<p>njshore,</p>
<p>I am currently a freshman at Fordham, I’m a member of the Global Business Honors Program in the Gabelli School of business. However, I am transferring at the end of the semester (Villanova is one of my options, along with Lehigh and Lafayette). I DO NOT want to say anything negative about Fordham because it is a fine school, but I would definitely choose Villanova.</p>
<p>First of all, I would definitely give an edge to Villanova for business. Fordham does have a brand new business school in Hughes Hall which is beautiful, but I still prefer Villanova’s b-school; it has great facilities and a great reputation (much higher ranking than Fordham as well). Fordham does have the proximity to NYC which is great, and I love taking trips into Manhattan, but I really think that’s the only advantage over Nova. And it’s not liek Villanova is in the middle of nowhere…you have Philly just a train ride away and there will be plenty of opportunities there.</p>
<p>The main reason I’m leaving Fordham is because I want a better college experience. A lot of people commute to Fordham, and a lot of people leave the school each weekend. Although you’re in new york city and can do virtually anything there, I felt like the campus was a bit dead on the weekends. There is also no school spirit, which was extremely disappointing for me. Obviously, you can’t beat school spirit when it comes to Villanova basketball, and to me it seems like there is always something to do there. Villanova has a beautiful students center which looks like a fun place to be.</p>
<p>When it comes to campus, you really can’t beat Fordham’s; it is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. Yet, there’s nothing wrong with Villanova’s campus, it is also very beautiful and the facilties are great. One other MAJOR thing to consider is location. Fordham is in the Bronx and that takes some getting used to. I’m from Sussex County in NJ and living in the Bronx was not so much fun for me. On the other hand, Nova is in a really nice suburb and near the town of Bryn Mawr which is very nice.</p>
<p>I would definitely choose Villanova, but there is nothing wrong with Fordham; so many people love it there and its a great school. Also, if your son has the “Villanova Grant” is may be merit aid mixed with need, so I would call the school to see how that would change over the years; it may be more merit based than need based. Last year, I was accepted to Nova and received the Villanova Grant for 30k a year, and my father makes around 200k. </p>
<p>I hope this helps, good luck! and congrats on the acceptances!</p>