<p>Hi everyone, I've narrowed down my college list to Fordham (Rose Hill) and Boston College, but am having an impossible time deciding between them which I better do quickly because I have less than a week :/ I have to pay for everything pretty much myself and received 22K at Fordham and 14K at BC. I really like both schools and half of those Ive consulted have said to go to BC because of their ranking/reputation and the other half has said to go to Fordham because they gave me more money. I'm probably going to major in English or Communications with a Theater double major and a theology minor. For hobbies, I like creative writing (playwriting, stories, poetry etc), theater and campus ministry groups. I'm also interested in what the student body is like at each school (what people's perceptions are of each). And if anyone could tell me their opinion about where I should go that would be great as I am pretty confused but happy with my choices. Thanks in advance for your help!</p>
<p>In the end only you and your family can make this decision since money is a consideration.<br>
One thing to consider (or maybe someone can chime in who knows more) is that I believe Fordham’s theater department is only at the Lincoln Center campus and that an audition is required to major in theater (but not required for a theater minor). Note that a Rose Hill student can take classes at LC but it takes time to go back and forth between campuses.
[Fields</a> of Study | Fordham College at Lincoln Center](<a href=“http://www.fordham.edu/academics/colleges__graduate_s/undergraduate_colleg/fordham_college_at_l/fields_of_study/]Fields”>http://www.fordham.edu/academics/colleges__graduate_s/undergraduate_colleg/fordham_college_at_l/fields_of_study/)
[Majors</a>, Minors, and Certificate Programs; Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) - Fordham University](<a href=“http://www.fordham.edu/academics/colleges__graduate_s/undergraduate_colleg/fordham_college_at_r/academics/majors_and_minors_19657.asp#majors1]Majors”>http://www.fordham.edu/academics/colleges__graduate_s/undergraduate_colleg/fordham_college_at_r/academics/majors_and_minors_19657.asp#majors1)</p>
<p>My S chose Fordham over BC and didn’t care that BC was the higher ranked school. He still doesn’t and is very happy at Fordham. He has similar interests to you…he’s a Theatre major (Performance/Playwriting), is involved in Campus Ministry and very intellectually curious. He’d also major in Theology, English, French, Art History, etc. if he could! BUT he lives at LC so his experience is very different than yours will be at RH. </p>
<p>Fordham is smaller, more diverse, and has a less school spirit/sports dominating atmosphere than BC. Those were plusses for my S but ultimately what made his decision was the NYC location and the Theatre department. The Theatre dept is located at LC and you MUST audition for the major. You would have to audition at the end of the first semester or freshman year and switch to the LC campus if you are accepted. You might be able to minor and live at RH though and minoring does not require an audition. But all of your Theatre classes and Fordham Mainstage productions would be at LC. </p>
<p>BC’s Theatre department is very good and guarantees you can major in Theatre bc there is no audition for the program, you just declare Theatre as a major and only have to audition to be cast in their productions. BC also does musicals, Fordham does not. If you are absolutely certain you want to major in Theatre, you will have an easier path by attending BC. I recommend that you consider Fordham only if you would be happy minoring in Theatre or just participating in student productions. It is not an easy program to get into and it will be even harder for you coming into the major late. But as a minor you can still participate in Fordham Theatre and the LC location adds to the opportunities. The faculty is outstanding and well known artists come in all the time to offer their insights and guidance. </p>
<p>I think you really need to consider which is more important in making your decision…majoring in Theatre or cost. Congratulations! You have two good options. Good luck! :)</p>
<p>Also, there are several student theatre groups at the Rose Hill Campus - Mimes and Mummers (plays and musicals), Fordham Experimental Theater, Theatrical Outreach Program (abridged classics performed for community groups in the Bronx), Fordham Sketch Comedy, Improv, etc.</p>
<p>From what I’ve heard from my friends at BC as well as stats both schools put out, Fordham has a more diverse student body. This was important for me. I’ve also gotten the sense that Fordham’s student body is a little less preppy. </p>
<p>I love Rose Hill for its Bronx location (check out some of my other posts for more info) and I honestly think there is no comparison between Boston and NYC. Yes, Boston is great, but NYC honestly has so much more going on all the time – so many more museums, concerts, cultural events, shows, etc. And public transportation is much better (I think I’ve heard that in Boston the subways close at night?) and NYC nightlife never sleeps. There really is a difference between 8 million people and 615 thousand people haha.</p>
<p>But BC is a great school, so I’m sure you’d be happy with either option. Although, if you are planning on attending grad school, the $32,000 more BC will cost for four years may be a big problem. Also, is the money Fordham gave you a merit award that’s guaranteed for 4 years? How bout BC? That could also make a difference.</p>