Is Fordham anyone else's first choice?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Fordham University
1

<p>I just learned about it around two months ago, but since then it's quickly moved to the top of my list. I've researched, visited, talked with current students, and I have to say that I love it. It seems to have everything I'm looking for: a good reputation (even if it's not too widely known), great academics, and it's located near a fun, active city. Although they think the area outside of the Rose Hill campus is a bit sketchy, my parents love it and fully support my decision to make it my first choice school.</p>

<p>My only concern is that a lot of people apply to Fordham as a safety, based on what I've seen on CC and people I've spoken with offline. And because not a lot of people I talk to have ever heard of it (although, more adults recognize the name than my classmates), they act like I'm telling them I'm going to community college. I'm applying to more well-known schools in the Top 50, but it frustrates me because even though it's not up there, I still hold Fordham in high regard. </p>

<p>Has anyone else experienced this? Am I weird for choosing Fordham over a Top 50 school haha? (Assuming I get admitted to every school I'm applying to.)</p>

2

<p>I think Fordham will be a top 50 school by the time you graduate as its risen "23 points in five years" (fordham.edu) and the school is currently ranked 34 in the new USNWR counselor's section. </p>

<p>Best</a> Colleges - Education - US News and World Report</p>

<p>But seriously, don't choose a school based on its "ranking" or what other's say. Choose a school because of its academics and whether the school will be a good fit for you.</p>

3

<p>Fordham was also my first choice, but I noticed other students saying it was ultimately a 'back up' school. I'm going there anyway, and I think I made the best decision, because I feel Fordham has a better community/ learning environment. Also, I know there's a lot of kids who chose Fordham instead of supposedly better schools. I'd say, if you like Fordham, go and don't listen to the rankings.</p>

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<p>Fordham is one of my top choices (on paper). I'm finicky when it comes to schools and campuses, as if I visit and it isn't how I had dreamed of college, I will not be attending.</p>

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<p>Fordham's reputation is far wider and much more global than you seem to think.
It is the only university in American with a sitting cardinal, who is also considered one of the Church's finest theologians and who was close to John Paul II; the Fordham name goes along way in the Vatican.
In the business world, it's pricing institute is known throughout the finest schools and business leaders in Europe. And as the only foreign university in China conferring MBAs, it's now known to a billion + Chinese.
Fordham authors and actors are headliners in their respective fields. Fordham has more than Denzel Washington and Mary Higgins Clark to its list of arts and letters "stars". Look up the world renowned Alvin Ailey Dance Company.
Anyone who doesn't know about Fordham suffers from a serious culture void and proves the old adage : 'tis better to be thought a fool then to speak and remove all doubt.
By the way, the CEO and founder of the widely used and known Dummy Series (those Yellow books) is a Fordham graduate. You might give the culture series from that collection to your less informed classmates and friends to help them fill their void.
There is a Time magazine article from the late 60s on the web in the Time archives that talks about America's Catholic Universities. BC is described as a commuter school in that article, whereas Fordham is ranked as one of the top Catholic schools in the countries.</p>

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<p>Hey thanks for the feedback.</p>

<p>Montanakid: Yeah, I know what you mean. If I get accepted to Fordham, I'm pretty sure I'm going to go (depending on FA). I think its the mix of so many different factors that makes me want to go there.</p>

<p>msneicirenee: I'm particular about colleges too (obviously, since I'll be spending the next 4 years there, I should at least like the campus). Like I said, it's in the Bronx (the Rose Hill campus), so the area around is a little shady, but once you're on the actual campus it's got that "traditional campus" feel. And our tour guide told us that most students just go to Manhattan when they hang out, so entertainment is def. not a problem.</p>

<p>Jesuiteducated: I'll admit I don't know much about it's global reputation. It's not very known to the people around me (but I live in a pretty rural, country type of place), but I do know that a lot of the adults I've met know about it, and that it's becoming more and more popular (double-edged sword for me though haha. More competition). And I had no idea the "Dummy" guy was a Fordham alumn. Cool!</p>

<p>And I'm definitely not going to not go to a school just because of the rankings, even though #61 (?) is definitely not too shabby. I was just tired of the weird looks I got when I said it was my first choice.</p>

