Fordham University

The Common Application, including an essay

• The “School Report” section of the Common Application must be completed by the student’s primary instructor/counselor and should include information that will help us understand the student's homeschool experience and environment (e.g. educational philosophy, motivation for homeschooling, instruction setting, etc.).
• Transcript detailing high school curriculum as well as academic grades
• The transcript may be prepared by a parent, a teacher/counselor, or a homeschool organization as applicable to the student’s educational structure.
• If the student has previously attended a traditional high school, we ask that an official transcript be sent by the school directly to Fordham.
• Letter of Recommendation from non-family member
• Official College Transcript, if any college/university courses were completed during high school
• Please note that any student who earns college credit after completing a secondary school diploma is considered a transfer student, regardless of the number of credits completed.

SAT or ACT scores (SAT code: 2259; ACT code: 2748). Please review our additional guidance on test score submission.

• Optional short responses
• Additional information
• Challenges and circumstances
• Unique Fordham question

Homeschooled students are eligible for all merit awards and financial aid.

• New York State Residents: In accordance with New York State Education Department guidelines, homeschooled students residing in New York must present a high school diploma or the recognized equivalent, or a passing score on an approved ability-to-benefit test, to be eligible for State student financial assistance. Students must demonstrate their eligibility for State student financial aid in one of the following ways:
• Obtain a letter from local school district officials confirming that the student has received an education "substantially equivalent" to instruction given to students graduating high school in the public schools;
• Take and pass the General Education Development Test (GED Test) and receive a NYS High School Equivalency Diploma from the New York State Education Department (SED) by the first day of classes to be certified as eligible for a financial aid award for that term; or
• Achieve a satisfactory score on an approved Ability-to-Benefit test by the term add/drop date.