Expectations for Applicants

On This Page

• AI Policy for Application Writing
• Credentials Integrity Policy
• Disciplinary & Criminal History Policy

AI Policy for Application Writing

As a Jesuit University, we believe that your unique gifts—your intelligence, creativity, and ethical compass—are what make you fully human. The rise in artificial intelligence tools (e.g. ChatGPT) creates the ability to use shortcuts that may seem attractive, but won’t yield the same result as reflection, revision, and original thought.

• Your application writing is our best way to get to know you—the real you. At Fordham, we have an applicant pool of over 50,000 students. As such, we are unfortunately unable to offer interviews as a standard part of our application process. This means that we rely on the writing you present in your application to learn more about who you are on a deeper level, beyond your transcripts and activities. AI can’t capture how you think or what you value.
• You can use AI as a tool—but proceed with caution. Your best sounding boards are the people in your life who know you well—family, friends, counselors, teachers, etc. They are the people who can tell you if your writing sounds authentic to you. Using AI in its proper place, such as brainstorming ideas or polishing a draft, ensures that your work remains original.
• Your application is a promise that who you present to us is who will show up on our campuses. In turn, we promise that we will review your application holistically. This means that each part is looked at in relation to the whole, not in isolation. We consider each element of the application in its appropriate context. If pieces of your application are manufactured or not genuine, you won’t create a cohesive narrative. Your application is the story of you and should reflect your genuine abilities. We expect all Fordham students to adhere to the highest level of academic integrity.

We know that embarking on this process can seem daunting, but if you embrace the opportunity to truly reflect on your journey, you’ll create writing that you’re truly proud of—and learn more about yourself in the process.

Credentials Integrity Policy

As a Jesuit institution, It is our expectation that applicants will act with integrity in all aspects of the admission process. To that end, applicants will submit original applications and supplementary credentials that are truthful and accurate. These credentials include, but are not limited to: academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, activities lists/resumes, and standardized test scores. In turn, we assure students that we will review their applications holistically and make admission decisions in good faith.

Our admission office works diligently to provide accurate and helpful information about the application process via our website, as well as through on-campus, virtual, and on-demand visit programming. Our staff also works one-on-one with students, families, and school counselors in order to advance understanding of our policies and procedures. We encourage applicants and their families to exercise discernment when working with outside agencies or other influencers, particularly those who offer assurances of admission to Fordham.

In the event that a student is found to have applied with any type of falsified information, the student's application, admission, or enrollment status will be revoked.

Students and counselors are welcome to contact their admission counselor with questions or concerns.

Note: When submitting application related documents. Only transcripts electronically uploaded via your secondary school will be accepted as official. We do not accept high school and or college transcripts via the mail or unverified electronic sources.

Disciplinary & Criminal History Policy

The Office of Undergraduate Admission reviews school disciplinary and/or criminal history information within the context of a student's application. We encourage students to be transparent in providing this information and to share with the committee what they have learned about themselves from the experience. Checking this box does not preclude admission to the University. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to complete this application process. Senior committee members are involved in the review of this information. Students who are granted admission may be offered additional support, if needed, as related to the infraction.

*The above policies are current for the 2026-27 admission cycle.