Our Daughter has been admitted to and is trying to decide between these schools. She is leaning to Muhlenberg because of everything not having to do with theatre (perceived friendliness of students, teachers…).
The only reason that she has not pulled the trigger yet is Sarah Lawrence’s proximity to NYC and the possibility that the faculty connections at SLC might give her an advantage when pursuing internships.
Help!!! Is one school decidedly better than the other for a theatre major? Is the environment at Muhlenberg really much friendlier and more nurturing than at SLC?
The proximity that should be considered, in my opinion, is the proximity to other students at the same school. The easy choice in your daughter’s situation, therefore, is Muhlenberg College based on the information shared in this thread.
I like the Muhlenberg option the most. It’s a cool school and flies under the radar a bit with all the “elite” LACs nearby. I also think it’s awesome that a school with an obviously Lutheran name has a huge Jewish population of around 30%.
I have never visited SLC, but I have heard that students are not the happiest there. The stereotype is that SLC is very expensive, doesn’t offer great aid, and tends to attract bright and artsy but also somewhat wealthy and disgruntled students. Again, this is the image that comes to mind for SLC. Muhlenberg would be more of the traditional, supportive LAC (with well-known commitment to theatre ).
We just visited Muhlenberg with my son and I have looked at Sarah Lawrence online. He is into music (instrumental and composition), and he noticed that while music is a thing at Muhlenberg that theater seemed to be the really big thing there. (As well as vocal music.)
Muhlenberg does seem very friendly. I would say that if your daughter is really independent and excited about the idea of taking a train into the city for things, Sarah Lawrence could be an option. Apparently, Sarah Lawrence is less structured in general, so independence and knowing what you want really seems necessary there. If it seems she would be happier at Muhlenberg then I don’t think some potentially better outside opportunities at SLC would outweigh that.
I should also add the our daughter was also accepted to: Bard, Skidmore, Denison, Bryn Mawr, Mount Holyoke. I only mention this in case any of them is so outstanding in theatre that she might consider. Thanks again to everyone.