<p>I'm a Canadian student, and I've been looking at a few school in the States. Can anyone help me determine the credentials necessary to get into schools like Fordham and NYU (particularly SAT scores, ECs, grades, etc.). Also, I'm an IB student so if anyone has any idea on particular IB scores which will give you a solid chance at getting into these schools, please let me know! I would really appreciate your help!</p>
<p>Two very different schools. There are several threads on this board about each. Go to alphabetical listings and click on each school and read the threads. Also get a copy of Petersens or Barrons Directories and read about the schools, or go to their own websites at fordham.edu or nyu.edu and explore.</p>
<p>In a nutshell, while both are private schools, NYU is an urban only campus in Greenwich Village in lower (downtown) Manhattan, and Fordham is in the Bronx. Fordham also has a campus at Lincoln Center for its graduate programs, law school and some of the undergraduate programs. But the main campus is in the Bronx. Fordham is more like a classic college campus, gothic buildings, lots of green lush lawns, athletic fields, football stadium, basketball facility etc. NYU does not do sports at all. </p>
<p>NYU is extremely competitive with over 35,000 applications a year. In the USA that is considered a HUGE number, since we have over 3,000 colleges to choose from. Its admission rates are considerably more restrictive than Fordham. However, Fordham last year had 23,000 applications for 1,700 seats (but they admit 40 percent and have a lower retention). Fordham is considered a very hot school right now partly because college admissions in the USA are becoming very very selective, partly because of its unique campus within the city feel, and also some of its strong programs. To be considered for Fordham, you really should be at or near a 1300 core SAT score. Below that and you are going to have a higher risk of being waitlisted or rejected. They have raised their avg SAT scores considerably in the last 5 years. NYU is more like 1400 or higher. GPA's at Fordham are in the 3.7 range. </p>
<p>Fordham has a strict core curriculum which can take more than a year to complete: English Literature and Composition, Philosophy, Theology, Math and Science. There are several choices in each department, so dont fret about that. </p>
<p>Both schools are amazing. But the experience is very different at each. NYU is much larger, more eclectic and highly competitive when you get there. Fordham is not as intense, but its plenty competitive and they will work you to death when you are there. Both have amazing contacts for jobs in NYC upon graduation. </p>
<p>Now if your stats are below what I stated, I am not saying you wont be admitted to either school. Because I know of examples of lower scores at each. I am just giving you a strong score to let you know where they are looking at present. </p>
<p>If you like athletics...whether its club sports, NCAA competition, or just going to the games, there is plenty to do at Fordham. Its also across from the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Gardens where they share professors and programs. Its a very short and safe train ride on the Metro North into Grand Central from Fordham's gates as well. Fordham kids tend to be very tight and do things together. Its just a wonderful college experience. </p>
<p>I dont know about IB scores. I do know they give credit for any AP score above a 3, and if its a 4 or 5 you might get a course waived from the core requirements...but generally, they give you elective credit. It doesnt matter anyway, everyone is in the same boat and the courses are all strong and you meet lots of neat people freshmen year so it all comes out in the wash anyway. Your IB curriculum will be a positive factor in evaluating your application, however.</p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>
<p>That was really informative! I really appreciate it. I've written my SAT Is once and my core score was 1360. However, I do intend to write them again this fall. Coincidentally, I am very athleticially involved and it was interesting how you mentioned athletics at Fordham (not many people in these forums seem to care about athletics). I'm looking at studying political sciences, but then again I have looked at Stern for business. I know that is one of the most selective programs in the country, so I'm kind of weary about even applying there because it is most likely that I will be rejected. With so many applicants at NYU, is the admission rate very low? Thanks again!</p>
<p>Well then, your core score is wonderful and will be a great score for admission to Fordham. Scholastic scholarships at Fordham generally require a 1400 or higher....so if it goes up, all the better. </p>
<p>Stern is a fine school and highly ranked. But Fordham's CBA is also extremely well thought of and has AMAZING international opportunities as well....their Honors Business students were all in Europe this summer, expenses paid. Fordham has amazing internships in Manhattan too. My D goes there, so of course I am biased. She specifically wanted a more classic campus, sports, orchestra, theatre etc. They have it all. Its a stunning campus, frankly. About 4,000 students (undergrads) at Rose Hill campus in the Bronx, so its not too large. Fordham has an MBA program in Beijing. But its also a fabulous feeder college to very prestigious MBA programs in the Ivy's and of course at NYU. </p>
<p>They dont play hockey at Fordham, sadly. LOL. But soccer is huge there. Highly competitive, even at the club sports level. </p>
<p>Its a Jesuit school and that is also a special quality about them. Ethics and Ethos. </p>
<p>NYU is about 30% admit rate, I believe, but they have a higher retention and its a MUCH larger school in the total number of undergraduates who study there. Its a fabulous school and I would never dissuade anyone from going there if they are admitted, but its also very urban and eclectic, so make sure its you and what you want. </p>
