<p>Fordham is a Jesuit school. Do Catholics get preference in admission decisions? Or does the school want to have diversity of religion, so would a non-Catholic have preference? If a student has no religious affiliation, and does not indicate a religion, would this hurt their chances of admission?</p>
<p>i dont think that is even brought up in the Apps. i think the school would be a better fit for the more religious types.. because if you're not.. the theology requirement can be quite painful... as i have come to realize.. but overall. i don't think they care.. as long as you have some good stats and an interesting story to you.. they'll be glad to take you on board.</p>
<p>There are MINIMAL theology requirements and a lot of choices within that department. Most theology classes are taught from a philosophical point of view, not necessarily a catholic doctrinal point of view. Fordham is 60 percent Catholic in its student body. 40 percent non Catholic. There are protestants, jews, orthodox christians and even some muslims at Fordham. And some agnostics.</p>
<p>Its a non issue.</p>
<p>As for admission, Fordham has a long list of catholic feeder schools who have sent top students to Fordham for years. But as Fordham seeks to become less a regional school and more a national school those schools are becoming less important. I strongly encourage Fordham to seek out the best and brightest from all corners of our country and not just from Catholic Prep schools. I think the local Catholic Prep Schools, like some prominent ones on Long Island would be well served to suggest their students look outside the region for colleges and stretch their wings a bit. </p>
<p>The Jesuits are known for their ethics and ethos. They are open, enlightened and very tolerant.</p>
<p>We Catholics view Catholicism as a gift, a warm food for the soul. Its not a burden or an antiquated lifestyle. Yes its challenging at times, and we often disagree with Vatican pronouncements. But we cherish what binds us together as a people and welcome newcomers and outsiders to live and share among us.</p>
<p>""But as Fordham seeks to become less a regional school and more a national school those schools are becoming less import.""</p>
<p>This is not true. John Buckley, the a.v.p of admisssions, has personally told audiences of local High Schools students how important it is for Fordham to continue to support them. Also, many catholic prep schools are Jesuit and as it is well known, the Jesuits take care of their own. They would never suggest that local prep schools, particularly a Jesuit school, look outside of the region. Instead, they continue to encourage the students to apply. Regis High School in New York City is one of the top High Schools in the nation, is Jesuit, and Fordham, or any college for that mater, would love for those students to attend. Fordham Prep, which is on campus, has a very special relationship with the University. Seniors at the Prep can take college courses at the University and there are special recruitment programs designed specfically for the Prep students to encourage them to apply to the University. Even my daughter's local h.s. had about 15- 20 students accepted last year.</p>
<p>And to Jptmom, the school loves diversity. Religious preference, or a lack of, is not considered when determining admittance.</p>