<p>My current GPA is 3.6 and my class rank is 16 of 129. I was a bit of a slacker during my freshmen and sophomore years but I redeemed myself during junior year. I finished with a 97 and ranked 2nd in my class. My school doesn't offer weighted GPA's and operates on a 4.0 scale. I recently got my SAT score back and I got a Cr- 570 M-510 W- 580.
I have taken the most rigorous classes that are available at my school which include three honors courses during my junior year. I am currently taking college credit bio, calc, and English. In the school community I'm pretty active serving as the president of student council, editor of the paper, president of the law club, president of national honor society, and a member of the Spanish national honor society. I also have 500 hours of community service teaching young children how to swim. Along with that I was one out of two students in my school who was awarded an internship with the D.A. that began in September.<br>
On the recommendation forms all of my teachers rated me in the one percent in every category. My essay was very well written. I also received a 95 in the first semester of senior year and I decided to send the admissions committee my grades. Along with my required materials I decided attached a letter about personal growth and a resume. What are my chances?</p>
<p>You seem to have taken all the necessary steps to better your chances, well done. On this site, you will get only opinions for the most part and I'll share mine based on the official Class</a> Profile</p>
<p>Your GPA is in the ballpark, but your SAT score is problematic. According to the profile above, at least 75% of accepted studets last year would have scored higher than you on the SAT. That lower 25% serves a purpose, to enroll poor test takers, URMs, outstanding athletes, etc. and perhaps you made your case for this group in your supplemental materials.</p>
<p>Now all that being said, and with other opinions to come, you still have a chance as the admission process looks at your entire application. EA might be a reach, but RD could work.</p>
<p>Well...how about a different approach. I have stated before I dont like chance threads. Largely because people here (including me) dont work for Fordham (or any other school) and 99% of us here are not professional college admissions counselors. That being said, you are very well rounded, have taken tough courses and offer some other factors that are appealing. We dont know your location so we cant judge if that helps or hurts. But otherwise, let it be said, I think you present very well and would be an asset to Fordham University and in that light you get my thumbs up. Writing skills are needed and prized at Fordham. Good luck.</p>
<p>I would like to start off by thanking the both of you for taking the time to reply, I really appreciate it. I'm not a big fan of threads myself, but reassurance is always nice when college admissions is the topic of discussion. The greatest thing about your responses were that you took a more holistic approach. I strongly believe that numbers aren't everything and some colleges are just looking to enhance their community. With that being said, if I was to be rejected I would know the sole reason why.</p>
<p>To really appreciate a holistic approach, you'd acknowledge that there wouldn't be a "sole reason why" you were not accepted. </p>
<p>The point that so many of these threads miss is that kids are accepted because their ENTIRE application demonstrated the ability to succeed at the given university. Underlying this is the desire for the university to form a desirable class of students. I suspect your application demonstrates the ability to succeed, but frankly so will the application of many kids that will not be accepted. So the "chance" of getting accepted is just, a chance.</p>
<p>The role of the admissions office is really a challenging and daunting task. I had the opportunity recently to sit with admission officers from several colleges, along with about 100 other parents we did a mock review of a "typical" applicant. There are so many factors and so many interpretations that it was impossible to arrive at a consensus, never mind a majority opinion. </p>
<p>Add to that the reality that every university has an agenda; could be the desire to add geographic or ethnic diversity, to build a competitive sports team, fill a new arena, enhance alumni relations, rise in the USNWR rankings, etc.</p>
<p>Every year will find students with stats that don't match the profile getting accepted. And, those with above average stats that will be rejected. The "chance" of this happening is low, the possibility exists but it is a game of chance.</p>
<p>BTW, I think Fordham would be fortunate to have you. You presented a strong case, made a compelling closing argument, now your fate is in the hands of the jury! </p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>I fully concur with Dad above. 30 years ago, only the truly very elite schools (Ivy League and a handful of others like Stanford, Williams etc) were the tough ones to get admitted to, and they often had huge legacy issues going on more often than not. But most other schools had acceptance rates that were much higher than they are today. With demographics, a societal shift in perception of what it takes to succeed in life, the GI Bill, affirmative action, and a host of other factors, the number of high school seniors applying to college has skyrocketed and coincided with the huge number of children born to baby boomers. So the numbers make it tougher. Fordham was much easier to gain admission even 5 years ago. It has had 8 consecutive years of record applications and concomitant increases in applicant qualifications. </p>
<p>That being said, you present very well. While your SAT scores are a notch or two below the mid range that wont necessarily keep you out. Some schools do a better job of holistic evaluations than others. Some mouth the words and let the computer spit you out. It happens. I sincerely hope that Fordham takes a serious evaluation of your application, for leadership (genuine and true, not feigned and paraded) is a quality they clearly want. What most schools want is for their accepted students to be successful and to help transform the university in their own small way to something better in a shared learning experience. And then for you to go out and become an apostle of Fordham, spreading the good news, and giving back to your community, and eventually giving back to Fordham. Would it be that every truly qualified student be admitted where their heart desires. We have been there, believe me. Its a terribly painful process to get that thin letter of rejection or waitlist. And sadly, sometimes the raw numbers are where they draw the