Applying to F&M

Do you think F&M is the right fit for you? If the answer is ‘yes,’ learn how to take the next step and apply.

Applying to F&M

Join Us at Our Fall Open House

Ready to explore F&M? Join us at our Fall Open House on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, and get exclusive insight into the F&M experience, including the application process, our academic programs, successful outcomes for F&M graduates, and more.

What Does It Mean to Be a Diplomat?

"It means being able to move fluidly between cultures and among cultures. It means bridging between different languages, different fields of study, different fields of expertise, different cultures and different points of origin. It means transforming disruption into opportunity." — F&M President Barbara Altmann

Start Your Application

F&M accepts applications from one of two sources: the Common Application or the Coalition Application. These platforms allow you to streamline your application process and apply to multiple colleges at once.

Once we receive your application, you’ll have access to your F&M Application Portal, which you can use to upload additional materials to support your application.

Application Dates to Remember

Early Decision I

November 15
(Notified within 30 days)

Early Decision II*

January 6
(Notified within 30 days)

January 6
(Notified by April 1)

April 15
(Notified by June 1)

November 1
(Notified by Nov. 15)

* Please note the deadline to switch to Early Decision I from Regular Decision or Early Decision II is December 9. The deadline to switch to Early Decision II from Regular Decision is February 3.

** Fall transfer applications received after the priority deadline are considered on a space-available basis until the class is full. You are encouraged to complete your application as soon as possible.

Application Options

Applying Early Decision

Are you convinced you want to be a Diplomat? If F&M is your top-choice school, applying Early Decision is the best option for you. Please note that applying Early Decision means that if you apply to F&M and get in, you’re committed to enroll.

To apply Early Decision, you must complete an Early Decision Agreement on either the Common Application or the Coalition Application on Scoir.

Early Decision Application Deadlines

There are two deadlines for applying Early Decision—in early fall and early winter.

Early Decision I Deadline
November 15
(Notified within 30 days)

Early Decision II Deadline
January 6
(Notified within 30 days)

* Please note the deadline to switch to Early Decision I from Regular Decision or Early Decision II is December 9. The deadline to switch to Early Decision II from Regular Decision is February 3.

Early Estimates of Financial Aid

We understand that many families need to know how much financial aid they may receive before committing to F&M via Early Decision. We can provide you with an early estimate of the need-based financial aid for which you might qualify. This is an estimate only, not a guaranteed financial aid package. It also doesn’t guarantee or imply admission.
LEARN HOW TO GET AN EARLY ESTIMATE

Keep Track of What You Need With an Application Checklist

We understand that this is a lot to remember and track! To help, we put together a step-by-step guide to completing the application process as an Early Decision applicant.
CHECK OUT YOUR APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Applying Regular Decision

If you’re still exploring your options and F&M is one of many colleges you are considering, applying Regular Decision is likely your best option. We have one Regular Decision deadline in mid-January.

Regular Decision Deadline
January 6
(Notified by April 1)

* Please note the deadline to switch to Early Decision I from Regular Decision or Early Decision II is December 9. The deadline to switch to Early Decision II from Regular Decision is February 3.

Keep Track of What You Need With an Application Checklist

We understand that this is a lot to remember and track! To help, we put together a step-by-step guide to completing the application process as a first-year applicant.
Check out your application checklist

Applying as a Transfer Student

We’re so glad you’re considering making F&M the place to continue your academic journey. F&M is a welcoming place for transfer students. There are two application deadlines depending on which semester you’d like to transfer.

Fall Semester
April 15
(Notified by June 1)

Spring Semester
November 1
(Notified by Nov. 15)


*Fall transfer applications received after the priority deadline are considered on a space-available basis until the class is full. You’re encouraged to complete your application as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, you can email transfer@fandm.edu.

Keep Track of What You Need With an Application Checklist

We understand that this is a lot to remember and track! To help, we put together a step-by-step guide to completing the application process as a transfer student.
Check out your application checklist

Applying as an International Student

We’re delighted you’re interested in pursuing an American liberal arts education at F&M. There is a strong global presence at F&M, with almost 20% of our students coming to our campus from countries outside of the U.S.
Learn about the international student experience at F&M

If you’re applying to F&M as an international student, you will be asked to follow the standard application procedures and also supply some additional information, including proof of proficiency in the English language. If F&M is your first-choice institution, we recommend you apply Early Decision. We place an exceptional value on students who apply early. Otherwise, you may apply Regular Decision.
Apply to F&M as an international student


Keep Track of What You Need With an Application Checklist

We understand that this is a lot to remember and track! To help, we put together a step-by-step guide to completing the application process as an international student.
Check out your application checklist

Standardized Testing Options

We know you are more than a test score. That’s why we have been proudly test-optional for more than 30 years: when you apply to F&M, you choose whether or not to submit your standardized test (SAT or ACT) scores with your application.

