My son is an athlete being recruited by both Muhlenberg and St. Lawrence for his sport. The coaches at both schools would like him to apply ED. He is torn. He likes both coaches and liked both schools. Wasn’t sure about the social life at Muhlenberg and is concerned it may be “boring” like his boarding school is now. Also isn’t sure about going to St. Lawrence because it is isolated and far from home (which is something he doesn’t like about his current boarding school). My son is not a “big” confident personality - he’s sweet, but has social anxiety so I worry that he needs a welcoming, accepting environment and both schools sound like they have that, but I’ve heard St. Lawrence can tend to have a lot of kids with “big egos.” Academically, both schools seem quite similar…Any opinions out there about either school in terms of student body, campus life, etc.??
My DD is currently an out-of-state freshman athlete at Muhlenberg. There were a couple things that really made it an easier choice for us.
First, Muhlenberg did a very solid pre-read on both admission and financial aid before she sent in the ED application. We knew that she’d be accepted and the exact aid we’d be getting, including her spot in the honors program. It removed all the risk from ED since the answer was known before the button was pressed. (On the other hand it isn’t as stressful as it seems since they leave ED open until February.)
The other thing that squeezed out some of the anxiety was a visit and overnight stay with the team. She spent the afternoon in class with one girl and did dinner and a dorm stay with a couple others, and I met them for breakfast and got to spend some time with the coach then. You can get a very good feel for the place and the people in a day, if you’re in season you can see practice, and the kids will share the truth even if they don’t necessarily mean to. She knew it would work and hasn’t looked back.
The bottom line is this. The number one reason your son is attending college is for the education, not the athletics. He is going to school to earn a degree. What does he plan to study? How does the academic programs compare based on his academic and professional interests? Decision should be based on that. Culture and life style are very important, but the decision should be based on that. The athletics are a means to an end, not the reason to attend college. Ask the coaches how the athletics can support him academically, beyond any potential scholarship money.
A student going to a Division III sports program isn’t going with the plan of becoming a professional athlete. Sports are a great way to meet people and have a healthy extra-curricular activity. You will spend a good deal of time with your coaches and your teammates. Make sure that your son can see himself spending a lot of time with these folks. Then look at the school environment. I can’t speak to St Lawrence but Muhlenberg has a very welcoming college community. Muhlenberg, for years, was called the “caring college” for very good reasons. They do care, and support their students very well. The academics are very good. The pre professional programs have great reputations. The theater program is considered to be among the best in the country. And all the kids seem to get along. It really isn’t a “us vs. them” situation. The athletes support the music kids who support the theater kids who attend the athletic events. I suggest a visit. Not the official visit. You have done that. Just show up and hang out. Get a coffee and talk to people. All kinds of people. At the end of the day I think your son will know if he can picture himself attending. Best of luck to you!
I can’t speak to St. Lawrence but I can tell you that the students at Muhlenberg seem very friendly. Whenever I spend time on campus I’m always impressed by how nice and normal the students appear to be. It’s small and Allentown is not “happening” but it’s a one hour drive to Philadelphia and a 90 min bus ride to Manhattan so there are ways to get out if that’s what your son wants to do. Downtown Allentown is also having a mini-renaissance so there are concerts and sporting events at the PPL Center and new restaurants that are worth a visit. Also, don’t know if it applies to you, but there are a high % of Jewish students on campus and I hear that the Kosher food offerings are delicious.
Thank you all for this very helpful feedback. I agree that Muhlenberg was very thorough with the admissions pre-read. My son had a great visit, but wasn’t able to stay overnight, whereas he had done the overnight at St. Lawrence. My son really has no idea what he wants to study so he can’t really compare the academic programs at both schools, other than wanting a good liberal arts education. For a kid like my son, the community at college will be very important and it sounds like Muhlenberg truly has that welcoming vibe.
Muhlenberg is a very warm and welcoming community. I would also consider the breadth of academic offerings at both schools, especially if your son is uncertain about what he wants to study. It’s important that he have enough choices so he won’t fell limited academically.
What sport does your daughter play? My daughter plays lacrosse and has done a day visit with lunch and class and LOVED it. The coaches seem great as well as the team. If your daughter plays lax, please lmk of any insight on the team and culture. Thnx