Review of Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus
Do you feel you’re learning a lot?
There are many great Professors here at the university. They are what make learning interesting. Take classes in Sociology, Literature and the required CORE classes and you will learn a lot about how people behave and about some of the pressing underlying issues in the United States and in the world. I can not say enough just how much learning also take place outside of the classroom and where much of my learning has come from. FDU is so great for constantly throughout every school year, hosting discussions and panels where guest speakers from members of the UN to U.S. Interrogators to our very own faculty speak on the most heated and pressing topics. Some of the topics have been cyber bullying, our relationship to the Middle East, Islamophobia, the lack of political voice for Islamic women, a professional photographer’s story of domestic abuse and the list goes on and on. You will learn a lot IN and OUTside of the classroom.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
Yes I am! I couldn’t imagine being at another college. It definitely was meant to be. The atmosphere of FDU and the dorms will quickly feel homey. By the way, many of the dorm buildings are really nice, some do need work but FDU is constantly making improvements for the students- gyms, student lounges, etc.. Dorming is definitely a whole other experience on its own and it’s great.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Is FDU a bang for the buck? It depends on the individual in this case. Personally, I love FDU and everything they offer, but the college is definitely pricey- more for some than others. Some find it cheaper than a state school. It really does depend on whether you are a New Jersey resident or not and what you can academically qualify for. So try to keep your grades up high your senior year of high school! A high SAT score (Math & Verbal are the only ones FDU considers- a score of 1050 or higher) and at least a 3.0 GPA, and you can qualify for a good scholarship. However, as others have mentioned scholarships and awards are consistent and you can work out a payment plan so that you are paying at a rate that is right for you.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
It’s an extremely expensive college BUT they offer a lot of scholarship money like no other college does. They are able to do this because so many of the alumni generously donate. FDU is really a tight knit small community. Also, REMEMBER, one of the most important things about starting college is that you start off on a clean slate. You have the ability to do better than you did in high school (for those of you who didn't do as well as you'd liked, like me). So be positive and use your time wisely! The Freshman Seminar course you take when you first begin at FDU is designed to help you make the transition from high school to college. Take advantage of it. Take advantage of any help you need. FDU has a career center for those looking for a job in a career choice relevant to their major, it has a tutoring center, plenty of computers to do your internet work, a library with extended hours, and several eating spots other than the cafeteria (a Nathan’s is right on campus). Café food is better than the food many other colleges offer in the area! Take advantage of all this good stuff. Time management will be of major importance in college. Another important thing, get involved! I know that sounds over said but this is how you meet people, friends. There are plenty of Clubs on campus and growing. You can start your own club as long as you have a few people rounded up ?. Really take time to form relationships with your professors because number 1, they are there to help you succeed to the best of your ability and two, they’ll be the people looking out for you when you need a recommendation for a future job!
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Students interested in Global Studies, studying abroad to learn of other cultures, interested in majoring in Communications as they have an extensive 5 year MA program (its a plus!), Film, English (the English/Creative Writing department is amazing and the students produce great work), Theater (And musical theater! The Visual & Performing Arts Department puts on plays twice or more a year) and you know how every school has that one major that is rare? Well FDU has Hotel Management and it's own Hotel on campus, which I think is pretty awesome. FDU does offer a few dance classes (that are always fun) but unfortunately its not really a major at the college, which I believe the college should consider in the future. FDU is a great for students interested in a tight knit small community with small classes. The most students in a class will be around 30; some may be 40 if its a general requirement course or if the course isn't offered every semester. FDU is also working its way to being more diverse. What was once a predominately Caucasian college is definitely shifting and you will see a great mix of African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Italians, Greeks and so on. So if you’re interested in a diverse setting, you will find it here. I’m not a particularly athletic person, so I don’t have a personal story to tell on the topic of sports on the campus. I do however know that there is football, swimming, volleyball and soccer teams. Most of all, FDU’s campus is beautiful in the Spring. Trees cover the campus, and wildlife roam (mostly foxes, deer, beavers and other critters) but they do not cause any harm, I promise! If you want a big campus with beautiful scenery and historic buildings(The Mansion was Vanderbuilts), FDU Florham is it. If you want to still be able to visit the city (NY), the train ride to NY is about an hour. Pretty close!
