Applying to F&M as an International Student

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. 

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 Common Application
Begin 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

Early Decision I

November 15
(Notified within 30 days from the application deadline)

Early Decision II*

January 6
(Notified within 30 days from the application deadline)

Regular Decision*

January 6
(Notified by April 1)

Transfer (Fall)

Deadline: July 1

Transfer (Spring)

Priority Deadline: November 1
Final Deadline: December 15

* Please note the deadline to switch to Early Decision I from Regular Decision or Early Decision II is December 9. The deadline to switch to Early Decision II from Regular Decision is February 3.

** We continue to accept fall transfer applications after the April 15 priority deadline and release decisions on a rolling basis.

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. If you have any questions or need guidance during the application process, you can email us at intladmissions@fandm.edu

International parents can explore our overview of F&M in Chinese and Spanish.

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 your best option. Please note that applying Early Decision means that if you apply to F&M and are admitted, 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
(Notified within 30 days from the application deadline)

Early Decision II Deadline
January 6
(Notified within 30 days from the application deadline)

* Please note the deadline to switch to Early Decision I from Regular Decision or Early Decision II is December 9. The deadline to switch to Early Decision II from Regular Decision is February 3.


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



Stay Organized With an Application Checklist

We understand the application process involves a lot of moving parts. To make sure you haven’t missed anything important, check out this step-by-step guide to applying Early Decision.
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 6
(Notified by April 1)

* Please note the deadline to switch to Early Decision I from Regular Decision or Early Decision II is December 9. The deadline to switch to Early Decision II from Regular Decision is February 3.

Begin Your Common Application
Begin Your Coalition Application

Stay Organized With an Application Checklist

We understand the application process involves a lot of moving parts. To make sure you haven’t missed anything important, check out this step-by-step guide to applying as an international student.
Check out your application checklist


Applying as a Transfer

Are you looking for more from your college experience? As a transfer student, it takes courage and conviction to demand a college experience that goes beyond baseline expectations. At Franklin & Marshall College, we welcome students who bring a fresh perspective to our community—students like you. Welcome to the first step on the journey to becoming an F&M Diplomat. Let’s create a new path—together.
Explore the transfer student experience


There are two application deadlines depending on which semester you’d like to transfer. 

Fall Semester
Deadline: July 1

Spring Semester
Priority Deadline: November 1
Final Deadline: December 15


** We continue to accept fall transfer applications after the April 15 priority deadline and release decisions on a rolling basis.

If you have any questions, you can email transfer@fandm.edu.

Begin Your Common Application

Stay Organized With an Application Checklist

We understand the application process involves a lot of moving parts. To make sure you haven’t missed anything important, check out this step-by-step guide to applying as a transfer student.
Check out your application checklist

Standardized Testing Options

Language Proficiency Exams

An English Proficiency Test Score is required for students whose native language is not English. We accept the following English Proficiency Tests: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), Duolingo English Test (DET), or Pearson PTE Academic (PTEA).

You will not be required to complete a language proficiency exam if: 
  • English is your native language
  • You've been studying at a school for at least 3 years where the main language of instruction in all courses is English
  • You are enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and have obtained or are predicted to obtain the following IB scores:
    • IB English Standard Level (SL) examination with a predicted score of 5 or higher
    • IB English Higher Level (HL) examination with a predicted score of 4 or higher

If you believe you’re eligible to have your language proficiency requirement waived, please email the Office of Admission at intladmissions@fandm.edu after you submit your 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 may 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 about you hat 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 department welcomes samples of  your artistic work in any medium. Art talent samples should include between no less than six and no more than 20 works, preferably submitted as a PDF file to your F&M Application Portal. 

Please include your full name and type of medium on 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 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 recommendations from coaches, supervisors, or mentors who know them well. However, we ask that you be mindful of how many letters you send.

Connect With Our International Community

Are you wondering what it's really like to be an international student at F&M? Visit our International Peer Mentor site to connect with other international students like you and to learn more about student life at F&M.

Learn more »

Financial Aid

Reflecting our commitment to a diverse student body, we are proud to offer need-based financial aid to international students. This means that if you are admitted to F&M, we will meet 100% of your institutionally determined financial need for all four years on campus. Please keep in mind that while the amount of aid is generous, it is also limited, so we encourage you to apply early.

Learn more about financial aid »