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FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY (Fairfield, CT)

 Navigator’s Quick Look at Fairfield University

Fairfield university jpg infographic.jpg
 

INTERESTING ASPECTS OF FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY

Wow! I was so impressed with Fairfield University (Fairfield, CT) after touring and attending an information session last week. A recent $40M endowment has brought construction and renovation to the campus. It is a testament to how the university is investing in its future and students. A brand-new business school building is under construction right now. Dorms are being renovated, and part of the library is under construction as well. The campus is meticulously maintained. Buildings are attractive, but the campus is not old enough to have the Gothic, ivy covered buildings seen at many New England campuses. None of the buildings seemed run down.

APPLICATION CONSIDERATIONS

  • Offers EA, ED1, ED2, and RD

  • Utilizes Common Application

  • NO writing supplements are required

  • Test optional

    applicants aren’t penalized when they don’t submit test scores

    approximately 30% of students do not submit scores

an interview is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for students who do not submit test scores

  • Personal essay – applicant should show him or herself in the essay through the prompt of choice. Make sure essay is grammatically correct.

  • Interview process – senior students conduct the interviews. They are evaluative, and the student does submit a synopsis of the interview to go in the student’s file

  • Letters of Recommendation – 1 from counselor and 2-4 from teachers

 

HOUSING

  • Guaranteed for all 4 years.

  • About 50% of seniors rent beach houses

  • Dorm rooms in freshman dorms were good sized and with pretty new furniture.

 

WAITLIST

  • There is a waitlist. The number of students who are admitted off of the waitlist for Class of 2022 was 0.3%.

  • The waitlist does become a “need aware” situation. I liked the rationale for this. Fairfield University feels that it has an obligation to all potential students. They do not feel that it puts students in a fair position to be let off of the waitlist but have a financial aid package that includes tens of thousands of dollars in loans, and then students have a very short time to respond to the admission.

 

SCHOOL OF NURSING

  • Direct first-year admission

  • 30% admission rate vs. 60% for general admission

  • Students cannot to in undecided and then transfer into the school of nursing

  • There are a selective number of spots each year. It is recommended that applicants fo ED or EA to ensure a better chance of admittance.

 

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

  • Apply to school of engineering but do not have to declare major until end of sophomore year

  • Admission rate is similar to general admission

  • Engineering majors are able to get a business minor but no double major

  • Engineers are exempt from the foreign language requirement in common core

  • Calculus is recommended

 

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

  • Admissions is looking for quantitative ability (need at least pre-calculus)

  • School with largest enrollment

  • Lots of NYC internships available

 

DINING OPTIONS

  • Students are automatically enrolled in the 14 swipe/week and $100 “dining dollars” (to be used at various options around campus)

  • Students can upgrade to unlimited swipes

  • Only 1 dining hall on campus.

  • MANY options – buffet style

  • Allergy room available

  • On-site nutritionist

  • Hours are about 7am – 10pm

STAG CARD

  • Has credit for laundry, printing, and dining dollars.

  • Extra cash can be put on it

  • Can be used at some local stores

  • Card allows access to residence halls (after 10pm, access only granted to student’s own housing)

 

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

  • About 17% legacy students

  • Financial Aid requires BOTH FAFSA and CSS

  • Class size is capped at 30

  • Getting classes can be frustrating, but there is flexibility when a class is required

  • Professors have office hours 2x/week. Faculty is extremely available and interested in students

  • There is an honors program offered at time of admission.

  • 60% female / 40% male

  • Advanced Placement credit given for 4s and 5s. Capped at 15 units.

  • No Greek system

 

ADMISSION CONSIDERATIONS

VERY IMPORTANT

High School class rigor

GPA

Personal Essay

Letters of Recommendation


IMPORTANT

Interview

Extracurriculars

Special Talent

Character

First Generation

Work Experience

Volunteer Experience

Demonstrated Interest


CONSIDERED

Class Rank

Standardized Tests (if submitted)

Geographical Residence

Legacy

Ethnicity

NOT CONSIDERED

State Residency

Religious Commitment