I'm starting to think about applying to colleges, and Franklin and Marshall College has caught my eye. Does anybody know their current acceptance rate? And what they look for in applicants exactly?
Franklin and Marshall College has an acceptance rate of approximately 36%. This indicates that out of every 100 applicants, 36 are generally admitted, making Franklin and Marshall's admissions process pretty competitive.
As for what they look for in their applicants, Franklin and Marshall takes a holistic review approach. This means they look at multiple factors in your application, not just your grades and test scores. Some of the key factors include:
1. Academic Performance: Your high school GPA, the rigor of your curriculum (like if you took AP or IB courses), and your standardized test scores (if submitted) are all very important. Successful applicants typically have strong records in these areas.
2. Extracurricular Involvement: The admissions committee values students who have engaged in meaningful activities outside of the classroom. These can be school clubs, athletics, community service, part-time jobs, or internships. The depth of your involvement and any leadership roles you held are especially looked at, not just the quantity of your activities.
3. Letters of Recommendation: Your teachers and the counselor should speak to your intellectual curiosity, your work ethic, your ability to work with others, and any other qualities that will make you a contributing member of the Franklin and Marshall community.
4. Personal Essay: Your essay should provide insight into who you are as a person. The admissions committee wants to understand your values, your passions, and how you see yourself fitting into their college community.
5. Demonstrated Interest: While it might not be as significant as your academic record or extracurricular involvement, Franklin and Marshall does consider demonstrated interest in their admissions process. This can include campus visits, attending college fairs, or other interactions you've had with the college.
All of these factors combined give the admissions committee a full picture of who you are and how you might fit into the Franklin and Marshall community. It's important to ensure that you present a balanced application highlighting all your strengths and passions.
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