<p>Sutter16, I have been reading that Fordham does NOT match other schools. They give the gift money depending on how you place in the upcoming class. They had over 40,000 applicants this year, and the average SAT went up quite a bit, according to what they said at Friday’s Round Table. Is your SAT over 2150? your ACT 32 or above? Your GPA at least 4.2 weighted? Did you take over 6 AP classes? Did your spend your summers doing valuable volunteer work or doing intensive studies of something? etc. etc. Then you would have placed in the top of the class, and you could ask for more. If not, you probably won’t get anything. And I would request a meeting with a FA officer. I would start out with how you are so impressed with Fordham and feel strongly it is the best fit for you, especially now that you are here for this weekend. Then explain your situation and ask kindly for anything they can do. Good luck.</p>
<p>My ACT is 32. My SAT is 1420/2080. My weighted GPA is 3.8 but that is at a highly challenging private high school that grades on a 7 point scale instead of a 10 point scale. I’ve done out of state volunteer work and local community service work. I’ve spent two years as a main anchor and lead editor of my schools news program. I’ve got a good sob story and my essay was killer.</p>
<p>Sutter16: If you have the goods, then go for it. Again, explain your situation and ask kindly if there is anything they can do for you. Be humble, and be willing to do a work study program. Good luck.</p>
<p>I agree with @mexusa about the way you should appeal, unless your sob story is relevant and is reason for inability to provide a good majority of funding for education at Fordham. </p>
<p>When I appealed, my story was that dad was out of work, unemployment ran out, and a high medical expenses for the past year on one person (me). Also, medical expenses are ongoing since my issue is chronic. If you have something just as bad or maybe a little less, then you should have no problem appealing. Also, it is true that they don’t match schools. We were told that by our FA officer. </p>
<p>Sutter16: Found this post about how the Fordham Freshman Honors Program is COMPARABLE to the Honors Program at St. Johns: </p>
<p>mongo460 Posts: 57 Registered User Junior Member December 2013 </p>
<p>Hey there! I’m a current freshman in the Program (also on the Honors board) and I’d just like to insert a little introduction cum publicity plug into this thread:</p>
<p>Re: Invitations, the admissions council is asked to pass along applications of exceptional applicants whose documents demonstrate a “deep, dark” desire for knowledge as our director puts it. The scholarship committee is not in communication with the Program, nor does it have any control over the applications considered. Invitations are rolling on strength of consideration and the time applications are received; the first batches come out mid to late February. This year, we’ve planned a special surprise for applicants, but I don’t think I can let it out of the bag.
There aren’t ‘reserved’ spots, but interested freshman who can inquire about joining for their second semester. This, of course, is not guaranteed.</p>
<p>Re: the curriculum, it’s a much more intensive version of the Great Books program as implemented at Chicago and Columbia. The only difference is that Fordham students are held to a much higher standard and cover more material in greater depth. The only comparable experience would be the St. John’s Colleges, and we actually have a few faculty who are alumni.</p>
<p>Tip: If you’re honestly interested in learning for learning’s sake and the Program curriculum, and you can commit yourself to Fordham and the Program, you should contact the administrator or director immediately to express interest.</p>
<p>Sorry if I’ve rambled, but I hope that just goes to show how much I love Fordham and the opportunity it offers! </p>
<p>So, after Spring Preview Day, and possible FA appointments, any good news? Any final decisions?</p>
<p>Had an appointment, was a whole lot of nothing. Told me to appeal, could maybe get 2-3K out of that process, etc. We will see how things go.</p>
<p>I had a great time on campus overall though. Love it so much.</p>
<p>We also had a great day on campus. Student is sold on Fordham, bought the sweatshirt, will put pic with Ram up on her page. Good to know that the decision is done. </p>
<p>I get that merit aid helps people and often many who otherwise couldnt afford to attend. I am just saying the SAT system is flawed and the difference between a 1410 and 1350 is a few questions at best and is a test which is heavily criticized and doesnt really measure success in college…and should not be used on who gets money and who doesnt. Fordham gives generous grants thank goodness, but I would prefer it all be based on financial need and more objective. I also know Fordham plays games with scholarships at some favorite private schools. If you got a scholarship at Fordham and went to a public school and you are not catholic you are very very lucky and I am glad for you and STRONGLY encourage you to attend. Why? Because its a great school in a great location and will be life changing and such. Trust me on that. </p>
<p>I am a huge Fordham supporter. But I also try and tell the truth about financial aid and scholarships. If they are making changes and inroads in public schools then that is welcome news.</p>
<p>sovereigndebt While I agree it’s important to give need based aid, rewarding merit is equally important. I mentioned earlier my daughter went to a public high school, and we are not Catholic, and she did receive a decent scholarship. Our financial situation is such that our salaries are not high, but since we have lived frugally and within our means, we have saved money. Because of our savings, we do not qualify for financial aid. Had we not lived frugally we would have qualified for aid. (I am in no way dismissing people that have a true need, I believe their need is important). In this scenario giving only need based scholarship would in fact punish that we have saved money. We’re fortunate that she has done well and qualified for merit based aid at her schools. Here SAT was 2240, and ACT 34, and while I don’t think standardized testing paints a full picture. It does put both private and public High School students on the same playing field. She is down to 2 schools with Fordham still in the running. I love the school as does she, but she did get a slightly better offer at another school. We’re hoping she makes a decision this week. Like everyone we really enjoyed Spring open house, and think the school has a lot to offer. </p>
<p>Another plus of merit aid is for immigrants like my family who were legal residents dependent on my mom, so we could not do FAFSA or any federal aid. Merit scholarship from Fordham was the only way to afford school. IIRC it’s based entirely on grades and SAT, because I barely did any ECs in high school.</p>
<p>We filed an appeal, based on having a disabled sibling, and we are happy with the outcome. Very happy that she is gong to a school that makes her feel welcome and already part of a community that looks out for each other. We feel blessed. Hope you all find a place that makes you feel the same. </p>