<p>Does anyone have kids attending both schools? I would love to get an inside perspective from parents with kids attending. Since they are both Jesuit institutions, it appears that the academics are very similar. We've been to both campuses and my D likes both. She was accepted into Loyola and deferred to RD by Fordham. Just trying to be armed with information in case there's a choice to be made. Thanks!</p>
<p>If you wish to take advantage of all that NYC has to offer, go to Fordham. Fordham offers many internships with major companies in NY. Their communications dept is especially strong. But much depends also on what your D wishes to pursue in college. As for campus life, I think that Fordham has a more diverse student body than Loyola, MD. Loyola seems to be an insulated campus - that's my impression. It's smaller than Fordham, too, so the student must feel comfortable.</p>
<p>A couple years ago my son applied to both (liked them pretty much equally) and got more money at Fordham. (For whatever that's worth...)</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. We've discussed NYC internships as an advantage to Fordham however since we live about 40 min outside NYC, my D can easliy do internships in the summer there. I'm concerned about Loyola having contacts for in NYC. We'll learn more when my D sits in on a couple of classes next month.</p>
<p>Loyola is LAC in atmosphere, whereas Fordham is very much a university with its branches, law school, graduate programs. Different atmosphere. Son's good friend is at Loyola now after going to Fordham Prep for high school. It came down to BU and Loyola for him, and though he was ever so tempted by Boston, he decided that he would do better and feel more at home in a smaller, more personal environment like Loyola. Just saw the Mom recently, and she could not be happier, as he loves it there, is active at the school, has a nice group of friends and is getting good grades.</p>
<p>Having lived 40 min outside NYC (upstate) for many years, I understand the preference for NY and all it has to offer. But, I now live in No. Va, and think Baltimore is great. There's certainly a big difference in the two schools in terms of environment. My D, who considered Fordham for a long time, decided not to apply there and has been accepted at Loyola. Let us know what your daughter thinks when she visits!!</p>
<p>my DD looked at, but did not apply to, Loyola. (on paper only didn't visit) She has applied to Fordham RD, the opposite of Smdur's D.
Some considerations were, variety of classes offered in areas of interest, male/female ratio, supposed attitude on campus - Loyola said to be nice, friendly kids but that the girls were super status oriented about clothes, cars and etc.
Fordham president's speech sold her on the school. He talked about bringing Jesuit ideals into daily life. Also seemed to me to be saying that they value a life of the mind and spirit over the life of pure moneymaking and status. Not sure how this translates into action at Jesuit schools but she loved the concept.
It's become a very "hot" school around here, though and so no clue on chances of admission.</p>
<p>Your responses on differences in environment is an interesting one given both are Jesuit institutions. I will have to agree though. My D has a friend who goes to Fordham. I think she might have to arrange an overnight there to get the "feel" for the place. They won't arrange for sitting in on classes unless you've been accepted. We, too, heard the president's speech at Fordham. We also heard the Loyola's president speech. They were very similar in their approach and in their discussions of values. We enjoyed them very much. As a parent, you walked away feeling that you'd like your child to be a student there. As far as Baltimore goes, my D has been there and likes it. I have an old high school friend who lives about 5 minutes from Loyola. Of course, he is pushing for her to attend there so he'd have a close babysitter since he has young kids:-) In my husband's dealings with the financial aid offices, Loyola has been more friendly and personal. I think that has to do with the "NY" factor. Again, we live close to NYC so we're used to standoff-ish type responses. However, it is refreshing when you feel like someone is going that extra step to help you. Having set all that, my D is really hoping for Fordham! I just wish she could sit in on classes there now rather than wait until April to see if she gets in.</p>