<p>We toured Dickinson recently. It is a very impressive school...one that appears to be on the rise, particularly with their global focus. We did however, run into quite a few students who talked openly about the amount of drinking on campus. Someone even told my son that the schools nickname is "Drinkinson". Not sure if there is more drinking there than other schools, but we were left with the impression that its a big part of the social life.</p>
<p>I hear good things about Muhlenberg. I grew up in Allentown, and while the city has really deteriorated, Muhlenberg is in a good area of the city. At one time, the college's reputation was based almost completely on its pre-med program, but I think things have improved, particularly if your S is interested in theatre. I think that of the three schools originally mentioned, Muhlenberg has the best academic reputation. A high percentage of the class applies early decision, so your S would have an advantage if he applies early decision.</p>
<p>If your S wants to aim a little higher in terms of selectivity, I would suggest that he visit Dickinson, Franklin & Marshall and Gettysburg. Franklin & Marshall has the best best academic reputation of the three and is probably the most intense academically (in a good way). If he becomes interested in F&M, he should apply early decision (they have two rounds of it), as the college has become quite selective. It is also the least remote of the three, and Lancaster is a relatively interesting small city. Gettysburg has the least diverse and most conservative student body of the three colleges. Dickinson is sort of in the middle of the three academically and socially. All three have a sizeable frat presence (more than Muhlenberg). My S is a freshman at F&M, and I would be happy to respond to any specific questions about the school.</p>
<p>My Muhlenberg freshman seems to think the majority of kids at Muhlenberg are either pre-med or theatre.</p>
<p>60% of this year's freshman class were ED. But their ED date is later than most - February 1st; it allows people to hear back from some of the schools they applied to that have rolling admissions, then decide if Muhlenberg is their first choice. They also have a brand new science building that looks amazing.</p>
<p>teri, can you tell me anything about the business program at Muhlenberg? My son is interested in visiting in the spring</p>
<p>"My Muhlenberg freshman seems to think the majority of kids at Muhlenberg are either pre-med or theatre."</p>
<p>Muhlenberg has a fantastic Pre-Med program, and is consistently ranked among the "Best Theatre Schools." Trexler Pavilion is breathtaking. I don't know about the Business program though.</p>
<p>boysx3 - sorry, I don't know anything about the business program. My daughter is one of the theatre/vocal performance kids. Regarding the pre-med... it has one of the highest placement rates for med school across the country. So yes, many students are pre-med, and at this point, all my daughter's friends seem to be theatre or pre-med.</p>