How to Get into Fordham: SAT and ACT Scores, GPA and More

Dreaming of New York City? Fordham University has you covered. With a main campus in the Bronx, a second at Lincoln Center, and yet another in Westchester, attending the university gives you an opportunity to explore both the college’s and the city’s rich offerings. And its academics are top-notch, as well. Among Fordham’s more unique experiences is a program that allows undergrads to take environmental studies courses at a biological field station. If that sounds appealing, read on for everything you need to know about Fordham: from the nitty-gritty of Fordham SAT scores and ACT scores to the bigger picture of Fordham admissions.

Fordham University SAT Scores (middle 50%)	1310-1450
Fordham University ACT Scores (middle 50%)	29-33
Fordham University admissions rate	46%
Fordham University GPA average	3.4-3.9

Fordham SAT Scores

First things first: here are the average Fordham SAT scores:

Math	610-710
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing	620-710

However, keep in mind that those sectional scores are for the Class of 2021. Fordham and U.S. News & World Report have not yet released sectional breakdowns for the class of 2022, but we can see from the Fordham admissions department that scores have gone up: “Test scores for the middle 50% of admitted students in the Class of 2022 ranged from 1310-1450 on the SAT…”

Does it make a difference? It does. This means that the sectional scores have actually gone up significantly from last year, when the average Evidence-Based Reading and Writing SAT score at Fordham was 659 and the average Math SAT score was 662. Now, the average sectional score is closer to 680.

What does that mean for Fordham admissions? That composite SAT score puts admitted students between the 88th and 97th percentile of SAT-takers. Fordham is a competitive school, so if your scores fall below this range and Fordham’s your dream school, it’s worth thinking about re-taking the exam.

What happens if Fordham is your dream school but your scores aren’t in Fordham’s range? Make sure that you have great letters of recommendation; write stellar essays; and polish the remainder of your application as much as possible.

One final note on Fordham SAT scores: you don’t need to take the SAT with writing for Fordham admissions. So go ahead, breathe a big sigh of relief

Fordham ACT Scores

As you might expect from Fordham SAT scores, Fordham ACT scores are equally competitive. Take a look.

Section	25th Percentile	75th Percentile
English	27	34
Math	26	30

Just like with the SAT, Fordham provides a more recent composite (overall) score than it does sectional scores. Its admissions office explains that for the Class of 22, the middle 50th percentile of admitted students scored between 29 and 33 on the ACT. This means that the middle 50% of Fordham ACT scores fall between the 88th and 96th percentile of ACT test-takers…pretty darn similar to those Fordham SAT percentiles!

Ending on a high note: Fordham doesn’t require students to submit the ACT Essay! So unless you have a good reason to take it (applying to other schools that do require it, for example), you’re free and clear.

Fordham Acceptance Rate

Fordham’s most recent acceptance rate was 46%. That’s pretty competitive—fewer than half of applicants are accepted—but far less steep than Ivy League schools, for example.

How to get into Fordham? Maximize your chances by aiming for an SAT or ACT score that falls within the middle 50% of Fordham’s accepted students’ ranges. Take a challenging curriculum and do well in it. Finally, make sure your application (including those essays and letters) is as strong as it can be before submitting it.

Fordham GPA Average

For the Class of 2022, Fordham students averaged a 3.7 GPA (equivalent to a 92% or A- average). Not sure how to calculate your GPA? Check out Magoosh’s guide here to see how yours stacks up. This is up from the previous year, when it was reported as 3.6, with a middle 50% range of 3.4-3.9.

If your high school doesn’t use GPAs (or you just want more info about Fordham admissions), 57% of admitted students were in the top 10% of their high school class, while 88% were in the top 25%.

Fordham Freshmen Profile

Where do Fordham students come from? The short answer is: everywhere. While 20% of the entering class is from New York City alone (not counting other New York State students!), attendees come from across the country and around the world.

New York, New Jersey, and California are the three most-represented states in Fordham’s most recent class, but Fordham students come from many other places. The Class of 2022 includes 206 international students (about 10% of the student body), including those from China, Malaysia, and Nigeria.

Impressively, 102 students in the Fordham class of 2022 were either National Merit or National Hispanic Scholars, while 106 were Dean’s Scholars.

Fordham Admissions Requirements and Info

How to get into Fordham? Other than the Common App (yep, that includes the essay!), your transcript, SAT or ACT scores, and a letter of recommendation, Fordham admission requires a minimum of 16 academic credits, including the following:

4 years of English
3-4 years of science
3-4 years of math
3-4 years of social studies
2-4 years of foreign languages

If you’ve taken American Sign Language in high school, that’s awesome, and that does fulfill Fordham entrance requirements. However, sadly, Fordham does not offer courses in ASL, so you won’t be able to continue your studies there.

FAQs

Does Fordham have rolling admissions?
Nope—Fordham admissions have deadlines (the only exception is if you’re applying during the Early Action period…another reason to get that application in early!).

Can I apply for early admission at Fordham?
Yes! Fordham has many different types of applications: Early Action (non-binding), Early Decision (binding), Priority Performance (theater or dance program applications), Regular Decision (January 1). Before applying, it’s a good idea to check out the deadlines on Fordham’s official site to make sure you’re up-to-date. One important note is that while your application has to be received by the deadline, official scores and other documents can arrive slightly after.

Can I apply to Fordham as a transfer student?
Definitely. Even better? You can apply to transfer in either Fall or Spring semesters.