<p>First of all, congratulations on your daughters application to Fordham. I hope she gets in. Its a fabulous school for kids with strong character, excellent study skills, maturity and the determination to do well. Its no picnic in the park, I can tell you that. But they do have lots of fun!</p>
<p>Second, I dont speak for Fordham. But....a few years ago her stats were dead center on and she would be likely be admitted with no problem. However the application pool has risen considerably from 15,000 to over 22,500 last year and they expect more this year, and with that rise in applications comes a rise in applicant quality. I think her stats overall will win her an offer of admission. But her SAT scores while good are not super. If she had been closer to 1300 it would be better. But dont' despair. If she wrote a great essay, had superb recommendations, came from a strong school, and took the hardest classes available and has great EC's I think she may get in. There are kids with lower scores there now. But there are also kids with higher scores. </p>
<p>I am not a huge fan of the SAT. Its one exam on one Saturday morning in an unfamiliar setting, around unfamiliar kids, under stress and time limitations. Its not a normal study environment and its geared towards kids who do well regurgitating information, not creative thinkers who like to ponder angles to problems. </p>
<p>Its always good to have back up schools as well.</p>
<p>Applying EA is a help. You will know, I think before Christmas. That gives you extra time to make applications elsewhere over Christmas holidays if you get bad news or deferred. I think you will be fine, but I just can't guarantee it. Tell her to relax and not to fret about it. Its out of eveyone's hands now, if the application is complete. Make sure her senior grades are excellent, as they matter as well. Worrying or getting all upset about college apps is a waste of positive energy and does not assist you in any manner. </p>
<p>Last year, Fordham wait listed a LOT of people. Unfortunately, I heard they didnt take many off that list, as they had record numbers of kids accept their offers of admission. Part of that is the trickle down theory from the elite schools and Ivy's....as it gets harder and harder to get into the elites, the second tier schools get more applications from super students. Its reality.</p>
<p>BUT....overall, I think the 50th percentile of admissions to Fordham is in that 1200-1250 range. If you get in, then jump for joy because its a SUPER school.</p>
<p>Also warn her that Fordham professors don't hand out A's like candy...no grade inflation. You work really really hard for your grades and they put a LOT of heat on you as Freshmen...for your own good....to weed out the kids who are not prepared for college level studies and to get you to work exceptionally hard. Her writing score will serve her well.</p>
<p>Best wishes to you and we hope to see you at Fordham in the Spring when they have orientation for admitted students!</p>