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 »