Navigator’s Quick Look at Fairfield University
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