Hey everyone, Fordham University caught my eye recently and I'm contemplating applying there next year. Can anyone here fill me in on what to expect during the admissions process? What are they looking for in terms of GPA, testing scores, extracurriculars? Any personal experiences or advice would be immensely appreciated!
Fordham University is a great choice! As a medium-sized, private university located in the bustling city of New York, Fordham offers a strong liberal arts education as well as robust programs in business and other fields.
When it comes to GPA, Fordham tends to favor high-achieving students. For reference, the average high school GPA of the incoming class tends to be around 3.7 on the 4.0 scale - so they value academic commitment. However, Fordham reviews applications holistically, meaning they'll look closely at your course rigor, so challenging yourself with AP courses where possible would be beneficial.
For testing, Fordham University has adopted a test-optional policy for the 2024-2025 application cycle. This means you don't need an SAT or ACT score to apply, although you can still submit scores if you feel they significantly enhance your application. If you choose to submit, note that the average SAT score for accepted students usually ranges from 1330 to 1460, while the ACT tends to range from 30 to 33.
Extracurriculars are quite crucial too. Fordham seeks students who have shown meaningful involvement outside the classroom. This doesn't necessarily mean you must have an extensive list of activities, but rather a few areas where you've demonstrated dedication and leadership. This could mean starting a club at your school, achieving a significant rank in academic competitions, or undertaking substantial community service projects, for example.
When crafting your application, consider aligning your essays and activity list to Fordham's stated mission and values, as it's a Jesuit university and places emphasis on service and intellectual inquiry.
Finally, since Fordham is a more selective institution, I'd advise also having a balanced list of reach, match, and safety schools, alongside Fordham.
Hope this helps and best of luck with your application process!
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