Applying to F&M as an International Student

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.

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.

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. If you have any questions or need guidance during the application process, you can email us at intladmissions@fandm.edu.

International parents can explore our overview of F&M in Chinese and Spanish.

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.

Applying as a Transfer

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.

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:

• F&M SAT Code: 2261
• F&M ACT Code: 3574

Test scores will also be considered if they are:

• listed on the official high school transcript (unless applying test-optional);
• sent directly by an applicant’s secondary school to the Office of Admission; or
• self-reported by the student on their Common/Coalition Application.

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.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma recipients with a total score of 30 or more are awarded 8 course credits (one full year) toward a degree at F&M. IB Certificate recipients receive one or two course credits (depending on discipline) for each higher level examination passed with a score of 5 or higher.

Advanced Placement TESTS (AP)

Credit will be given to students who have received a 4 or a 5 on Advanced Placement (AP) examinations.

Other Examination Programs

French Baccalaureate and German Abitur recipients may be granted credit for up to one full year toward a degree at F&M. In addition, the College generally awards credits to students who have passed the British “A-Level” examinations with a grade of C or higher. Other course credits from foreign countries are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Language Proficiency Exams

If you have fewer than three years of English language instruction, you’re required to complete any of the following language proficiency examinations: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), Duolingo English Test (DET), or Pearson PTE Academic (PTEA).

You will not be required to complete a language proficiency exam if:

• English is your first language
• You have been studying in an English-speaking curriculum for at least three years
• You are enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and have obtained or are predicted to obtain the following IB scores:
  • IB English Standard Level (SL) examination with a predicted score of 5 or higher
  • IB English Higher Level (HL) examination with a predicted score of 4 or higher

  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 may 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.
  
  Schedule an interview

  Art Portfolio Samples

  F&M’s art, art history, and film department welcomes samples of your artistic work in any medium. Art talent samples should include between no less than six and no more than 20 works, preferably submitted as a PDF file to your F&M Application Portal.

  Please include your full name and type of medium on 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 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 recommendations from coaches, supervisors, or mentors who know them well. However, we ask that you be mindful of how many letters you send.