Franklin and Marshall College Top Questions

stay focused!

There are two very important things to consider about college. What you must first do, is remember high school. Reflect upon the situations which you most enjoyed and, more importantly, in which you most thrived. How do you learn best-- from lectures? Discussions? Hands-on? In high school, which extra-curriculars did you get the most out of? Do you thrive best when you can stand out of a small group or are you revved up and inspired by the masses? Once you've done some self-exploring, what you must do next is even more important: forget high school. When deciding where to go, forget people who you may try to impress with a fancy college name, and go where you will have the best experience you can. To get that experience, leave your prejudices and preconceived notions at home. Try new foods, activities, and courses that your high school-self would not have even dreamed. Introduce yourself to people you never would have spoken to before. Study abroad. Sled on cafeteria trays. There's a huge world out there beyond your high school walls. You won't experience everything here, but you've got 4 years to try.

While the cost of college is certainly an important issue, don't make it the most important factor in your decision and don't let it control the way you spend your four years in college. I was responsible for financing my college education myself, and I chose to attend one of the most expensive colleges in the country because it was my dream college (small classes, prestigious, liberal arts focus, and close to home). It was a scary decision, but I thankfully didn?t let the tuition deter me from attending because it was well worth the cost. I learned invaluable critical thinking and writing skills and had excellent professors. However, I was so worried about the cost of tuition that I decided to commute to college and I really regretted it. I never really made any good friends on campus and was always very lonely. I loved my professors, my classes, and the school itself, but I felt so unattached to the student body. Looking back, I wouldn't have let the tuition control the manner in which I spent my four years. Students should live on campus and experience campus life, at least for a year.

There's always going to be something you're not happy with, so all you can really do is make the most of what you have. If you look hard enough, you'll find what you need or want your school to be for you. This might take a bit of work on your part, but it is worth every ounce of effort. Trust your instincts. If a school has all the academic facilities you need, you can make the rest of it work.

Always visit a school before you apply or choose. to go to it

Don't worry about the labels. Go someplace that feels right, not someplace that someone else says is right.

After you make a list of all the schools that you think are right for you, go and visit your top three choices. While touring the schools, make sure to make arrangements to attend a class that interests you so that you can see how the teacher and students interact. Remember, you are the customer here. If you are not treated well during a school visit, don't think it will get any better if you go there. And, have a good time with this new experience.

Looking for a college that will provide a quality education is obviously important, but don't sacrifice financial stability for a pricey diploma! You'll definitely thank yourself after you graduate without a bunch of debt.

Knowing what you want is the crucial first step in finding the college that is right for you. Make a list of the attributes your dream school would have; then make a list of features you could not live without. Compare each college you consider to these lists. How does it stack up against your list, and against other schools you've evaluated? Next, consider the academic profile of the typical admitted student. How does yours compare? It is very important to apply to a combination of "reach" schools--schools that are slightly above your academic range, or are Ivy League (which are unpredictable situations for students of any academic caliber), "ballpark" schools--ones that fit perfectly in your academic range, and "safety" schools--schools you can pretty much put money on getting into. Once you've found the perfect school and gotten in, make the most of your experience by staying on top of your academics, getting involved, and maintaining an active social life. When getting involved, look for organizations that will help you do well academically and broaden your social horizons. You'll be the perfect college student in no time!

I would say that as important as the academic standing may seem, the social setting of the school is just as important. I think that for me, college was definitely a place where I learned a lot both inside the classroom and outside the classroom. The person I am today is not the same freshman that entered F&M four years ago. I have been shaped by everyone I've met here. Ultimately, no matter the academic reputation of a school, if the social vibe doesn't feel right, its not worth it to go.