line in the sand. I have no idea (and I mean that) where Fordham will draw theirs this year, and if they will reach beyond that line and how deeply. Or for what reasons. But I know they look holistically at the picture and attempt to do their level best with 23,000 applications. You should know I am no fan of standardized testing. But I am also wary of the massive grade inflation practiced by many secondary schools in an attempt to push their kids into the best schools. It is a grave disservice to everyone involved. Even interviews have been abused over the years. Special circumstances do occur. Sometimes apparent injustices occur and uneven results. I remember when my D was applying this time in Dec 06. It was a horrific time. And then came those painful notices and phone calls and shock as kids who had lower scores got in and kids with high scores but other obvious faults and character flaws did too. While really solid and well prepared and well rounded and highly ethical kids got tubed at this or that school. Tears, pain, anger, frustration (even a few phone calls to two schools by me). But we also got some great news and some surprises (scholarship offers out of the blue) and then we went to work over Christmas and moved to Phase II-Regular Decision schools. We actually applied to Fordham rather late in the process. She got in (she had stats in the upper end of their sprectrum....) and we were delighted but still unsure. Waiting on another school....who eventually waitlisted her (WashU). UGH!! So we trekked up to Fordham (and the other 5 schools where she got in) and did the Orientation weekend thing. An awful weekend of weather. But somehow it all came together and on the trip home, it was like, "yeah...that is me. That is where I belong and where I want to go." So she did.</p>
<p>The point is, spread your wings with match and safety schools, hope for the best and have plans on how you will react one way or another. If you get in, let us know and we will applaud you. If you don't, let us know and we can maybe make some suggestions on where else to look. If its up to me, you get in, because I believe your SAT scores are not indicative of your ability or likely success rate. </p>
<p>So you know also, Holy Cross is Fordham's sister Jesuit school. Its highly competitive but also SAT optional. Did you apply there? Worth a shot, just in case.</p>
<p>I wish you the best of luck and a very happy and holy Christmas.</p>
<p>Good additional info Freshman</a> Applications, SAT Scores Up - News</p>
<p>Thanks a lot dadoffour I really appreciate it. Ironically enough I actually read this article just this morning when I was looking through the school's newspaper. To be quite honest I'm not sure if this helps or hurts me. They say that the SATs went up, but they also stress the importance of enrolling student who were involved in extracurricular activities to contribute to the campus. Seems like a cache22. Guess the only way to find out is just to wait for the actual letter, which should be arriving soon.</p>
<p>I really wanted CCers to take away what you (knight) did from "theramonline" article. If the AVP of Enrollment says "the SAT scores aren't everything" it should be taken at face value.</p>
<p>EA notices go out next week ... here's to you getting the good news you want.</p>
<p>Thanks again you have really been a great source of help. It seems as if the Fordham Community is tight knit and very supporting, which makes the school only more appealing to me. I'll be sure to post my decision as soon as I get it.</p>
<p>We are the Fordham Family. And yes, that makes a difference. Its one of the many things that makes Fordham special. And as parents likely paying the freight for our own kids we certainly want to encourage top students..and by that I mean more than just the scores, but the entire person....quality people I call them. So we cross our fingers for you and hope we can welcome you to Fordham very soon.</p>
<p>Nocousin and dadoffour I would like to once again thank you for all your posts and your encouraging words. Unfortunately I received my decision today and I was deferred. While I can't say I'm surprised it was still a setback. There were several instructions on bettering my chances for admissions and I will most certainly take them all. Since Fordham is not my number one school I'm not utterly disappointed. I'm praying that I will fare better when I receive my Syracuse decision.</p>
<p>Deferment is NOT a rejection. You may well get in RD. DON"T lose sight of that. They may want to see THIS semester's grades. And again, your SAT scores were a tad below what they are looking for in a very competitive environment. Keep working at it. I know someone at Washington and Lee who got deferred and then got in RD by working hard and not giving up, last year.</p>
<p>Keep your head high. Yes, you have other schools to consider and they may well take you. But if Fordham is still your number one, keep working hard in school, perhaps send in another recommendation, maybe have your guidance counselor call them and size up your odds and reinforce your ethics and upward mobility. </p>
<p>Again, I think you present very well. Hang in there and keep at it.</p>
<p>I will keep you in my prayers and good wishes.</p>
<p>knight, sorry to hear the news. I really wanted a "big envelope" with your name on it.</p>
<p>If they gave you a list of things to do to better your chances, they're giving you the road-map to get to an RD "big envelope". I hope you give it your best shot.</p>
<p>I join nocousin in offering my best wishes and I'll pray that you find a place where you will happily flourish. Let us know if we can be of help.</p>
<p>Thanks once again guys, you have been very supportive and have given be a boost of confidence. Despite being deferred, I while not quit working and continue to do the very best that I am capable of. I will most certainly take all the steps to be admitted during regular action such as send in two more letters of recommendation, send in my midyear report which I received a 95 average, and write another essay. I actually would love to ask the both of you a question since you seem to be very knowledgeable with the college process. My dream school has always been Syracuse and after being deferred at Fordham I am very fearful that I won't get into SU. They list their statistics as a 3.6 GPA and the SAT middle 50 percent as 1610-1890. They also requested a copy of senior year grades with the application and they said that great emphasis was placed upon them. I also interviewed over the summer and to say the least made an excellent connection with the person conducting the interview. Do you think I have a chance? Once again thank you for everything and I hope that you have a very happy holiday.
