A sense of belonging. Faculty mentorship. Small, discussion-based classes. Experiential learning. A holistic education that doesn’t define you by your major.

As we inch closer to Franklin & Marshall College’s May 1 decision day for admitted applicants, students and recent alumni cite these reasons – and many others – when they reflect on why they chose to spend their undergraduate years at F&M.

Current Students

“The College provided me with a sense of belonging. The moment you attain the title of ‘Diplomat,’ F&M becomes a family to you and everyone supports you.”

– Faisal Niazi ’27

“I wanted stellar academics and a solid pre-health program.”

– Jocelyn Chow ’26

“F&M students strike a unique balance: They are brilliant, driven, hard-working people, but also prioritize being friendly, welcoming and fun to be around.”

– Ethan Grabowski ’26

“I wanted a smaller school with a good community, and F&M just felt right.”

– April Rump ’25

“I liked the idea of a small-city experience just far enough from home but not a flight away, since I had only ever lived in New York.”

– Hima Ramnarine ’25

“I was looking for more of a small-school experience. I love smaller group interactions; I think I would totally get lost in a lecture hall of a hundred people.”

– Harmony Clark ’25

“Financial aid and scholarships make going to a school like F&M possible for me. I've always [felt] supported.”

– Jackson Milone ’25

“When I visited, everyone seemed so helpful and welcoming. I fell in love with the campus and English program.”

– Emily Hanson ’25

Recent Alumni

“It felt like a place committed to providing a holistic experience because the current students highlighted that they felt their identities weren't defined by their majors.”

– Kalida Gawon ’23

“I was able to pursue my interests, from carrying out research to leading clubs and playing a varsity sport.”

– Lauren Chen ’23

“I chose to attend F&M because of its beautiful location, history and generous financial aid. The community is very vibrant and diverse.”

– Sylvain Falquet ’23

“I knew that F&M could help me become a more holistic version of myself with many priorities: school, sports, social life and study abroad.”

– Emma Frazier ’21

“Up until that point in my life, I felt very unseen. F&M was full of people who could see the talents and the potential that I had.”

– Joshua Millman ’22

“I liked that students were close with their professors; I saw it as a chance to find opportunities, like research, that most undergrads might not get at a bigger school.”

– Emi Patino-Kishigami ’23

“I chose to attend F&M because of the financial aid I was awarded. As a first-generation college graduate, this was crucial.”

– Lisbeth Marquez-Delgado ’21

Ready to Become a Diplomat?

If you’ve decided that F&M is the right fit for your educational journey, confirm your place in the Class of 2029. Just go to your portal and submit your enrollment agreement online.

Confirm Your Place

Top 10 Reasons to Apply to F&M

From our College House system to an amazing alumni network, there are countless reasons to call Franklin & Marshall College home for four years. See our top 10 reasons to apply.

See the List