Fordham University Admissions: A Comprehensive Guide

Fordham University, deeply rooted in Jesuit traditions and located in the heart of New York City, seeks students who are not content to sit on the sidelines. The university employs a holistic admission process, carefully considering each element of an application to find students who are a good match for the institution's values and academic rigor. This guide provides a detailed overview of Fordham University's admission requirements, offering insights for prospective undergraduate and graduate students.

Undergraduate Admissions

Holistic Review Process

Fordham's Office of Undergraduate Admission emphasizes a holistic review process. This means that every component of your application, both required and optional, is considered as part of a larger picture. The admissions committee seeks to understand applicants beyond their academic achievements, focusing on their potential to contribute to the Fordham community and the wider world through service and social justice. The university wants to know if you volunteer in your community, have been involved in causes that address economic inequality, animal welfare, or the environment, have taken on additional family responsibility, or have a part-time job to help out with expenses.

Acceptance Rate and Selectivity

The acceptance rate at Fordham University is 56.3%, making it moderately selective. While the university expects applicants to meet specific GPA and standardized test score benchmarks, they are more flexible than some other institutions. Exceeding these requirements significantly increases the chances of admission.

GPA Requirements

Fordham University requires applicants to be above average in their high school class. Successful applicants typically have a mix of A's and B's, with a greater proportion of A's. A GPA of 3.69 is considered the school average. Students with lower GPAs can compensate by demonstrating academic rigor through advanced coursework, such as AP or IB classes, and strong performance on the SAT or ACT.

GPA Ranges of Admitted Students

3.75+: 43%
3.50-3.74: 30%
3.25-3.49: 15%
3.00-3.24: 8%
2.50-2.99: 4%
2.00-2.49: Less than 1%
Below 2.00: Not available

Standardized Testing: Test-Optional Policy

Fordham University has adopted a test-optional policy since May 2020. This means that applicants can choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application. The university emphasizes that applicants who choose not to submit test scores will not be penalized. Fordham has enrolled the largest, most diverse classes in the University's history, while maintaining high academic standards since moving to test-optional.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

Making the Test-Optional Choice

On the Common Application, applicants can indicate whether they want Fordham to consider their scores. Applications from students who opt out of submitting test scores will be considered complete without them. Conversely, applications from students who choose to include test scores will be considered incomplete until the scores are submitted. Changes to the testing status or submission of self-reported scores must be made by November 20 for Early Action and Early Decision I applicants, and by January 20 for Regular Decision and Early Decision II applicants.

Deciding Whether to Submit Scores

Fordham encourages applicants to consider whether submitting test scores will enhance their application. If applicants choose to submit scores, they will be evaluated within the context of the SAT/ACT middle 50% range of the most recent class profile.

Superscoring Policy

Fordham University superscores both the SAT and ACT. This means that the university will consider the highest section scores from multiple test dates to create the best possible composite score. This policy allows students to focus their test preparation efforts on individual sections and retake the tests multiple times to achieve their highest potential scores.

SAT Scores

While Fordham University does not have a strict SAT score cutoff, the 25th percentile SAT score is 1340, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1470.

ACT Scores

The average ACT score at Fordham University is 31. The 25th percentile ACT score is 30, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 33.

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Required Application Materials

All applicants must submit the following materials:

High school transcript and GPA
Application form
Other core information
Letters of Recommendation
College Prep Courses

Optional Application Materials

SAT/ACT Scores (Test-Optional)
Application essays
Interviews

Application Deadlines and Plans

Fordham University offers several application plans:

Early Action: Apply early and receive a decision in advance of the regular response date.
Early Decision: A binding agreement where students commit to enrolling if admitted. The Early Decision Agreement requires signatures from the student, parent/guardian, and counselor.
Regular Decision: Submit an application by the specified date and receive a decision within a stated period, typically by April 1.
Spring Admission: Fordham also accepts applications for spring first-year admission.

Specific Deadlines

November 15 (International Students)
January 3 (Regular Application)

*Deferred Early Action candidates are welcome to change their application plans to Early Decision II by submitting the Request to Change Application Round form in the applicant portal no later than January 20.

**All application materials must be received by the specified deadlines.

Additional Information for Specific Applicants

Homeschooled Students

The admission process and application requirements for homeschooled students are similar to those for students attending traditional high schools. The “School Report” section of the Common Application should be completed by the student’s primary instructor/counselor, providing information about the homeschool experience. New York State residents must present a high school diploma or equivalent, or a passing score on an approved ability-to-benefit test for state financial assistance eligibility.

Read also: Student Debt at Fordham

Visiting Students

Students seeking short-term, full-time study at Fordham while matriculated at another college or university should apply for visiting student admission. A full-time academic course load (minimum 12 undergraduate credits per semester) is required. On-campus housing is not available.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit

Fordham University grants university credit for Higher Level International Baccalaureate (IB) exam scores of 5, 6, or 7. No credit is awarded for IB Standard Level exams. HL scores of 5 receive 3 general elective credits, while HL scores of 6 or 7 receive core or elective credit when appropriate.

Visual Arts, Dance, and Theatre Majors

Applicants to the Visual Arts major may apply Early Action, Early Decision I, Regular Decision, or Early Decision II and should submit a portfolio of their work. Dance and Theatre majors have specific application requirements, including prescreen submissions and live auditions or interviews.

Financial Aid

Fordham University offers various financial aid options, including loans and scholarships. Applicants interested in federal student loans should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), using Fordham's code: 002722.

Graduate Admissions

General Requirements

All applicants to Fordham's graduate programs must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and have obtained a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B). Criteria for admission vary according to the degree program and specialty.

Standardized Test Scores

Applicants to certain graduate programs and program areas are not required to submit standardized test scores, such as the GRE or MAT. However, students who choose to take these exams should do so at least one month prior to the application deadline.

Additional Requirements

School of Professional and Continuing Studies: The admission committee evaluates each application individually. A college skills assessment is part of the admission process.
Transfer Credits: Students may transfer a limited number of credits from other institutions, subject to program director approval.
Conditional Admission: Students admitted on a "conditional" basis must meet specified GPA or coursework requirements to resolve academic deficiencies.
Provisional Admission: Students may be offered "provisional" admission, requiring them to complete certain conditions before full admission is granted.

Special Programs

The Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP): Funded by New York State, provides educational supportive services and supplementary financial assistance to students who demonstrate potential for academic success.

Additional Information

Campus Visits

Visiting Fordham's campuses in the Bronx (Rose Hill) and Manhattan (Lincoln Center) is an excellent way to experience life as a Fordham student. The campuses are connected by the Ram Van intercampus shuttle.

What Fordham is Looking For

Fordham seeks applicants who can contribute to the university community. The university looks for students who aspire to become the best versions of themselves that they can be.

Magis

The Jesuit concept of "magis"-meaning "more"-is a guiding principle at Fordham. It inspires students to pursue challenging academic opportunities, engage in impactful research, and contribute to their communities.

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