Franklin and Marshall College Top Questions

Through my professors I have been able to realize my passions. Finding my passion in only my sophomore year in college was not something that I had expected. My interests were widespread coming into F&M, but slowly, with the immense support from my professors, I began to piece together what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I have been able to translate my hobbies and interests into practical items of study. My passion for women's rights, the Olympics, and sport in general has formed many papers and has inspired many new opportunities. As I went to my professors' offices hours and talked about my interests they began adding to my knowledge of what was possible and encouraged me to continue seeking out information and readily giving any they had. The constant support and interest the professors show in my academic interests is reassuring and empowering. My F&M professors have given me one of the most valuable parts, and arguably the most important, of my college experience: the realization that my passions have value, are interesting and academically viable and important. And for this, I am eternally grateful.

I would tell myself to be smart about the places I go to. I would also tell myself to do all of my homework, because thats where most of the test questions come from. I would work on my time managemant. I would have also saved more money fmor my summer job. Most importantly I would tell myself to be resourseful.

College is not just about academics but it's about living life. When you chose to attend a specific college, it's also a kind of life that you decide to live. College is more than a place to just simply increase your knowledge. Reputation is not extremely impornat as much as we think either. It's important to know yourself and know the college well enough to find the best fit. However, where ever you end up, there's always things to learn and something to gain as your one of a kind life experience. Even though you think you made the wrong decision, that doesn't mean it's a failure. Take what you can take and enjoy. As much as deciding a college is hard and important, it's not like you are crossing the Rubicon.

The number one piece of advice I would give to any high school senior about to leave for college is, "College changes people." This change can be for the good or for the bad, but living on your own causes you to critically consider what your morals and views are and what you are going to do to get where you want to in life. You learn to make priorities and plans, to keep appointments, and discover how you learn best. A college can offer all the resources in the world but unless you put them to use, they are worthless to you. You need to examine what you're given and make the best of it. If you need help, ask. My mom always used to tell me "you have a no until you ask." You never know what could come of approaching your professor with that bizzare question that has been nagging you, asking a faculty member if you can help in their lab. If you need help, reach out for it, that's the only way you will grow as an individual. Have fun, but don't get hurt ... start to live your life to the fullest.

Act like yourself when you get to college. Making friends will be easier that way and don't care about others who judge. Make sure to keep in touch with friends from home because you will still be seeing them on breaks and they are still your friends no matter how far apart you are at school. Make your own decisions and think them through. Study hard but still have fun and do thinkgs/take classes that you are interested in and are perhaps a little outside of your comfort zone. Time management is key! There are a lot of activities and a lot of work so use your time wisely!

I would look at schools sooner and see what is out there before I made my decision. Although I am very happy with where I am, I wish I had explored more options and seen more campuses before I settled on Franklin and Marshall.

Parents and students should know that college is what you make of it. If you're stuck at community collge, make the most of it. Or if you end up at the most expensive ivy league, make the most of it! Make the school fit you, not the other way around.

I honestly think that in order to find the right college you have to visit it while school is in session and you while know if it is the right college for you while you are there on campus.

My only advice wold be to make sure that you fully examine and look into the school that you decide to choose. The experience, the education, the friends you make and have while your in college isnt only for four years, its for a lifetime.

In this video, seniors talk about their experiences in F&M. They also give lot fo advises to incoming freshmen.