<p>I have read about Muhlenberg in Princeton Review and read what I could find on CC. Anyone have anything else to say about the pros and cons? What is unique about this school compared to its peers? Are there things to do within walking distance? How are the facilities? Are they generous with merit aid for students whose stats are above the 75%tile of its own students? I recently met a great medical student who got a "full ride" and is now in a top tier medical school, but students are often confused about whether their aid was merit or need-based (not to mention it is a bit impolite to ask...)</p>
<p>DS likes what he read about the school. He is interested in Psych and Neuroscience and going to a PhD psych program after UG. He also liked the fact that there was no supplemental app except for ED applicants. </p>
<p>Thanks, i went to that thread and it did not appear that it was a well-traveled thread and I thought that I might get more responses from the CC community if I posted in the general parents’ forum. I figured that there might be a good number of people who have been to their information session and tour who might not frequent the Muhlenberg thread. I am a relatively new user of CC, but I generally only have time to read the Parents’ page myself and figured there were others like myself who only read the Parents’ page posts . But I guess you are right bc I have not gotten any responses. </p>
<p>We visited Muhlenberg this spring. It is known as a “friendly” school and we found it to be that on our tour. There are many theater majors and a significant Jewish population if that is important to you. My daughter is also going to major in Psychology and maybe neuroscience as well.</p>
<p>It seems of 5000 applicants, 500 get offered merit aid.</p>
<p>HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR A MERIT AWARD?
AAll students who file a complete application for freshman admission are considered for merit awards. In recent years, in an applicant pool that numbers nearly 5,000, between 800 and 900 students typically demonstrate the qualifications to receive serious consideration for a merit award. After a preliminary screening of all applications, these especially well qualified students move into a “second round” of very serious consideration and evaluation.
In a typical year, Muhlenberg will ultimately offer over 500 merit awards-some as part of a need based financial aid package, some to students who either have not applied for financial aid or who have not demonstrated financial need. Approximately 180 new students enroll at Muhlenberg each year with some kind of merit award from the College.
In recent years, students receiving merit award from Muhlenberg typically have ranked in the top 10% of their high school classes, taken a very strong junior and seniors course schedule, earned over 1250 combined on the SAT-I, (combined critical Reading and Math score) and made outstanding extracurricular contributions to their school or community. While Muhlenberg does not require that the SAT or ACT be submitted for admission, students wishing to be considered for merit awards or honors program must submit SAT or ACT scores.</p>
<p>yes, my daughter was offered merit aid at Muhlenberg – it was not need-based at all. She won the highest Presidential Scholarship plus a cash stipend. She received this without applying for it. She did not attend the school, so i can’t give you any other feedback than that. Please note that this would have been over four years ago, but I would suspect that the system remains similar.</p>
<p>I know three kids who attend. All three girls are very happy. One is Jewish (wanted a strong Jewish community) and is studying Psych. One is a musician/theater girl who dropped the theater and is doing music theory. The third is a very religious Christian who is very active in their Christian groups and I am not sure what she is studying but she wants to work in ministry after she graduates. </p>
<p>We did tour there (although my daughter was not interested in applying) - I will second the above who said it is friendly, lots of art (theater, music, etc.)- they are very generous with AP credit (said it on the tour) - they have been spending big time to improve the facilities - new dining hall, new dorms, etc. Surrounding area is questionable - there is definitely a wrong side of town - but I am not sure where the students hang out off campus. The three kids I mentioned who attend both come home or have parents visit frequently since it is only two hours away.</p>
<p>My son will be entering this fall. He is also interested in Psych and Neuroscience, and received a merit scholarship. For a student looking for a small, safe, very friendly environment, this is the place. Not for someone who wants to get lost in the crowd, or sleep in the back of large lecture halls. He was accepted to 8 other, some much, much larger schools. After we visited Muhlenberg, and especially the Hillel Friday night dinner, he immediately changed to ED, and was accepted the next week. </p>
<p>My senior has loved Muhlenberg. It is a very nice community of learners. It is small but has amazing facilities for a school of its size. The dining hall is outstanding. I would pay to eat the mushroom risotto alone. The staff and employees are engaged and will get to know you not just by your name but by your interests and even who your friends are. To many it may seem too small, to others it is a great fit. Most of the upper level classes are small and require the students to be involved. This is not the kind of school to attend to sleep in the back of the class, it isn’t going to happen. On the other hand if you want to get to know professors and staff members and do research and go to conventions and present it, go to dinner or an event in Allentown, it might be right up your alley. Best of luck in your search. </p>
<p>They cap merit aid at about $21K/ year, but there are many students who get near that maximum amount if they want you. Considered the school seriously for both D’s, but they both decided to go for big city schools. (Both attend/(ed) NYU.) However, I know students in both the sciences and creative fields who were very happy there. Since the surrounding area doesn’t offer much, most students seem to be very involved in campus life.</p>
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