Help me choose! Fordham v Jacobs.

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I know you've probably only heard of one of the schools I'm comparing, but there's a good reason for this: the second is in Bremen, Germany. Jacobs teaches in English, though. And of course there's Fordham, in New York. Until I got my scholarship information from Jacobs, I was pretty certain I'd be going to Fordham, and excited about it.</p>

<p>If anyone has thoughts or information that could help me choose, I'd appreciate it! Here's the basic facts: </p>

<p>I received substantial scholarships at both schools. Due to cheaper dorming and a three-year program, Jacobs would be cheaper (yes, even when factoring in things like airfare).</p>

<p>I don't speak German, but I'd love to learn--Jacobs would the an opportunity to do that. </p>

<p>I would love to live in Germany, but I've also wanted to live in New York for a very long time.</p>

<p>Living in Germany could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As an American citizen, I can move to New York whenever I want, but there are too many restrictions to ever count on the chance to live in Europe again.</p>

<p>I wouldn't be able to minor in Creative Writing at Jacobs like I would at Fordham, but the program I'd be studying at Jacobs (International Politics and History) is probably closer to what I want than the one at Fordham (International Studies). </p>

<p>I have visited and loved Fordham, and can see myself there. I have never been to Germany, let alone Jacobs University Bremen, and wouldn't have the chance to do so before making my decision. </p>

<p>I love the international environment offered by Jacobs.</p>

<p>I love the urban setting of Fordham (Lincoln Center campus).</p>

<p>Jacobs doesn't have much of a reputation because it's a very new school (10 years old), but all the recognition it has received so far is good. It doesn't look like I'd have problems getting into a good American graduate school (apparently graduates have gone on to such schools as Harvard and Stanford, so I'm not worried!). </p>

<p>Any thoughts? Anyone been to Bremen or know anything about Jacobs (formerly called International University Bremen or IUB)?</p>

2

<p>ey hey - a jacobs student here.</p>

<p>I cannot make the decision for you - but i can help you compare jacobs to fordham - - shoot any questions that you have in particular about the school!</p>

3

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>I have lots and lots of questions. Hope you don't regret offering to answer :-)</p>

<p>Since I can't visit, what are the campus and immediate surroundings like? I mean, I've seen the pictures, but I was thinking more about where it is in relation to other things. Is it easy to get into the center of Bremen if you like? Are there shops or restaurants within walking distance if you don't feel like taking a train or bus or whatever? Do people leave campus often or do they stay isolated in a campus bubble?</p>

<p>How difficult is the workload? I have heard varying reports. I'd be majoring in International Politics and History, if that makes a difference. </p>

<p>From what I see, it looks like the class selection is kind of narrow--that is, there's not a whole lot to choose from. Are all the classes the same every year, or might they throw some new things into the mix?</p>

<p>I know you have to reach a minimum level of German to take other language courses, and since I'd really like to study Spanish more, I'd like to know exactly how difficult it is to reach that level. I speak about four sentences in German now, but I'd be studying more between now and then should I decide to go to Jacobs.</p>

<p>I was also wondering about guest policies in the dorms. I know it says guests are okay for a limited time, but what are the specifics on that? How long is limited? If my friend wanted to visit me for a week, would that be too long? </p>

<p>What do most of the students do in their free time? Are there many opportunities to be involved on campus? Do they go into town often? </p>

<p>And finally, Europe. For me, part of the allure of Jacobs is that the rest of Europe is right there, and, theoretically, one could see various parts of Europe on school breaks, or even weekend trips for cities that are close enough. Do many students travel independently? Are there school-sponsored opportunities to see new places?</p>

<p>Okay, haha, I know, it's a lot, but this is my future I'm deciding on. There's a lot to consider!</p>

4

<p>How did you learn about Jacobs and what prompted you to apply there in the first place? You don't speak German and have never been to Bremen? Bremen is in Northern Germany on the Dutch border. Its not Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin. Once you turn down offers here, and go over there.....you are over there whether you like it or not. </p>

<p>If you wanted to improve your spanish, why not St. Louis University in Madrid, which is an actual campus they own and operate and matriculate and is sanctioned by the Spanish Government (the only one of its kind), and allows you to spend a semester, year, or all four years there if you please?</p>

5

<p>I wanted to experience something new and different, and this fits the bill. I have done lots of research, and I like what I've found. No, I haven't been there, but it's a lot cheaper (with my scholarship) than any school here. I'd also really like to learn to speak German--no, I don't yet, but that doesn't mean I can't learn, and what better way to learn than moving to Germany? </p>

<p>I did apply to SLU Madrid, and I'd certainly love to go there, but I can't afford it.</p>

6

<p>Hey I am a student at JUB as well. Incase your questions have still not been answered, let me know.</p>

7

<p>I've had my questions answered, but thanks for offering. And I've decided to go to Jacobs next year!</p>

8

<p>Have you visited the LC campus of Fordham? You shouldn't commit to either program without visiting. You can't simply rely on pictures and info on a college's website.</p>

9

<p>to wordygirljaye:</p>

<p>I would suggest you add Jacobs Admissions on facebook (that is if you haven't already) and also join the group for admitted students.</p>

10

<p>I have visited Fordham, and I loved it, so it was a difficult choice to make, but hopefully I've made the right one. There's no going back now; I've sent in my confirmation and deposit. And, I've joined the admitted student group, thanks!</p>

11

<p>i am interested in fordham AND jacobs too haha… to study the same thing</p>