pumping the new Gabelli donation and renamed school. Never judge a school by one person. Student, parent, administrator or admissions official. </p>
<p>Next, Lincoln Center is a small school in Manhattan on 8 acres. Rose Hill is a gothic campus on 90 acres in the Bronx. They are very different locale and some would say the students are bit different as well. But that is up to you to decide. </p>
<p>Spend some time online on Fordham’s website and dig deeper into programs and centers and institutes and the departments that you are interested in. </p>
<p>Lincoln Center is a wonderful school, but its a very different experience than Rose Hill in the Bronx. </p>
<p>Your SAT scores seem to indicate to me that you are going to be in the running for a substantial amount of money from Fordham, as they typically look for SAT’s above 1400. Did you apply EA? Did you submit your CSS online? If not, then do so immediately, since that is what they need to give you an estimate of financial assistance.</p>
<p>I applied last night, EA. Do I need to submit the CSS immediately? I don’t think I’m going to qualify for any need based. I have looked into programs and I know I definitely want to go to LC and double major in international studies and history with the new international humanitarian aid minor. (I’ve visited the LC campus w/o a tour or anything, it’s in my favorite part of Manhattan)</p>
<p>Meg: </p>
<p>LC is a great school and I am sure you will be happy there, and yes, its a wonderful part of Manhattan. Double majoring is no problem, but you must be mindful of the requirements. Some kids do a single major and then a minor. But whatever. You can figure that out later once admitted and if you choose to attend. You don’t declare until Sophomore year anyway. And the Core Requirements at Fordham are daunting…really worthwhile, but daunting. </p>
<p>Yes, submit the CSS immediately. All Fordham applications are reviewed for scholarships. But they will require the CSS in any event, even for those who won’t be receiving any financial aid. If you are certain you wont get need based aid, then you can skip the FAFSA, which is fine. But the CSS should be submitted immediately so that they can can get a birdseye view of things. They are just trying to be just and fair…though many wealthy kids do receive substantial scholarships if they have the stats and scores. In any event, never cut yourself off from aid because you may get a grant in addition to a scholarship, or some scholarships have “financial need” as a factor, while others are purely stat related. Just do it, its easy and hit submit.</p>
<p>Good luck to you.</p>
<p>FCLC is a great school. BUT…its in tight quarters. Essentially one building. And its distinctly urban (like a micro NYU). </p>
<p>In the meantime, you should examine and look at Rose Hill campus if you can. People cop an attitude about the Bronx that is undeserved. Its actually quite lovely, the campus is STUNNING. It has a huge and gorgeous library, the University Church with an historic altar and stained glass windows (look at Fordham’s wikipedia site to see), sports complex, several dorm choices. Plus its adjacent to the Botanical Gardens and Bronx Zoo, and Little Italy on Arthur Ave. And for those really into social justice issues, as you are, there are a myriad of opportunities for “getting involved” and “making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate” in surrounding neighborhoods. Its a safe, clean and gated campus. </p>
<p>If you then choose to switch to RH, let Admissions know immediately. Admission to LC is a bit tougher but the same standards, because its got fewer dorm space. You wont have any problem at either campus with your scores. So go where you really feel the connection. Students can take the RamVan back and forth to either campus and take classes there (after their core is done). My D1 takes two classes at LC this year in fact, just for the change of experience and seeing different faculty and different students.</p>
<p>Just adding a couple of things to what gb said.</p>
<p>First, LC is in the middle of Manhattan and will be a very different college experience for you than RH. The students at LC seem to be a bit more independent and artistically inclined whereas RH is for those that wanted the traditional college experience with a campus and Division I sports. Of course, RH does have the business school so if you never want to hear anything about the business program again, then LC just might be the school for you! 
Yes, it may be a bit tougher to gain admission to LC because it is smaller but you shouldn’t have any trouble. The only kids I have heard of with your stats being deferred or even rejected were the ones that really had no interest in Fordham and clearly used it as a safety.</p>
<p>Second, I recommend that you fill out ALL of the financial paperwork requested of the Financial Aid office regardless of whether you think you will qualify for need based aid. If you are going to fill out the CSS profile then the FAFSA is easy. And some scholarships do require the FAFSA…one that my S received requires us to submit the FAFSA annually in addition to his maintaining a 3.0. And we don’t qualify for need based aid either. Thankfully it appears we will be once and done with the CSS profile!</p>
<p>So congratulations on getting your application in and good luck! Hopefully you will find out that you were accepted with enough scholarship money to make the trip up and really check out the school.</p>
<p>I believe (but I’m not 100% certain) that you can only do the international studies major at LC so if that is what you want, you applied to the right campus. Good luck.</p>
<p>^^^^ Yes. But they have IPE at Rose Hill and also area studies.</p>
<p>Thanks everybody</p>
<p>Meg:</p>
<p>[Facilities</a> Workers Win Landscaping Award](<a href=“http://www.fordham.edu/campus_resources/enewsroom/inside_fordham/november_1_2010/news/facilities_workers_w_77439.asp]Facilities”>http://www.fordham.edu/campus_resources/enewsroom/inside_fordham/november_1_2010/news/facilities_workers_w_77439.asp)</p>
<p>;-)</p>
<p>I am currently a Sophomore at Fordham and also in RHS. I am sorry about your visit but Fordham has a large campus ministry/community service programs and I would suggest that you check out their website to learn more. For instance their is the GO! program where students can travel to other countries and states to help people in need. There is also the service learning program where you get credits for helping out at local community services institutions. Believe me they take campus ministry very seriously here and I am sure that you will enjoy the program tremendously if you were to partake in it.</p>
<p>Thanks to both ghostbuster and iamafordhamram</p>