How can I use Fordham's Common Data Set to understand my chances of admission?

Fordham’s Common Data Set is useful because it shows both how selective the school is and what factors matter most in admission. The most important sections for your purpose are the admissions section, the academic profile section, and the section on first-year enrollment.

Start with the overall admit rate. That gives you a baseline for selectivity. A school with a moderate overall admit rate can still be much more competitive for certain applicants, especially if many admitted students have strong grades and rigorous coursework.

Look closely at the section listing what Fordham considers in admissions. Pay special attention to whether class rank, GPA, course rigor, essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and demonstrated interest are marked as very important, important, considered, or not considered. That tells you what parts of your application will carry the most weight.

Then check the middle 50 percent ranges for GPA, SAT, and ACT if reported.

Another helpful section is the high school record breakdown of enrolled students. If Fordham reports how many students had averages in top grade bands, that gives you a better sense of what successful applicants usually look like beyond a simple admit rate.