<p>How are the dorms at Fordham?</p>
<p>I personally took campus tours and visited all the college campuses that I was accepted to and seriously considering, and I discovered that Fordham has some of the best dorms on-campus in comparison to other schools! I live in Queen’s Court Residential College, a specialized freshman dorm that you have to write an essay to get into. It is an extremely close-knit community and we participate in many programs and activities together. I have personally made numerous friends in the building and believe that it is one of the best freshman dorms on-campus, since its rooms are the largest and the community is just amazing. Plus, it has a fantastic common lounge suitable for studying and socializing (kind of Harry Potter-like). There are doubles and triples only, but upperclassmen buildings also have a fair amount of singles and 4-6 person suites and apartments as well. Also, laundry is free throughout campus dorms, unlike some other schools. Living off-csmpus is also a great option, but it primarily depends on personal preference and comfort. </p>
<p>How is the food?</p>
<p>The food… Okay. So, the food isn’t very fantastic, I’m not going to lie. We have “the caf” in the student union center, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but some of the options sometimes tend to get repetitive. They have sandwiches, a salad bar, a vegan area, pizza, pasta, desserts, and more. Occasionally, they have international foods, but not too often. The food quality is not horrible in comparison to other foods, but it’s mainly the fact that eating it so often makes it seem extremely horrible. There’s also other on-campus options such as the Deli, Grille, Dagger John’s, and Campbell Cafe. Plus, right outside the gates of campus, there is a classy neighborhood known as the Little Italy of the Bronx (Arthur Ave), which has fantastic Italian, Mexican, and Sushi restaurants that deliver free of charge and have a wide variety of choices. There are so many restaurants in a concentrated area that I haven’t been to, and plus Manhattan is 25 minutes away, and there are countless restaurants there.</p>
<p>How hard is it to get in?</p>
<p>Fordham is becoming increasingly competitive, but as long as you have above a 3.2-3.3 and you show dedicated commitment to academics, extracurriculars, community service, and other such things, you should be able to get in. I had above that in high school though I didn’t do amazingly well, but I got in. Plus, they’re also generous with scholarship money and handing out work-study. </p>
<p>What’s the diversity like? Could an Asian girl like me fit in somewhere? (haha)</p>
<p>Haha, don’t worry. I’m Indian, and I definitely feel like I fit in. Though Caucasians are the majority of the campus, there are numerous Asians, Hispanics, and African-Americans, and they all have their own cultural associations too. Everyone is integrated with each other and it’s really easy to fit in. It’s a close-knit environment even though the school isn’t TOO small, so it’s really great. Each incoming class is becoming more and more diverse, which is nice! Also, the newly-founded Office of Multicultural Affairs sets up numerous events to encourage students from different ethnic background to socialize with one another and share cultural knowledge and background information. I really haven’t gone to those events, but they are there if you would like to take advantage of them.</p>
<p>What are some negative things about Fordham?</p>
<p>Besides the food, I sometimes see the administration as a minor issue. Obtaining/dealing with the process of getting employment on campus is extremely draining, since departments do not adequately communicate with each other. But it’s not too bad! In terms of the research, Fordham is not a research-based institution though it is trying to build its research program. Its strength lies in the core, which offers students a well-rounded education in different subject areas in addition to pursuing their desired majors. It’s a teaching-based institution, so if you’re looking for research opportunities on-campus, Fordham is not the place to be. However, I personally prefer doing research outside the academic year so I can focus on my academics, so I don’t consider that a huge negative. Once Fordham builds its research program, it will be less underrated and climb higher in US News and World Report rankings (which it already impressively has), but PLEASE DON’T USE RANKINGS TO DETERMINE WHERE TO APPLY AND WHERE TO GO!!!</p>
<p>What are the best things about Fordham? And, why did you decide to choose it?</p>
<p>Academically: The core. Though i’m pre-med, I wanted a well-rounded undergraduate education, where I would take subjects in all areas in addition to my major. I wanted to develop skills in different subject areas, in terms of writing, critical thinking, analysis, and such, and I feel that the core courses are fantastic in broadening the college education. Plus, there is a strong emphasis on teaching, and TA’s are not used at all really, except for teaching fellows in biology laboratory courses. Qualified professors themselves teach the courses, and I wanted direct interaction with a professor, which Fordham offered. Plus, the advising is fantastic here and willing to discuss anything, though you have to make sure you’re on top of everything while keeping your eyes and ears open out for opportunities. It is a competitive environment too, but that’s college, and it will be there wherever you go. It’s also not too small of a school nor too large. Also, going to school in NYC is amazing, since it offers easier access to internship opportunities and other such opportunities. It takes learning beyond the gates of campus too, since there are numerous cultural events (music, art, dance, theatre) and museums that can help breed your interests and your personality. </p>
<p>Athletically: I’m not an athlete, so I don’t know. But we are a Division I school and we hand out a lot of athletic full-rides, so if you try out and you’re really good, you will be accepted provided you play for Fordham for the entire time or whatever they want you to do.</p>
<p>Socially: Caucasian-dominated, but still there is a LOT of diversity. There are plenty of international students as well from places such as Nigeria, Vietnam, and China. Everyone generally is really welcoming and accepting of one another, regardless of background. Drinking is NOT openly everywhere since it’s a Jesuit institution, especially for people like me who choose not to drink. We don’t have frats/sororities on campus, and if people choose to party, they can go off-campus. The environment does not at all have any drinking pressures, so people can do what they wish without much peer pressure at all. Plus, it’s also about how strong you are as a person. But, I felt at home when I visited, since everybody was warm and welcoming and I’m sure you’ll love it here.</p>
<p>Why Fordham: Above reasons. Location, Well-rounded academics, a real (beautiful) college campus though in the city, numerous transportation options, restaurants, clubs and leadership positions available, lots of service opportunities, business school = Wall Street, Morgan Stanley, and NYSE opportunities, sense of community, strong values and education of the personality, and much more. I could keep going on forever, but I felt that in that sense Fordham was better than the other schools I was accepted to (even though some were higher-ranked). Plus, they gave me a fair amount of money.</p>
<p>HOPE THAT HELPS!!! 
Feel free to ask anything else!</p>