There are many great Professors here at the university. They are what make learning interesting. Take classes in Sociology, Literature and the required CORE classes and you will learn a lot about how people behave and about some of the pressing underlying issues in the United States and in the world. I can not say enough just how much learning also take place outside of the classroom and where much of my learning has come from. FDU is so great for constantly throughout every school year, hosting discussions and panels where guest speakers from members of the UN to U.S. Interrogators to our very own faculty speak on the most heated and pressing topics. Some of the topics have been cyber bullying, our relationship to the Middle East, Islamophobia, the lack of political voice for Islamic women, a professional photographer’s story of domestic abuse and the list goes on and on. You will learn a lot IN and OUTside of the classroom.
Yes I am! I couldn’t imagine being at another college. It definitely was meant to be. The atmosphere of FDU and the dorms will quickly feel homey. By the way, many of the dorm buildings are really nice, some do need work but FDU is constantly making improvements for the students- gyms, student lounges, etc.. Dorming is definitely a whole other experience on its own and it’s great.
Is FDU a bang for the buck? It depends on the individual in this case. Personally, I love FDU and everything they offer, but the college is definitely pricey- more for some than others. Some find it cheaper than a state school. It really does depend on whether you are a New Jersey resident or not and what you can academically qualify for. So try to keep your grades up high your senior year of high school! A high SAT score (Math & Verbal are the only ones FDU considers- a score of 1050 or higher) and at least a 3.0 GPA, and you can qualify for a good scholarship. However, as others have mentioned scholarships and awards are consistent and you can work out a payment plan so that you are paying at a rate that is right for you.
It’s an extremely expensive college BUT they offer a lot of scholarship money like no other college does. They are able to do this because so many of the alumni generously donate. FDU is really a tight knit small community. Also, REMEMBER, one of the most important things about starting college is that you start off on a clean slate. You have the ability to do better than you did in high school (for those of you who didn't do as well as you'd liked, like me). So be positive and use your time wisely! The Freshman Seminar course you take when you first begin at FDU is designed to help you make the transition from high school to college. Take advantage of it. Take advantage of any help you need. FDU has a career center for those looking for a job in a career choice relevant to their major, it has a tutoring center, plenty of computers to do your internet work, a library with extended hours, and several eating spots other than the cafeteria (a Nathan’s is right on campus). Café food is better than the food many other colleges offer in the area! Take advantage of all this good stuff. Time management will be of major importance in college. Another important thing, get involved! I know that sounds over said but this is how you meet people, friends. There are plenty of Clubs on campus and growing. You can start your own club as long as you have a few people rounded up ?. Really take time to form relationships with your professors because number 1, they are there to help you succeed to the best of your ability and two, they’ll be the people looking out for you when you need a recommendation for a future job!
Students interested in Global Studies, studying abroad to learn of other cultures, interested in majoring in Communications as they have an extensive 5 year MA program (its a plus!), Film, English (the English/Creative Writing department is amazing and the students produce great work), Theater (And musical theater! The Visual & Performing Arts Department puts on plays twice or more a year) and you know how every school has that one major that is rare? Well FDU has Hotel Management and it's own Hotel on campus, which I think is pretty awesome. FDU does offer a few dance classes (that are always fun) but unfortunately its not really a major at the college, which I believe the college should consider in the future. FDU is a great for students interested in a tight knit small community with small classes. The most students in a class will be around 30; some may be 40 if its a general requirement course or if the course isn't offered every semester. FDU is also working its way to being more diverse. What was once a predominately Caucasian college is definitely shifting and you will see a great mix of African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Italians, Greeks and so on. So if you’re interested in a diverse setting, you will find it here. I’m not a particularly athletic person, so I don’t have a personal story to tell on the topic of sports on the campus. I do however know that there is football, swimming, volleyball and soccer teams. Most of all, FDU’s campus is beautiful in the Spring. Trees cover the campus, and wildlife roam (mostly foxes, deer, beavers and other critters) but they do not cause any harm, I promise! If you want a big campus with beautiful scenery and historic buildings(The Mansion was Vanderbuilts), FDU Florham is it. If you want to still be able to visit the city (NY), the train ride to NY is about an hour. Pretty close!