Applying to F&M as an International Student

We know you are more than a test score. That’s why we have been proudly test-optional for more than 30 years: when you apply to F&M, you choose whether or not to submit your standardized test (SAT or ACT) scores with your application. 

We also know that making that choice can be stressful, which is why we take a “no harm” approach when reviewing test scores. This means that we will only consider your scores if they strengthen your application. It’s that simple. 

Applying Without Test Scores

F&M conducts a holistic review of every application. If you opt not to submit your test scores, we will redistribute the weight test scores would otherwise carry across the other components of your application—transcripts, academic recommendation and other supporting materials—to make our decision. Choosing to apply test-optional has no negative impact on your likelihood of admission.

You should indicate on your Common Application or Coalition Application if you are applying test optional. If you have already submitted your standardized test scores but would like to remove them from your application, you can tell us through your F&M Application Portal or contact us directly to request this change.

Applying With Test Scores

Applicants who choose to submit test scores with their application are evaluated in a holistic manner and we do not use test scores as the decisive factor in review. We also take a “no harm” approach to test scores. This means that we will only consider your scores if they strengthen your application. 

If you choose to submit standardized test scores, we will “superscore” your results. This means that if you have taken a test more than once, we will take the highest score for each section, even if they come from different testing dates. 

Submission of the essay portion of the SAT/ACT is optional. Students are welcome but not required to send optional subject tests.

How to Submit Scores

You may ask The College Board (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT) to submit your scores directly to F&M by using their school code systems:

• F&M SAT Code: 2261
• F&M ACT Code: 3574

Test scores will also be considered if they are:

• listed on the official high school transcript (unless applying test-optional);
• sent directly by an applicant’s secondary school to the Office of Admission; or
• self-reported by the student on their Common/Coalition Application.

Students who choose to self-report scores on the Common/Coalition Application and who later enroll at F&M are required to submit verified test scores at the time of their enrollment.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma recipients with a total score of 30 or more are awarded 8 course credits (one full year) toward a degree at F&M. IB Certificate recipients receive one or two course credits (depending on discipline) for each higher level examination passed with a score of 5 or higher.

Advanced Placement TESTS (AP)

Credit will be given to students who have received a 4 or a 5 on Advanced Placement (AP) examinations.

Other Examination Programs

French Baccalaureate and German Abitur recipients may be granted credit for up to one full year toward a degree at F&M. In addition, the College generally awards credits to students who have passed the British “A-Level” examinations with a grade of C or higher. Other course credits from foreign countries are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.