JB Attends the F&M College Summit

On February 25, 17 juniors from JBHS were invited to attend the Franklin & Marshall College Summit, a day-long event for juniors from rural PA. Coordinated by the Pennsylvania College Advising Corps, juniors received the opportunity to see Franklin & Marshall College, a private liberal arts college, in action. Below is Part 1 of 2 student reflections on the day's events. Part 1 is written by JB College Ambassador Colby Sites. Colby writes about his experiences and provides some facts he learned on the trip:  

On Tuesday, a group of JBHS Juniors and I got the privilege to walk the campus of one of the most prestigious colleges that not only does the state of PA have to offer, but also the country.  Franklin & Marshall College is a true liberal arts school and their liberal arts background is apparent just from  walking around the campus.  If you are looking for a school that will give you a stronger education higher compared to other schools, then this is the right choice for you.  

Our trip began with about a two hour ride East towards York until we reached the school.  After getting settled in, we got a chance to meet with some of Franklin & Marshall's professors.  If you have a preconceived idea that professors would be uptight, high- strung individuals, you could not be more wrong.  After giving us the information about the majors of the school, the professors took an interest in our plans for the future and gave us pointers on how our studies in college would affect our search for jobs after graduation.  After that, we talked to the Admissions Department and a Dean of a residential house.  They eagerly answered our questions on financial aid,  student life, dorm life, and cost of attendance.  One point that will stick with me is that the "sticker price" at F&M is around $61,000, but you will never pay that amount.  Think of it this way: the price tag is $61,000, but the school will give you special deals through financial aid that will help with the cost.  

The second part of our trip was the campus tour and meeting the President, Dr. Daniel Porterfield.  The campus is well laid out so the dorms are easily accessible, and you can walk to your classes and be there on time.  There is "Harry Potter" style housing where you will be placed in a house that will have its own identity: constitution, colors, mascot, name, etc.  In the winter, it is hard to go outside and have club activities, so we did not see much student interaction; however, when the temperature starts rising the quad comes alive with students.  

The best part of the whole trip was hearing Franklin & Marshall College's President speak.  I have been on a fair share of tours myself and have heard numerous presidents talk, but I have never heard someone like President Porterfield.  Not only was his relationship with the students of the college impressive, but his ideals on education really drove home the point that here at F&M you are receiving the highest quality of learning. During our presentation, he said, "education is a spring board into life" and F&M is gearing up their students to take that jump.  

You may begin having second thoughts upon hearing; $61,000, Liberal Arts, and tougher education, but you shouldn't.  Will the classes be tougher? Yes, but do not doubt your abilities because if you have interest in applying to this school or on the fence about going for a visit, this is definitely a school students need to see!  If you have any other questions, talk to Miss Loh in the guidance office, because she is THE expert on the school. 

--Colby E. Sites