<p>Franklin and Marshall was always my first choice. I was told my best shot was to apply ED, but I didn't--When decissions came out, I was waitlisted.
So, I accepted at Loyola College in Maryland. The trouble:
I've grown to invision myself there. I forgot what it felt like to be on the
F and M campus. I told them that I would visit on Monday and then commit if all goes well. Any thoughts on this predicament??? Anyone???? I am looking for any opinions on either school.</p>
<p>I've not been to either campus, though I've been to both cities. I checked out the USNWR stats and frankly, was surprised to find out how competitive Loyola is. It could have been an open-admissions school for all I knew about it, and I think I'm pretty well-informed about colleges. So, a place with 90% retention and 80% graduation rates is functioning at a high level. But still, F&M would be my pick. I think of it as a classsic, quality liberal arts college with a great setting and a strong student cohort. And that part of PA is beautiful, though perhaps not as full of college student attractions as a major city.</p>
<p>Thanks gadad--
I am leaning toward F & M, but am concerned about the serious student vibe I get from the campus. I am wondering if they are too competitive with one and other and if they have social lives beyond the academic classroom. I want to make sure that I can be just as competitive and still have a decent social life. I really enjoy athletics and spending time with my friends, as well as get good grades. Anyone else know about these two schools??? I know I'm not the CC Ivy student, but I'm guessing there are others out there just like me scanning these discussions.</p>
<p>A close relative of mine graduate from LOM last year. She loved it. It is a very serious party school. Very homogeneous population.</p>
<p>Thanks Zoosermom! Just what I thought...completely opposite atmospheres.
and the schools inbetween (ex-Gettysburg, Muhlenberg) just didn't fit me at all. Hmmm....How about the alumni base at each school in terms of career placement. I do know F & M has twice as much endowment, but can't figure if there would be any correlation between endowment and opening career doors. Gadad, do you have any opinions on this???</p>