What Could I Do To Better My Chances?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Fordham University
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<p>Hi,</p>

<p>What could I do to better my chances of getting into my top choice, Fordham?
I'm a senior at a public high school with the following credentials:</p>

<p>GPA: 3.4 (weighted; my school doesn't rank)</p>

<p>SAT: 1930
Math 600
CR 660
Writing 670
ACT: 26</p>

<p>GREAT recommendations from Head of Arts/English department, AP US History teacher, math teacher, guidance conselor, church pastor</p>

<p>Theatrical Arts supplement
DVD of three recent performances (two musicals and a drama- female lead in all)
Letter of recommendation from one of my directors
List of shows/ work experience/ teachers etc...</p>

<p>Advanced Classes:
9th Grade:
Honors Biology
Honors English
Advanced Chamber Choir
<strong>Only two honors classes offered to freshmen</strong>
10th Grade:
Honors Modern World History
Honors English
Advanced Orchestra
Advanced Chamber Choir
11th Grade:
AP US History (B for year, 3 on AP Test)
AP Literature (B+ for year, 3 on AP test)
Advanced Orchestra
Advanced Chamber Choir
12th Grade:
AP European History (B for semester)
AP Literature (B for semester)
Advanced Orchestra
Advanced Chamber Choir</p>

<p>A ridiculous amount of E.C.'s/leadership positions including, but DEFINITELY not limited to:
9-12 Theatre Group (Junior and Senior years--Executive Board)
9-12 VERY involved in Church (music director at mass, alter server, teacher religious ed, involved in youth group, etc.)
10-12 ADAP Youth Leadership Council
9-12 A Cappella Group (Junior and Senior years--Co-president)
10-12 Orchestral Mentorship Program; Violin Tutor (Junior and Senior years-- President)
9-12 Yearbook (Junior and Senior years-- Section Editor)
A LOT of Community Service!</p>

<p>Work Experience:
Camp Counselor at Performing Arts Camp (2006, 2007)
Dance Teacher (2006-2008)</p>

<p>Legacy (Two uncles attended; two undergrad, one grad)</p>

<p>What are my chances of getting in? Fordham is definitely my first choice! What can I do to improve my chances?</p>

<p>Thank you for any feedback,
Kristin</p>

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<p>FYI: to use the term "legacy", it generally means your immediate family.</p>

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<p>Sorry, I guess I should have said "alumni."
On every other college supplement, I've been asked to list all IMMEDIATE family legacy. Fordham was the only school which asked for ANY family members. They had a scroll down list for relationship options including "cousin," "aunt," "uncle" etc.<br>
Both my uncles both said Fordham was big on alums so I've actually asked one to write me a quick rec.</p>

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<p>The rigor of your high school curriculum doesn't seem strong enough. Most students getting accepted to top tier schools have taken at least 3 years (most have taken 4 yrs.) of science and math classes and at least 3 years of a foreign language. AP English, AP European, and AP US history are good classes but I don't think it's enough. Where's AP Government, an AP science or two, and a strong math sequence? Your weighted GPA is good but not great considering your less than rigorous curriculum. You'll definitely get into colleges. You just have to make sure you have plenty of applications out to safety schools. You're up against students with ACT of 31-34 with weighted GPA's of 96 and up while taking much more difficult classes. Good luck. Get some safety schools ready.</p>

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<p>well i got in with only 1 AP class (calculus), and the rest a mix of honors and accelerated
i had a bit higher than a A- average (3.58 where A- is 3.5)
my sats were m690, cr640, w770
i think you have a pretty good chance</p>

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<p>I'm sorry, the schedule I wrote down was not complete-- it only included my advanced classes. I did take four years of science, three years of foreign language and four years of math. My strengths are in english and history, not math or science so my guidance counselor didn't allow me to take more than my 2 English/History AP's a year. I LOVE government and, if my school offered AP Government, I would have gladly signed up! Being a small school we offer very few AP courses and the schedule you're suggesting is typically taken by the students who go on to attend Ivy League schools.
Typically, the GPA needed to be accepted into Fordham from my school, which is rather competive, is a 3.5 so I figured I may have a chance.
Do you think there is anything I can do to better my chances of getting in (since there is no way for me to go back in time, switch high schools and take a more rigorous courseload)?</p>

<p>By the way, although Fordham is my first choice, I have applied and been accepted into safety schools such as Catholic U and Fairfield U so I know at least I'll be attending college SOMEWHERE in September... I just hope it's Fordham!</p>

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<p>softballerina89, I'm glad to hear that you did take science and math. You'll definitely be attending college somewhere in the fall. Both of my kids went through the public school system and the majority of college bound kids took 4yrs of science, at least 3yrs of math, mandatory 3yrs of foreign language, 4yrs of history, 4yrs of english--including an average of 3-4 AP classes--and electives. This year, the valedictorian of my son's senior class got deferred by Fordam (Early Action). Even though the student took AP English Language, AP English Lit., AP US History, AP US Government, the rest of the high school curriculum this student took wasn't as rigorous as that of the kids ranked below her. Also, if you plan on studying music, perhaps your talent will boost your chances. An ACT of 26 and your gpa most likely will not get you any merit money. I don't think there's anything more you can do to enhance your chances because your high school years are just about over. Just sit back now, enjoy the rest of the year, and see what happens with your application decisions. You'll go somewhere--maybe even Fordham.</p>

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<p>I think you have a great shot to get into Fordham.</p>

<p>I also think your back-ups are pretty good too. Can't go wrong w/ Farifield, and Catholic U. isa real hidden gem in DC.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

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<p>Agreed....I would be surprised if you dont get in. But its highly competitive and this year there are a record number of seniors in high school across the country and Fordham had more than 23,000 applications for roughly 1,700 seats (though they accept thousands more). </p>

<p>Too many kids and parents fixate on the selectivity of admissions and not enough on the fit for the student. If you are certain that Fordham is your best fit, then I sincerely hope you get in.</p>

<p>Did you apply to LC or Rose Hill?</p>

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<p>Hey guys,
Thank you all soooo much for your advice! I just got my "congratulations" email last night and im SOOOO pumped!<br>
I'm slightly confused as to why i got in tho-- i mean, my best friend has a 3.6 GPA (i have a 3.4) and he didn't get in... as a matter of fact, i'm one of two people in my school (out of about 15 applicants) who got in... and most of them have better credentials than i do! i'm just gunna taking it as a blessing and stop questioning!!
Thank you again!!!
Kristin, Fordham Class of 2012! :)</p>

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<p>Welcome to Fordham. College admissions is a very complex and confusing process...and LOTS of factors go into acceptance, wait lists and rejections. We went through it last year and it was REALLY bizarre....believe me.</p>

<p>Sorry about your friends. But move on, give them a big hug and lots of encouragement and DONT GLOAT.</p>

<p>Its a great school. Come prepared to WORK and WRITE PAPERS.</p>