Fordham EA Class of 2020 Discussion Thread

@Adamsley does not matter. Alumna should not make or break a student. And I would not expect to get admission into a university because of that. I want the best applicants and the knowledge of knowing that the school picks the smartest, most innovative and students who show the highest admiration. Not because mommy or daddy went there. Whao. Glad I did not apply to Fordham then.

Who is to say that KrinkleKat’s daughter is not the smartests, most innovative student? The Admissions Committee? If you look at the stats of the accepted and rejected students, some of the rejected students have stats higher than the accepted students. How can that be? Students are much more than their grades. Many outstanding students will get rejections but that does not mean that they would not be excellent students who may offer more than some of the accepted students. I hope that whatever college you decide to attend, you learn to love it as much as the alumni of Fordham love their university.

It’s time for me to make my decision. I got into Bard, UC Irvine, UConn and Fordham. I’m waitlisted from three schools: Holy Cross, U of Richmond, and Bryn Mawr. I’m definitely waiting because these three are really good schools. I have to pay me deposit to somewhere before May1 and I’m deciding between UConn and Fordham now. Can any mom here give me some suggestions? I will be studying political science/international studies. Thanks!

What kind of financial aid/scholarship/grants did you receive from each school? How did you feel when you visited each school? Where do you think you would fit in best and be happiest?

@HONOURSTUDENT I haven’t visited any of these schools and I have 0 aid (international student) so I have to pay the full tuition no matter where I go. I like Fordham because it is a Catholic school so religion service is more accessible. I always to be part of the campus ministry and go on a missionary trip or something. And it’s in NYC. but I’m just afraid that the students there are too into the parties and city life. People also say that Fordham is a second rate school. UConn is probably too big but I definitely love the diversity, sports and school spirit. It sounds like a professional research university. Plus it is closer to where I live right now.

@Fiona I would never describe Fordham as a second-rate university. You were deferred EA from it so it is selective. Also it is not a party school. At any college it depends on what group you decide to hang out with. In any event, I think it is important to visit the school that you will be spending the next 4 years of your life at.

If your are an international, how is UCONN closer than NY? UCONN is in cow country and Fordham is a beautiful gated campus, with easy access to NY. Do you want to live in the country/suburbs or near NY? @Fiona1997

I’m an international student but I’m living in America now. Currently I’m living in MA less than a hour away from UConn. @suzyQ7

@fiona1997, I remember you from back in the EA days and wanted to congratulate you on your choices. Way to go! I would hope that you can talk to people in real life to help you and that this is just extra info towards the decision. That said, I feel that with your major, being in NYC would be a huge plus for internships, etc. I also feel, as a Catholic who toured Fordham and had a family member that worked there, yes, it is part of the identify of the school and although there are many non-Catholics, it still has an influence in the social justice realm, the retreats and services offered, etc. Unless you really don’t think you would like big city life, I would lean towards Fordham personally. If you can visit, I sure would encourage it. My son and I went and had no trouble getting there on public transportation. We found everyone very friendly as we navigated our way from the subway to the campus on foot. But, some people just don’t like the very crowded city life. I’ve heard people comment that things look ‘dirty’ to them, etc. That would never occur to me, I love the city. Anyway, the other things you mentioned - diversity, I would think that would be very good at Fordham. Sports - no question, UConn would be more of a big sports school (I know this without being remotely into sports).

Good luck with the decision!

@Fiona1997 I’m not sure who you are talking to to come up with the idea that Fordham is a second rate school. I but I believe that the admission stats at Fordham compare well to UConn (ex. Fordham average SAT 1870, UConn 1840) so IMO you are looking at two very good academic school and should pick the one that is 1) affordable and 2) the best fit for you.

Thanks @CAMidwestMom and @spirit77 ! So I’m going to commit to Fordham and my parents approve that! I’ll be there for the spring preview and hope I won’t regret my decision!

@Fiona1997 - I think you will enjoy the Spring Preview. You’re going to the one on April 17th, right? Make sure you find your way to get a seat to hear Fr. McShane speak. He’s a very good speaker and is very passionate about the school. Make sure you not only walk around campus, but the nearby area as well. Across the street is Fordham Plaza which is now a huge shopping place with a TJ Maxx, Starbucks, Applebee’s, Pizza Studio, Party City. On the other side of Webster Avenue is a Burlington Coat Factory (their selection isn’t as big a other stores, but if in a pinch and need some to wear reasonably priced and you can’t find anything at TJ Maxx, you can go here). Right on Fordham Road, just outside the gate is Metro North Rail Road which will take you into Manhattan in about 20 minutes. You can hop the bus to Jerome Avenue and catch the #4 train also into Manhattan. If you take the D train at night, Fordham security is at the station on the Grand Concourse to take you back to campus safely.

One thing I love about Fordham is when walking around campus, you don’t feel like you’re in the Bronx. And I lived not too far (about a 20 minute bus ride away) from campus. With the exception of the occasional siren and horn honking, those sounds will put you back into reality reminding you that you are in NYC. You say you’re currently in the New England area, if you do decide to go to Fordham, hop on the #12 bus to City Island. It’s like a little New England fishing village with loads of restaurants on the main drag.

The Botanical Gardens are just outside the Southern Boulevard gate and you can walk around there for free. The Bronx Zoo is nearby also. Lots of food choices on Arthur Avenue. This is the “Little Italy” of the Bronx and many MANY people make a trek here to get their special Italian delicacies. Lots of options. When you get into upperclassman housing and get an apartment with a kitchen, you will have good food shopping here (pricey but worth it) so you won’t live at Rams Deli or the “Caf” on campus.

Has anyone received an updated financial aid package that was accepted EA?

@BOBROSS I haven’t gotten anything yet, but I emailed financial aid a few days ago about something else and they said they were finalizing awards right now.

@MomTheChauffer omg thank you so much! This is really helpful!

Well I just received an email from financial aid with no increase in aid :/. #IcantAffordFordham

My D just received an email referencing her aid offer. When we looked at the fin aid portal, her offer was significantly increased from what had previously been sent to us (via mail and portal). What the heck? We had completely written Fordham off because it was out of reach financially. Now, we may need to rethink this.

Anyone else having trouble viewing their financial aid at the moment?

Anyone else having trouble viewing their financial aid at the moment?

@emsschulz I am. I haven’t been able to access my awards tab for over a week now.