My daughter visited and love Muhlenberg. I have been reading a lot about small LACs and how supportive they can be – professors who make real connections with students and don’t let them get lost in the crowd, etc. I would love to hear from any students or parents if they feel this holds true for Muhlenberg. D could definitely benefit from a supportive environment.
@gallentjill Many years ago Muhlenberg had the reputation of being “the caring college” and I think it still holds true today. I found it to be an amazing community of people who really do care. That being said your daughter has to make the effort to be a part of the community too. If she extends herself just a little bit she will get it back in spades. If she hides in her room and chooses not to engage she will not find a steady stream of people seeking her out. But if she goes to the dining hall and smiles and says “Hi!” to the folks working there, they will know her name and her favorite foods before the first semester is over. If she engages with her professors and shows an interest don’t be surprised to be invited to one of their homes with a group of other students for the Cinqo de Mayo party. My grad went to ball games and dinners with members of the community and still counts several members of Muhlenberg as mentors even though the graduation occurred a few years ago. Best of luck to you!
@beenthereanddone Thanks! That is exactly what she is looking for.
My DD who is a junior there has had some “growing pains” this year as she gets closer to graduation and adult life. I do think that her professors have been supportive when she does reach out–that can be hard to do as well. She also got a lot of support last year when she was trying to decide her major. I think there’s a fine line in college. Professors want to see students advocate for themselves. It’s not a time to be “spoon-fed.” However, when they’re also happy to be in a student’s corner as needed.
@WWC4me Thanks for this! I hope things go well for your daughter this year. Do you have a sense of how Muhlenberg compares to other colleges known for being supportive? I’m thinking of the colleges on the colleges that change lives list, for example.
Thanks!
Hmmm, that’s hard to say. Her twin goes to Marist and they have a great program for undecided students with extra advising. I think some of it depends on how willing the students are to reach out.
D transferred to Muhlenberg from a Womens college which had a reputation for being very supportive but she finding it easier to ask for and get staff/professor support at Muhlenberg and finds the students to be easier to deal with too. It may be just that she’s a year older and more experienced. But it does seem like a relatively low stress place with good institutional support.
@PNWedwonk Thanks! That’s great to hear.
My DD has found the professors to be supportive, however, she has had to ask for it. The kids do need to be self-advocating.