I’m a high school senior who was recently accepted into Fordham College Rose Hill. I’m in love with everything about the school, but still hesitant about what the student body is really like. Here on CC there’s a lot of stereotypes about fordham rose hill students being snobby, from the tri-state area, rich, and preppy.
I am a white, middle class girl from the west coast, and definitely not preppy. I’m pretty liberal, and currently go to a liberal independent school. I’m artsy, and I’m interested in fashion and business. I’m hoping to take full advantage of NYC. I’m also not religious at all, and wondering how much religion plays into day to day life.
Basically I’m wondering if I would find people like me at Fordham. Thanks!
Have you visited at all? I know it’s a big trip to come east, but if you haven’t you really should. Lincoln Center and Rose Hill have very different vibes.
My daughter is a senior at Rose Hill. The campus is very liberal. And yes, they are rich and preppy. We are a working class family in NY. I grew up no too far from campus (I now live over an hour away). In fact, when it came time for move in, I suddenly realized I had no idea how to drive there, I only knew how to get there by bus.
My daughter has friends from California (and other parts of the country) which is nice. They are a mixture of liberal and conservative, but there are more liberals than conservatives on campus. You would probably like Rodrigues Coffee House on campus.
My daughter is certainly the farthest thing from preppy. You wouldn’t find any Vinyard Vine apparel anywhere near her.
As for religion, it really doesn’t play into day to day life. You will need to take two theology courses as part of the core. They don’t shove Catholicism down your throat. But sometimes it’s nice just to sit in the University Church just to get away from it all and just enjoy the quiet. You can very easily look over some courses that are offered. They delve into the study and understanding of other religions and teachings.
Lincoln Center is very artsy, very liberal. Totally different vibe from Rose Hill. If you love the traditional campus then you will love Rose Hill. Lincoln Center really doesn’t have a campus, but the arts are very much alive there. Maybe if you don’t feel RH is good for you, you can transfer to LC after a semester/year.
At Rose Hill, you can just hop on Metro North (it’s the commuter railroad) and in less than 20 minutes be in midtown Manhattan. It is literally right out the door and on the right as you exit campus on Fordham Road.
You need to visit to get a real vibe and not just go by what you read.
I visited the Rose Hill campus over the summer and loved everything about it (I definitely want that classic college campus feel) but unfortunately I didn’t get the full experience since most students were not on campus.
Your response is very helpful and makes me feel much better about what the student population is like!
@diplomill I just received my EA acceptance to Fordham last month and I have yet to visit the campus…you said that it is definitely not your cup of tea. I was wondering why not? I am definitely not a liberal, although I do agree with some of their viewpoints. However, I guess I am somewhat “preppy” lol but not rich nor a snob. Any input would be great. Thanks so much
@bigdtah4 I applied early action. I believe the deadline was November 1st, and it was non binding. The Early action decisions came out mid December. I just applied early so that I could find out sooner and since there was no supplement essay so nothing additional to write.
I live about 15 minutes away from Rose Hill and have spent a lot of time there at the high school or at games and although the campus does give off a preppy vibe and some kids are upper class I’ve seen and know a lot of people who would definitely not be considered rich or snobby.
I’m an atheist and have never been uncomfortable at Fordham Rose Hill. In fact, I actually loved my theology class. It was just like a history class. I think it is sad that so many people think that a Catholic school will be pushing their beliefs in a strong manner.
I agree with the other posters. Fordham seems to be liberal-leaning and politically correct. (If I recall correctly, a study showed that about 95% of Fordham College professors who donated money to a party donated to liberal candidates.)
I’m from Washington state and very much enjoy Fordham. The only downside, in my opinion, is that it is in the Bronx. I really abhor the Bronx.
Like any school, you will find your niche. So if you like arts and are liberal, you will find plenty of friends. If you are uber religious and conservative, you will find your niche.
I recently graduated from RH. I found the school had a great mix of people. And there is no need to be religious – the Jesuits are educators first and foremost. However, I do think one should be respectful of religion and should be OK with seeing religious symbols on campus.
And as opposed to the poster above – I loved the Bronx location. I enjoyed Arthur Avenue, running in the Botanical Garden etc. and I did volunteer work for an organization in the Bronx. It all added to my experience at Fordham. There is no right or wrong answer about the location – you should see for yourself and decide if it is a good fit for you.
