After a long college search process I am down to 2 options: Temple University (Honors Program) or Franklin and Marshall College. Money and academics are so close that they are not impacting my decision too much. I am going as a math major but I want to be involved in music, as I play oboe and guitar. Due to both colleges being great choices, music has become a large factor in my decision, but it is also making me the most unsure, mostly about playing in jazz band. On one hand F&M has one jazz band, and I know the guitar player is not graduating. On the other Temple has 3 bands and I know at least 2 guitar players are graduating. The problem is, I am leaning toward F&M but this complication makes it more difficult. If I go to F&M, I may not be able to play in a jazz band, but at Temple there may be open spots for me. Then again, with Temple’s large population it is possible I don’t have a chance there either. I know this isn’t the most important factor for college but I really want to keep playing, it is my main hobby. It is really deciding between have less competition but less options at F&M or having more competition but more options at Temple. Sorry for rambling, but I would appreciate any input on the situation.
It’s hard to say. You could bypass the music program altogether by starting a death metal band. All you can do is choose the one that’s right for you. Band may or may not happen at either school, but at least you’re in the right school.
Things may change at either place. The guitarist at F&M May get coronavirus. Eventually that spot will open up somehow. Franklin & Marshall is a great opportunity. All other things being equal, I’d grab it.
What are the benefits of the Honors College at Temple University ?
I’d base your choice on if you’d rather be at a LAC in Lancaster or a large public university in Phila. Which environment do you imagine yourself thriving at? I imagine you will be able to find an outlet to play music at either place.
Some housing benefits but mostly it is supposed to be a smaller and more personalized enviornment, similar to how a small private school would operate.
I’m a big fan of LACs. D was accepted to F and M back in the day. A very happy couple I know are alumni and their son has had a great experience there. I also know a happy grad of Temple, but he’s a very urban type of student. Decide what type of environment you want, but also remember that if small classes and easy student and prof interaction is important to you, F and M is more likely to have that.