<p>I hesitate to venture in here as my kid graduated FCRH, not Gabelli. I don’t know Gabelli intimately and only anecdotally. I do know that the top students at Fordham (boyfriend of my daughter’s roomie and best friend) get hired on WallStreet…snapped up. Depth of knowledge, broad core education and strong work ethic. But in almost every case I am aware of, these kids were also interns…and that is where Fordham shines. WallStreet recruits a lot of Fordham kids. But they are always the creme de la creme of the Gabelli class. Middling mediocre students dont get those high power jobs. WallStreet is not for the meek and mediocre. Doesnt mean that you have to be aggressive (as in ugly), or hyper. It just means your intensity is between the ears and your work ethic (and physical stamina) is above and beyond. </p>
<p>To that extent, I can’t say whether going to School Brand X is better or the same as going to Fordham. You have to ask that school, whether its Villanova, Adelphi, Iona, Fairfield, Marist, or any other school who sends kids to New York upon graduation, what their general stats are…class rank, gpa, and the typical profile of those who are hired at WallStreet firms, compared to what Gabelli/Fordham will tell you. Do I think its worth it? Yes. But I am biased and not an insider at Gabelli. </p>
<p>Kids all over the country will face this dilemma come April 30…where to pull the trigger. Its sometimes very stressful and heartwrenching…for those who pick Fordham and for those who go elsewhere. Its part of growing up. Making a decision, going with that decision and moving forward. Welcome to adulthood.</p>
<p>I think Fordham truly shines with internships. I think being in New York is an awesome experience, particularly for finance majors (among others). And I think the Jesuit ethics and ethos is something to truly value your entire life. There is no price on that latter factor. </p>
<p>Some people are prestige hounds and will say go with the highest ranking school that takes you regardless. I say, hold on a minute…it depends on how well you fit in there, whether you can shine and thrive…and rise to the top. Because WallStreet can and does pick the creme de la creme…even from Harvard and Columbia. Fact. So if you think you can come into Gabelli and be in the top 10% (Fordham ranks students), and do four years of intense studying and learning (an internal thing, as I stated…not an external personality thing), then go for it.</p>
<p>Now a final word on WallStreet. I said being intense doesnt mean being aggressive. But there are some jobs on WallStreet that truly require a sharp wit and thick skin…its not a place for meek people. Fordham places people in Wallstreet firms in many areas, not just trading positions. And those firms look for certain personality types for certain jobs. But in all respects, they dont want somebody who will start crying when criticized or who quits. So there is a personality factor that goes in there. But that can (and will be ) all worked out by you and your faculty mentors regardless where you attend. That is four years hence. </p>
<p>Good luck to you. Congrats on your admissions.</p>