We also know that making that choice can be stressful, which is why we take a “no harm” approach when reviewing test scores. This means that we will only consider your scores if they strengthen your application . It’s that simple.

Applying Without Test Scores

F&M conducts a holistic review of every application. If you opt not to submit your test scores, we will redistribute the weight test scores would otherwise carry across the other components of your application—transcripts, academic recommendation and other supporting materials—to make our decision. Choosing to apply test-optional has no negative impact on your likelihood of admission.

You should indicate on your Common Application or Coalition Application if you are applying test optional. If you have already submitted your standardized test scores but would like to remove them from your application, you can tell us through your F&M Application Portal or contact us directly to request this change.

Applying With Test Scores

Applicants who choose to submit test scores with their application are evaluated in a holistic manner and we do not use test scores as the decisive factor in review. We also take a “no harm” approach to test scores. This means that we will only consider your scores if they strengthen your application.

If you choose to submit standardized test scores, we will “superscore” your results. This means that if you have taken a test more than once, we will take the highest score for each section, even if they come from different testing dates.

Submission of the essay portion of the SAT/ACT is optional. Students are welcome but not required to send optional subject tests.

How to Submit Scores

You may ask The College Board (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT) to submit your scores directly to F&M by using their school code systems:

Test scores will also be considered if they are:

Students who choose to self-report scores on the Common/Coalition Application and who later enroll at F&M are required to submit verified test scores at the time of their enrollment.

Additional Application Materials

Do you want to further personalize your application to F&M? We welcome any materials that you feel add value to your application. These include an optional admission interview; videos or images of dance or theater performances; or samples of your work in film, art or creative writing.

Schedule an Interview

Interviews are a great way for us to get to know each other better. At F&M, interviews are engaging, informal conversations. And while interviews are not required, they are a good way to strengthen your application. This is your time to tell us something that may not show up on your application.

Check out our interview tips to get some insight into what makes a good interview.
Schedule an interview

Art Portfolio Samples

F&M’s art, art history, and film departments welcome samples of your artistic work in any medium. Art talent samples should include a minimum of six and maximum of 20 works, preferably submitted as a PDF file to your F&M Application Portal.

Please include your full name and type of medium in the PDF file name. Also include a short personal statement (approximately 250 words) about why creating art is important to you.

Music Samples

There are many ways to share your musical prowess with F&M’s music department. You can submit a recording of a performance to your F&M Application Portal (a video recording is preferred), submit copies or recordings of any compositions, and meet with a music department representative on campus or virtually.

Dance Samples

Dance at F&M is open to all students, regardless of prior experience. If you have experience and would like to demonstrate your dance technique, you can upload a video to your F&M Application Portal. Please include your first and last name in the video title. If the performance you submit includes multiple dancers, please identify yourself when submitting. Please also indicate whether you choreographed the piece.

Additional Letters of Recommendation

Beyond the required recommendations, you are welcome to send additional letters of recommendation from coaches, supervisors, or mentors who know you well. However, we ask that you be mindful of how many letters you send.

Scholarship Opportunities

F&M students are global citizens who lead impactful lives. Diplomats are collaborative, intellectually curious, creative and entrepreneurial. To build a community of students of high promise and diverse backgrounds, we offer multiple forms of scholarships and merit aid.

Diplomat Leadership Program

The Diplomat Leadership Program aims to shape and inspire the next generation of student leaders. Selected students receive a scholarship and embark on a comprehensive, four-year examination of what it means to be a leader, community member, and force of change in the world.

iF&M in Bath, England

iF&M (the i stands for international) is a program during which a select group of first-years spend the fall semester living and learning in England under the guidance of an F&M faculty member. Outside the classroom, you’ll have the chance to explore London, Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford, and other awe-inspiring locations steeped in culture and history.