Our application process abounds with options. . . Much like what you'll experience as a student here. 

Choose Early Decision if you are sure that Franklin & Marshall is the best fit, or the Standardized Test Option if you would prefer that we not use your Standardized Test Scores in the decision making process. You can decide to apply using a print copy of the Common Application or submit your application online. 

When it comes down to it, picking the college that you will attend is your choice. 

But first, you have to apply.

Early Decision

Standardized Test Option

Additional Application Materials

Application Deadlines

Application (PDF)

Apply Online

Application Checklist

Early Decision
Students who have decided that Franklin & Marshall is their first choice college are encouraged to apply Early Decision. Early Decision applicants who are admitted to the College are committed to attending and are obligated to withdraw all other applications to other colleges or universities. Franklin & Marshall values students who commit early to the College and as such, chances of being admitted are greater for Early Decision candidates.

There are two deadlines for applying Early Decision: November 15 and January 15 of your senior year. To apply Early Decision to Franklin & Marshall, applicants should fill out the Early Decision Form. Early Decision applicants who live within a half day’s drive of the College are required to have an on-campus interview before the application deadline. Students who apply Early Decision I or II will be notified of the College’s decision by December 15 and February 15, respectively.

Standardized Test Option

Students who do not believe their standardized test scores reflect their academic ability are not required to submit scores to Franklin & Marshall.

Please note that this option is not available for international applicants.

Students choosing the Standardized Test Option will be required to submit two recent (junior or senior year) graded writing samples (creative or analytical), preferably from a Humanities or social science course. The samples should include teachers' comments, grades, and a description of the assignment.

Students may request that their high school delete their scores from their transcript. All transcripts for students choosing this option will be examined prior to their inclusion in the application folders, and any scores that are included will be deleted before the applications are reviewed by the Admission Committee.

To choose this option, an applicant must complete the appropriate form which is part of the application, or is sent to the applicant upon receipt of the Common Application.  Click here to access the Standardized Test Option Form.

Additional Materials

Applicants are encouraged to submit additional materials to supplement their application. Supplemental material might include CDs/tapes of musical performances, writing samples, or copies/slides of artwork. Please send supplementary materials directly to the Office of Admission. Material will only be returned, upon request, if return postage is included with your submission.

Application Deadlines

Early Decision I:     November 15

Early Decision II:    January 15

Regular Decision:   February 1