Senior Grades:
Honors Calc-93
Honors English-100
Honors Bio- 90
Religion-100
Psychology-92
Government-95</p>
<p>Syracuse and Fordham often compete for the same students. Syracuse is a fine school in all respects and I am jealous of their basketball team! LOL. I dont know much about their admissions policies (I am not from New York) so not much help there, but if you applied EA to Syracuse you may be in the same boat as Fordham, or you may get in. Just relax over the holidays, focus on getting all your school applications in to RD schools and making sure your extra stuff is done for Fordham. Waiting until April stinks. We went through that same thing. My D got hosed by her number one choice two years ago (quite unjustly in my view) and so we scrambled during the holidays for "plan B" just like you. She obviously got into Fordham RD and we sauntered up there for the April orientation for admitted students, frankly planning on going to Furman University in South Carolina. But Fordham won her over, particularly after that amazing speech by Fr. McShane, SJ, Fordham's President in the Vince Lombardi Center. And the rest is history. So while waiting stinks, it may work out for you. In any event, I am certain you will have several offers to consider from your match and safety schools. </p>
<p>Your grades are good to date. When they are finalized, send them in to Fordham.</p>
<p>Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>Yes the basketball team and sports are one of the main reasons that I'm so attracted to Syracuse. I feel as if the opportunity to watch games and tailgate with others students builds a lot of school spirit, which is something that I'm very interested in. Syracuse actually doesn't have an EA option; they only offer ED. Unfortunately due to financial circumstances my parents wouldn't let me apply ED. For some reason I believe that SU admissions is less arduous than that of Fordham's. During my interview, the interviewer stressed the importance of extracurricular activities and said that was one of the most important factors in the decision. I also was able to explain to him that I am a poor test taker and that from freshmen year to now I am no longer the same person. He told me that the interview greatly increased my chances of admissions and said he looked forward to working with me in the fall. Relaxation is hard to do during this time as I'm sure you know having gone through the process with your daughter. In the end it all worked out for her and obviously she made the right decision to attend Fordham. This gives me great hope for the future. My grades are actually finalized and I will be sending a copy of them tomorrow. They have only gone up this quarter and by the time the next report card is released in February I'm hoping to have a 96 and go up in the class rankings. Thank you once again nocousin you have been a great source of help and since my parents haven't gotten involved in the application process you have basically been my only source to turn to. Have a happy holiday.</p>
<p>My pleasure. God Bless.</p>
<p>knight, take a deep breath. its just that time of the year, and as you hear/read about all the acceptances here its natural to get a little anxious. Most will not post rejections here, so its a little lop-sided. As a die-hard Notre Dame football fan, I'm not sure if I can give advice about SU, this year especially - lol.</p>
<p>Honestly, I don't know a thing about SU but from what you describe you have again done everything you can to put yourself inf the best spot possible for a positive decision - the interview is a great approach, particularly if you have something to "explain".</p>
<p>The next couple months will be long for you, but work hard to keep motivated and upbeat. Are you able to do what Fordham suggested for RD? At this point, I don't know if you can do any more for SU, but I have heard of kids that send in extra letters of rec (do so if they shed new light) or provide updates to ECs, grades, etc. Do what you can to build rapport with someone in the adim office, but avoid becoming a pest.</p>
<p>If you think you're on the bubble for SU, be sure to get a couple of safety applications in on time. Keep us posted.</p>
<p>Yes I have noticed that people are reluctant to post rejections, it seems like only acceptances are posted and to be quite frank those who are admitted seemed to be shoo-ins. The fighting Irish have excellent sports teams and I have great respect for them. Although I truly loved beating you guys this football season, what a great game that was. I truly believe that I have done everything to enhance my chances at Syracuse and if I get rejected I will be utterly disappointed. Everything happens for a reason and I'm sure that everything will work out in the end. I will most certainly continue to work hard and try to excel in all of my ventures. I am most definitely going to do what Fordham suggested to do and attempt to be admitted under regular decision. Ironically enough I already sent SU a resume and I had my principal and vice principal write personal letters attesting to my character and ability. I already have several safety apps in and have been accepted to a few schools. Thanks for everything dadoffour, you have been a great source of help. I can' tell you how much I appreciate all of input and hope that you and your family have a very happy holiday.</p>