Franklin & Marshall College (F&M)

At Franklin & Marshall, one of the oldest colleges in the country, "you'll work hard but you'll learn a lot." In large part, that's due to the private liberal arts college's standout professors, who make the most of smaller, focused classes, many of which "have round tables for close discussion," as well as off-hours, where one student says you're missing out "if you haven't been to a professor's office and discussed something other than class." Consensus is that there's a lot to be learned in and out of class from these "esteemed published scholars in their respective fields," and enrollees applaud their teachers for finding interesting ways "to get me engaged in areas that have always seemed like a bore to me."

About half of F&M students also seek out off-campus opportunities through the school, whether study abroad programs, research projects, or internships. The school offers support to help guide students through the process of finding a program that best fits their academic and professional goals. Overall, the school offers students "a great balance between a strong and competitive academic culture, talented and successful athletic teams, and a vibrant social life."

The student body at F&M is made up of "people who are active both in school and extracurriculars, and who get excited about both." A typical student "is probably involved in three to five clubs and is trying out for theater, an a cappella group, or another organization." Many F&M students play a varsity sport or are a member of one of the seven sororities or four fraternities on campus. F&M students manage to strike a balance between studying with socializing, filling their "free time with fun and meaningful clubs and community service."Fellow classmates are both studious and supportive, as students describe their peers as "smart overachievers who work hard" as well as "some of the nicest people you'll ever meet." Students say there is "amazing diversity" on campus and "very open minded" classmates, with nearly 20% of the population being first-generation college students and another 17% traveling from 50 different countries for a quality F&M education.

F&M has a lively, residential campus on which you can get anywhere in "about ten minutes no matter where you are." Students bond quickly in their assigned college houses, and receive a budget for special events, which can include anything from formal dances and theatrical productions to hosting visiting authors or throwing pizza parties. The campus is rife with further activities, which students "really get into." This is especially so with intramural and varsity athletics-around 32% of students are either Division III or Division II athletes-and so are "highly competitive and ... very active in the local community." On the weekends, students can choose between frat parties and "alternative options" hosted by other school organizations. They can also head to downtown Lancaster for additional food and entertainment, including places like a famed 300-year-old farmer's market.