What is the waitlist?

Each year we invite a number of qualified candidates to join a waitlist with the hope that some of these students will be invited to complete our first-year class. Franklin & Marshall College receives thousands of applications from academically accomplished students from all over the world. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer admission to some candidates who could be academically successful at Franklin & Marshall. As you may know, our admitted regular decision candidates may be accepted at multiple colleges but can only enroll at one institution. If we underestimate the number of students who accept our initial round of offers, we will gladly admit more students from the waitlist.

What are my chances of being offered admission from the waitlist?

Franklin & Marshall has traditionally had an active waitlist, with approximately 25 to 40 students being offered admission per year.

Is your waitlist ranked?

There is no ranked arrangement to the waitlist. 

What can I do to increase the probability of being accepted from the waitlist? 

If you wish to be considered for admission from the waitlist, please fill out the waitlist response form located in your F&M portal. Continuing to maintain and achieve outstanding grades, as well as having occasional email contact with your regional represenatative, will supplement your interest in the College.

Should I make a deposit at one of the institutions where I was accepted?

We advise students to deposit at another institution if you have not heard from us by the May 1st deadline. Ideally, the Admission Office begins to accept students from the waitlist in the last week of April. The waitlist remains open and active until the class has been filled, often extending through the last week in May.

Should you have further questions or concerns regarding the waitlist, you may contact your regional representative by email.