Academics
Established in 1787, Franklin & Marshall College is a little liberal arts gem located in south central Pennsylvania. With around 2,300 students, F&M offers numerous opportunities for academic exploration and expansion, and there is “a great balance between a strong and competitive academic culture, talented and successful athletic teams, and a vibrant social life.” The school offers numerous interdisciplinary majors and minors, “does an excellent job of making sure you know how to write,” and a collaborative learning experience that extends beyond the classroom through research opportunities, the College Houses (residential communities), and multiple affiliated study abroad programs.
The rigorous academics are “demanding and challenging” gauntlets thrown down by professors that are “esteemed published scholars in their respective fields.” “You’ll work hard but you’ll learn a lot,” says a student. Small classes offer plenty of face and advice time with these scholars: “Whether it be for class selection or post graduate paths, they are always there to help.” “The support for a student here is absolutely astonishing,” says another. The classroom setting at F&M is completely different from the traditional lecture halls of bigger schools, and students “often have round tables for close discussion with...professors.” Students love the fact that academic and personal growth are equally important, and the environment is shaped by “people who are active both in school and extracurriculars, and who get excited about both.” “Someone said to me the other week that you’re not taking advantage of what F&M has to offer if you haven’t been to a professor’s office and discussed something other than class,” says a student. The professors at F&M all have “a certain level of uniqueness” in them, but students appreciate that they all possess a great level of understanding. “My professors have managed to get me engaged in areas that have always seemed like a bore to me.”