<p>Your scores are fine and NYU may admit you as well, I dont know. I dont know how they evaluate international students and canadians...if the standards are the same or not. Its worth a try. </p>
<p>But frankly you are an excellent match for Fordham it seems to me. My D knows kids at Fordham in her dorm last year who had 1580 and higher scores. So they attract very bright students there as well. Political Science is strong at both schools. Fordham offers the International Political Economy degree as well...a rigorous program that melds together poly sci, economics and international relations. </p>
<p>I dont know you and your interests or personality, but it seems to me that Fordham would be a great fit for you. Its the best of NYC while being on a gorgeous campus (really stunning...all gothic buildings). GREAT SPORTS, and a tight nit student body. Historically Fordham drew from the highly competitive catholic high schools and prep schools in the Long Island, Connecticut and New Jersey areas and upstate New York. That is now changing. They are reaching out to kids from all over. We are a LONG ways from New York...in the south. I know they had 10 kids from California that were admitted and attended Fordham in last year's class. </p>
<p>Fr. Joseph McShane, SJ is the dynamic President of Fordham. He is a dynamo and amazing speaker. He has openly stated he wishes to restore Fordham to its once lofty status as the number one Catholic University in the US again....chasing Holy Cross, Notre Dame, Georgetown and Boston College. I dont know if he will get there, but he is sure going to be aggressive in going after them. And YOU can play a part in that! He personally greeted parents and students last September as they drove through the gates on move in day. He remembered my D from the April Orientation meeting! He still waves at her on campus all the time! Its just a gem of a school. </p>
<p>Of course, you should apply to several schools and weigh your best options, but if NYC is where you want to be, and you want sports, a pretty campus, friendly student body, and competitive programs and classes, then Fordham is a great place to be. Do you write well? They put on the heat on writing papers....big time. You will work your rear end off.....but its all good. Fordham kids are KNOWN in the business community as being ETHICAL, WELL PREPARED, WELL ROUNDED and HARD WORKING. Not whiners or princes, if you know what I mean. </p>
<p>They play I-AA in football. Colgate, Columbia, Yale, Marist, Georgetown, Lehigh are some of their typical teams they play. This year, parents weekend, they play Yale. Last year they were 8-3 and lost to UMass in the playoffs. Drat! In all other sports they compete at the I-A level. All are well attended. They have deep discount tickets to Broadway shows. Kids get discounts to the Yankees and Mets games and also to the Knickerbockers. They go into "the city" in groups, for eating out etc. Also the real Little Italy is across the road from campus. Its safe and lots of fun. Those "locals" know the Fordham kids and take care of them. Kids also do art museums, the New York Public Library, and just hang out at Columbia or NYU with other friends sometimes. </p>
<p>The early bird gets the worm, so apply early admission (non binding). Good luck. Would love to see you there!</p>
<p>nocousin, you have helped me so much! Again, I really appreciate it. With us Canadians, the majority of us look at the Ivies solely because they have so much money to give for financial aid, scholarships, etc. The difficulty with both Fordham and NYU is that I don't believe they give financial aid to international students, in contrast to the Ivies. I understand that this is no really relevant to you, but do you have any idea on the best way to finance an education within the US? Again, you have helped me tremendously!</p>
<p>I am completely uninformed about how much aid, if any, goes to internationals. Canadians may be in a different category, I dont know. You have to call Fordham Admissions and ask, or shoot them an email at <a href="mailto:Enroll@Fordham.edu">Enroll@Fordham.edu</a> and explain your interest and SCORES and see what they say. </p>
<p>Ivy League schools do not give merit scholarships. None of them do. They give athletic scholarships. They DO give financial aid and its fairly generous....essentially to any family with income below 60k a year (US$), they meet 100% of their needs. But then again, not many students come from that genre and get into the Ivy League. Private schools in the US are very expensive. State schools are less expensive, even for out of state fees. So that may be another option for you.</p>
<p>Fordham does recruit foreign students. I just dont know how they work financial aid. Fordham does have wonderful scholarships available.....and you are on the bubble at 1360.....getting over 1400 will put you in much better stead. </p>
<p>I hope that helps.</p>
<p>Its like comparing apples and oranges.</p>
<p>We looked at Fordham and NYU on the same day and were struck by the differences. You should come on down and take a look.</p>
<p>On Financial Aid: My D got nothing from NYU and received a Dean's Scholarship @ Fordham (1380/ 2100/ top 5% grades). It is a drop in the bucket. Both schools are expensive. Fordham~$48,000 and NYU ~50,000 (!!!!). NYU is notorious in giving very little aid, scholarships, etc. </p>
<p>We felt NYU was way overpriced - too big, too impersonal, nothing really special except the film, drama school. You have to know yourself. If you are not outgoing, you might have a tougher time here than other places. </p>
<p>Fordham was a real surprise to us - beautiful campus, a bit more nurturing environment and the world (Metro North trains and the subway) at your doorstep. </p>
<p>Some standout programs include Business and Theater (at Lincoln Center in Manhattan).</p>
<p>Visit the schools and see what kind of vibe you get. My D choose Fordham.</p>
<p>Thanks for all your help! Any other opinions I should consider?</p>