Applying to F&M
Start Your Application
F&M accepts applications from one of two sources: the Common Application or the Coalition Application. These platforms allow you to streamline your application process and apply to multiple colleges at once.
Begin Your Common Application
Begin Your Coalition Application
Once we receive your application, you’ll have access to your F&M Application Portal, which you can use to upload additional materials to support your application.
Application Dates to Remember
*Fall transfer applications received after the priority deadline are considered on a space-available basis until the class is full. You are encouraged to complete your application as soon as possible.
Application Options
Applying Early Decision
Are you convinced you want to be a Diplomat? If F&M is your top-choice school, applying Early Decision is the best option for you. Please note that applying Early Decision means that if you apply to F&M and get in, you’re committed to enroll.
To apply Early Decision, you must complete an Early Decision Agreement on either the Common Application or the Coalition Application on Scoir.
Early Decision Application Deadlines
There are two deadlines for applying Early Decision—in early fall and early winter.
Early Decision I Deadline: November 15 of your senior year
You will be notified of our admission decision by December 15
Early Decision II Deadline: January 15 of your senior year
You will be notified of our admission decision by February 15
Begin Your Common Application
Begin Your Coalition Application
Early Estimates of Financial Aid
We understand that many families need to know how much financial aid they may receive
before committing to F&M via Early Decision. We can provide you with an early estimate
of the need-based financial aid for which you might qualify. This is an estimate only,
not a guaranteed financial aid package. It also doesn’t guarantee or imply admission.
Learn how to get an early estimate
Keep Track of What You Need With an Application Checklist
We understand that this is a lot to remember and track! To help, we put together a
step-by-step guide to completing the application process as an Early Decision applicant.
Check out your application checklist
Applying Regular Decision
If you’re still exploring your options and F&M is one of many colleges you are considering,
applying Regular Decision is likely your best option. We have one Regular Decision
deadline in mid-January.
Regular Decision Deadline: January 15 of your senior year
You will be notified of our admission decision by April 1
Begin Your Common Application
Begin Your Coalition Application
Keep Track of What You Need With an Application Checklist
We understand that this is a lot to remember and track! To help, we put together a
step-by-step guide to completing the application process as a first-year applicant.
Check out your application checklist
Applying as a Transfer Student
We’re so glad you’re considering making F&M the place to continue your academic journey.
F&M is a welcoming place for transfer students. There are two application deadlines
depending on which semester you’d like to transfer.
Fall Semester: April 15*
You will be notified of our admission decision by June 1
Spring Semester: November 1
You will be notified of our admission decision by November 15
*Fall transfer applications received after the priority deadline are considered on
a space-available basis until the class is full. You’re encouraged to complete your
application as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, you can email transfer@fandm.edu.
Keep Track of What You Need With an Application Checklist
We understand that this is a lot to remember and track! To help, we put together a
step-by-step guide to completing the application process as a transfer student.
Check out your application checklist
Register for an Interview with our Transfer Student Ambassador
We welcome eligible students for 2024 Spring enrollment to register.
Register for an interview
Applying as an International Student
We’re delighted you’re interested in pursuing an American liberal arts education at
F&M. There is a strong global presence at F&M, with almost 20% of our students coming
to our campus from countries outside of the U.S.
Learn about the international student experience at F&M
If you’re applying to F&M as an international student, you will be asked to follow
the standard application procedures and also supply some additional information, including
proof of proficiency in the English language. If F&M is your first-choice institution,
we recommend you apply Early Decision. We place an exceptional value on students who
apply early. Otherwise, you may apply Regular Decision.
Apply to F&M as an international student
Keep Track of What You Need With an Application Checklist
We understand that this is a lot to remember and track! To help, we put together a
step-by-step guide to completing the application process as an international student.
Check out your application checklist
Standardized Testing Options
We know you are more than a test score. That’s why we have been a test-optional institution for more than 30 years. That means that you can choose whether or not to submit your standardized test (SAT or ACT) scores with your application. Please note that F&M requires home-schooled applicants to submit either their SAT or ACT scores.
How Test-Optional Works
If you choose not to submit your test scores, we will review all of the other pieces of your application—transcripts, academic recommendation and other supporting materials—to make our decision. If you choose the test-optional route, you must indicate that on your Common Application or Coalition Application when you apply.
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.
Choosing to Submit Scores
If you do submit SAT or ACT scores, we will “superscore” your results. This means
we will take the highest score of each section from each SAT or ACT test date to best
represent your success (superscore). For the SAT, we combine your best evidence-based
reading and writing score and your best math score, even if they come from different
test dates. For the ACT, we take your highest Math, Science, Reading and English scores
from any tests you take on any dates and average them for a new ACT composite score.
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 number: 2261
- F&M ACT code number: 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.
Additional Application Materials
Do you want to further personalize your application to F&M? We welcome any materials that you feel add value to your application. These include an optional admission interview; videos or images of dance or theater performances; or samples of your work in film, art or creative writing.
Schedule an Interview
Interviews are a great way for us to get to know each other better. At F&M, interviews
are engaging, informal conversations. And while interviews are not required, they
are a good way to strengthen your application. This is your time to tell us something
that may not show up on your application.
Check out our interview tips to get some insight into what makes a good interview.
Schedule an interview
Art Portfolio Samples
F&M’s art, art history, and film departments welcome samples of your artistic work in any medium. Art talent samples should include a minimum of six and maximum of 20 works, preferably submitted as a PDF file to your F&M Application Portal.
Please include your full name and type of medium in the PDF file name. Also include a short personal statement (approximately 250 words) about why creating art is important to you.
Music Samples
There are many ways to share your musical prowess with F&M’s music department. You can submit a recording of a performance to your F&M Application Portal (a video recording is preferred), submit copies or recordings of any compositions, and meet with a music department representative on campus or virtually.
Dance Samples
Dance at F&M is open to all students, regardless of prior experience. If you have experience and would like to demonstrate your dance technique, you can upload a video to your F&M Application Portal. Please include your first and last name in the video title. If the performance you submit includes multiple dancers, please identify yourself when submitting. Please also indicate whether you choreographed the piece.
Additional Letters of Recommendation
Beyond the required recommendations, you are welcome to send additional letters of
recommendation from coaches, supervisors, or mentors who know you well. However, we
ask that you be mindful of how many letters you send.
Scholarship Opportunities
Diplomat Leadership Program
iF&M in Bath, England
F&M Application Portal
We’re dedicated to making an F&M education affordable for all. By offering need- and
merit-based financial aid, we’re able to welcome talented students from all backgrounds. 65% of F&M students receive some sort of need-based aidFinancial Aid at F&M
Learn more about financial aid at F&M
Ready to take your first look at campus and explore the place that could be your home
for the next four years? Whether you visit us in person or “walk around” with a virtual
tour, our Admission team is prepared to help you build your visit to suit your needs.
Experience Campus
Franklin & Marshall College is committed to having an inclusive campus community where all members are treated with dignity and respect. The College does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race or ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, family or marital status, or sexual orientation in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, athletic and other College-administered programs.
Federal legislation requires institutions of higher education to share with all prospective members of the community a copy of their Annual Security Report (ASR), which is available through Franklin & Marshall's Department of Public Safety. The ASR contains information about the college, its facilities, crime statistics, and where to report any crimes, among other information. A hard copy of the ASR is available by emailing Chief William McHaleat Franklin & Marshall's Department of Public Safety Campus Police or calling (717) 358-3870.
As required by Pennsylvania law, if there is reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been abused, F&M will report this to the appropriate state authorities.