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<p>Dont worry about "Arthur Ave." There are even Fordham owned apartments on the Avenue that many students LOVE to live in.</p>

<p>The "Ave" as it is known is the real Little Italy in New York. It has over 30 restaurants that are frequented by Fordham families (I ate there TWICE this weekend), Fordham faculty and friends. Its very safe. Its eclectic and very "ethnic" but its great fun and the food is fabulous. Many restaurants stay open late for Fordham kids.</p>

<p>Many kids work on the Avenue as waiters.</p>

<p>On any college campus you have to be smart and not do stupid things like go binge drinking and then wandering around after dark. You should not be drinking anyway if you are under 21.</p>

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<p>That's all true. We actually went to lunch in Little Italy... the food was amazing. </p>

<p>Hey, this is kind of off-topic, but I was thinking about applying EA to Fordham. This has probably been asked before, but what exactly are the differences between their EA and RD? I mean, does EA have an "advantage" (higher acceptance rate)? Or are they basically the same?</p>

9

<p>That is an important question. EA is a non binding early admission application, meaning submitted by Nov 1 and decisions by Christmas. The regular decision deadline is in January and decisions are made by April 1 (usually the last week of March....often with a "likely" letter that goes out previously or an email message from Admissions saying you are in.) Both Early Admission and Regular Decision have deadlines to NOTIFY Fordham if you are coming or not, so pay attention and DONT miss the deadline! You can be quickly deleted and put in the "refusal" category, especially with over-enrollment problems this past year (shortage of dorm space).</p>

<p>Some colleges are Early Decision (ED) and that is binding, meaning that you can only apply to that one college and if they accept you, you are BOUND to attend. Fordham does not have ED. Harvard dropped it last year, fwiw.</p>

<p>EA is the best of both worlds. Its non binding so you are still free to turn it down. But it lets you know EARLY and if you need to apply somewhere else....as well as it signals Fordham of your high interest. The early bird gets the worm. GENERALLY (but not always and not necessarily) the EA admission rates a smidge better.....but not much. I would take advantage of it.</p>

<p>For every Fordham application, they are all considered for scholarships, though the standards are extremely high. Thus applying EA gets you an early looksee and perhaps some more money. By waiting for RD you risk getting waitlisted or denied as the class fills up. This is true at ANY university. And let me tell you something else: as kids get their denial letters from the likes of Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, Yale, Dartmouth etc....many flock to their second choice schools......and that makes RD very competitive indeed. </p>

<p>If you are on the bubble or the muddled middle, it would behoove you to apply EA and see what happens so you know early. If you get in, great! If you don't, then you have time to scramble and look elsewhere.</p>

<p>Fordham expects to continue to be a hot school, especially for Catholic Students seeking a Catholic education, particularly as the admission standards at Georgetown, Notre Dame and BC also continue to rise to the stratosphere. Fordham offers the classic college campus experience but is still very much a "New York" school. Its not a country club or "bubble school." You will be challenged academically and socially, particularly if you come from outside the immediate New York area and are unfamiliar with life in New York City and its boroughs. That is all good, but its challenging. </p>

<p>I believe it will continue to rise in the USNWR rankings for several years...eventually breaking into the top 50 tier. Its admission standards are also going to continue to rise. I am fairly certain that Admissions next year will be tighter than a drum, given what happened this year when 200 more students accepted offers of admission than they anticipated. (That is a good thing and highly complimentary of Fordham....but it created a dorm space problem.)</p>

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<p>Thanks for the great comment nocousin! It definitely gave me some things to think about. I think I'll go ahead and apply EA. </p>

<p>I only hope I get in! (And can afford to pay)</p>

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<p>My pleasure collegebound! I hope you get in and look forward to seeing you. Fordham is a fabulous school. "We are Family!"</p>

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<p>The "Dummy" guy also went to my high school. We are all amazed & proud over the success he has had with the "Dummy" series.</p>

<p>There's also Michael Kay, the voice of the New York Yankees. He is a Fordham Alum and actually began his career at WFUV. He went to h.s. & Fordham with my dh and dh says Michael Kay knew back in H.S. that he wanted to announce for the Yankees. Dreams do come true!</p>