The only thing stopping me.

Colleges and Universities A-Z Fordham University
1

<p>My mind is set on Fordham; i've gotten a pretty generous package as well, but there's just something holding me back.</p>

<p>The student diversity.</p>

<p>I went to visit on Thursday at the RH campus, and I saw literally ONE indian there. Not saying I like being sheltered by indians, I don't, but it was a little disappointing seeing an 80% white student body there =/
Maybe I visited during typical "class hours", maybe I didn't visit some of the other parts fully, but the roads around the campus were pretty dead, there were a few joggers here and there, a few professors walking around the etc. etc.</p>

<p>So the question is, since I haven't really seen any threads about it from this year of last year (saw a couple from 07 and 08 saying there is no diversity whatsoever), how is the student body over there?</p>

2

<p>Fordham is proud of its 25% diversity which is relatively high for a private liberal arts college. There are plenty of students from diverse heritage cultures and a gowing diversity of geographic backgrounds.</p>

3

<p>Why did you find it disappointing? If you judge a college by how “white” or “colorful” its student body is, or by how many people are out walking versus in the library or dorms studying, Fordham might be a bad fit for you.</p>

<p>But it’s likely you did come during class or “dead hours,” although since the weather’s started warming up there have been people lounging or studying on Eddie’s every afternoon and, as you note, a few walking to errands or the caf. If you want anything busier, you can go off-campus. In the meantime, it’s quite nice to be able to come home and escape crowded sidewalks…</p>

4

<p>I’ve also heard a lot of bad things about Fordham’s diversity. I’ve hear it’s mostly white upper middle class students. Which, even though I may be classified into that category, I like being around a much more diverse population. I’m visiting Fordham some time next year, and I really hope to see some diversity in both ethnic and economic background.</p>

5

<p>Just a thought. If you don’t go because you believe it isn’t ethnic enough, how does it ever become more ethnic? </p>

<p>Looking at ethnic breakdown in colleges is like peeling an onion, pull one layer back and there are many more. Its a very complex subject. It’s also a very heated subject, heavily debated and with everyone having a different opinion on fairness and representation.</p>

<p>The 2011 Fordham class was 60% white, 14% hispanic, 8.4% asian, 5.5% unknown, 4.9 african american. There are many good schools with high white vs other breakdowns: Johns Hopkins for example is 50% white, 18% asian, 8.1% hispanic, 5.3% african american; Duke 47% white, 21% asian, 9.7% african american, 6.6% hispanic.</p>

<p>In the 2010 census, the US population by ethnicity was: white non-hispanic 64%; hispanic 16.4%; african american 12.6%; asian american 4.8%. There is some cross-over between white, hispanic, african american, native american, so those numbers overlap a bit. </p>

<p>So how to view the Fordham numbers? The white non-hispanic number aligns with the percentage of white americans. The hispanic numbers match pretty close as well. Asians have a higher representation, closer to 70% higher. African americans unfortunately are severely under-represented. </p>

<p>One note. If you are seeking a high presence of asian students (Indians are usually identified in demographics as being asian), then the UC’s in Ca are a good choice. The majority of students at almost all campuses are asian with white being in the minority, about 8-10x over represented vs the asian population in america. This is because the law in Ca prevents admission consideration of ethnicity. Ironically, this is an unintended consequence of the law pushed by whites, as I remember at the time whites were upset that their kids weren’t getting in due to ethnic considerations allowing in hispanics and african americans with lower test scores. Many schools outside of Ca attempt to manage ethnic breakdown at some level.</p>

<p>I’m positive you will make friends of many different ethnicities at Fordham, life-long friends. That includes whites as well as Indian, Chinese, Hispanic, African American and many others. The best growth in life comes from seeking out groups outside your comfort zone (whether it be race, gender, sexual orientation, wealth, religion, etc). Relish in it and don’t shy away from it.</p>

<p>Best of luck in your college experience!!!</p>

6

<p>I see where you’re coming from. I understand that you make the best of college experience by venturing out and making friends of all types, and I’m not saying I wouldn’t want to do that.</p>

<p>Thanks for the help though guys, much appreciated!</p>

7

<p>The class profile shows Fordham as being pretty diverse. You should also check online to see if there is some sort of Indian club at Fordham. In the end you have to choose a school where you feel comfortable and feel like you can thrive. Only you can decide the criteria you want in a college.
[Class</a> Profile](<a href=“http://www.fordham.edu/admissions/undergraduate_admiss/applying/class_profile_28473.asp]Class”>http://www.fordham.edu/admissions/undergraduate_admiss/applying/class_profile_28473.asp)</p>