I am looking for a small, preppy, liberal arts school. I just applied EDII to Franklin and Marshall. I originally applied ED To Trinity College (CT) and got deferred and while I am pretty sure I would be happy there, I have heard that these colleges are similar in terms of the campus and student body. What are other people’s views on this?
What is your definition of preppy? Clothing style or a high percentage of east coast, old money families?
East coast, old money families. Ralph Lauren, Jcrew, Vineyard Vines, not flashy wealth
I looked at Trinity and F&M with my D a few years ago (she ended up at another LAC). Certainly there is a preppy element at both schools, but based on only one visit to each school we thought Trinity felt “preppier” than F&M.
S is definitely preppy and sporty, and whip smart, and super funny. His Boston area friends extend well beyond his prep school, and are all over the board in terms of style. The common thread would be kids who take pride in doing well, and embracing a passion. Such was the vibe we both felt at F&M. He is class of 19, so a newbie - but already has large group of friends he has connected with online, without even stepping foot on campus. We recently attended a Boston area social for new families, and if I had to assign a ‘type’ it would have to be friendly.
My father went to F&M, and I visited with my daughters this week. I agree with bosmama on her assessment – friendly & smart. All of the tour guides we spoke with (3) were from private prep schools, and looked very at home in their F&M logo golf shirts. My girls go to a large public high, but they didn’t feel out of place; in fact it’s become one’s top choice after the visit.