Reviews
Muhlenberg College
Samantha from Voorhees, NJ
a current student here
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Am learning a lot
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The professors truly care about your progress and the liberal arts philosophy really allows you to challenge yourself in a variety of academic areas.
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Am enjoying being here
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The people of Muhlenberg are really, really friendly, which lends itself to creating a fun community environment. Muhlenberg is definitely not a party school like some of the bigger state schools, but it is easy to have a good time! On the downside, Allentown is a pretty boring place.
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Bang for the buck
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Muhlenberg is an expensive school, but as a small, private, liberal-arts institution, you definitely get what you pay for. The education is top-notch and the faculty and staff reflect the top-dollar price tag. The financial aid office is really good about accommodating the needs of everyone.
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Tips for prospective students
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Come prepared with a smile, a NorthFace jacket and a good work ethic! If Muhlenberg is your first choice, definitely apply early decision and everyone should interview if you can. Also, come out for a campus tour and information session... the admissions department loves visitors and will make sure your experience is wonderful.
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Great for these types of students
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Muhlenberg is the school for you if you enjoy a close-knit community, want professors who know your name (and your last test grade!), appreciate the arts and can understand less-conventional types of diversity. Our pre-health programs (and all sciences for that matter) are absolutely fantastic as are Muhlenberg's performing arts programs.
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Kasey from Rollinsford, NH
a current student here
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Am learning a lot
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I am definitely learning a lot at Muhlenberg College. The academics here are very strong, but not in a competitive way. The professors are kind and personable; they demand the best of you, but, with the average class size being just nineteen students, you are able to get the individualized attention you need in order to succeed. Freshmen year, Muhlenberg offers a great program called a First-Year Seminar or FYS. It a writing-intensive class that you choose yourself from a list of sixty or so topics. The topics range from Finding Your Muse to The American Road-Trip to How to Think About Weird Things and each are the specialty of the professors who teach them. An FYS has approximately fifteen students in it who are also the students in your orientation group and the professor is your temporary advisor until your major is declared. The class is designed to explore the topic in a way that truly causes you to think and, also, to get you used to college-level writing. For this purpose, each FYS has its own writing advisor who is an upperclassman who has taken a course about teaching and editing writing. They attend the class and are available to help with any paper. This program is a wonderful way to start-off your college education; it causes you to start thinking at a higher level, gets you closely acquainted with your advisor, provides you with an upperclassman resource and introduces you to classmates who share similar interests. Thanks to my First-Year Seminar, I can say I am definitely soaking as much out of my Muhlenberg education as possible.
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Am enjoying being here
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I am so lucky that I know I have most certainly picked the best place for me to spend my college career! In my opinion, Muhlenberg College could not be more perfect. They have an extensive arts program and a heavy emphasis on strong academics. There are so many opportunities like ways to get involved on campus and in the community, places to go abroad, research projects in conjunction with professors, independent studies, and more. The campus is small enough that you feel very 'at home', yet without feeling suffocated. There are several other colleges right in the same area, plus Philadelphia is only an hour away. I have already made friends that I know will last a lifetime and built relationships with many professors. My classes are interesting, engaging and will aid my greatly in 'the real world' after graduation. Housing is guaranteed all four years, yet the college helps you take steps to adjust to eventually being on your own. I really could not ask for more from Muhlenberg.
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Bang for the buck
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Muhlenberg College does an absolutely great job of offering both merit-based and need-based aid, so even if the tuition scares you at first glance, don't be afraid. There are even talent scholarships available for theater, dance, etc. plus three academic societies that the admissions office may offer you acceptance to which come with an additional scholarship. There is an extensive Career Center which anyone has access to starting from the first day of freshmen year where the experienced staff helps you create resumes, gives mock interviews, provides connections to alumni for possible post-graduation employment, and aids in the process of graduate school choice and application. Also, while work-study students have first choice at campus jobs, anyone can get a paying position on campus. Overall, Muhlenberg provides a wonderful balance of small, community feel with big university opportunities so, if you make the most of it, I definitely feel anyone is more than able to get their money's worth out of a Muhlenberg education.
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Tips for prospective students
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I would definitely suggest any prospective student who is highly interested in Muhlenberg College to apply early decision. A great portion of each incoming class does apply early decision which is wonderful because that means most everybody at Muhlenberg is at their first choice school and is truly passionate about being there. Don't panic though! Muhlenberg's early decision deadline isn't until February 1st, only two weeks before regular decision. This gives you plenty of time to truly decide if Muhlenberg is the place for you. Also, visit the campus and make contact with professors, students, coaches, etc. as often as you can. The Admissions Office takes note of every time you make an effort to show interest in the school and it reflects very well on your application!
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Great for these types of students
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Muhlenberg College is the perfect place for students who are extremely passionate about the arts, but do not want to forfeit their academic goals for a conservatory-like atmosphere, as well as for the students who want to be very involved in the arts, yet wish to pursue a different academic major. We have extensive dance, theater, music and arts programs, yet, as a liberal arts college, there is also a very strong emphasis on academics. No one has to be a major or even a minor to participate in any shows or take any arts classes so a large portion of the student body participates in at least some aspect of the arts without the arts being the sole focus of the entire campus.
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Jamee from Silver Spring, MD
a current student here
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In three sentences
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The people at Muhlenberg open doors for you, literally and figuratively.
I've never been in a class with a professor that I feel didn't care about me as a person, and I'm not the type to go to office hours every chance I get. It may be a small school in a less-than-exciting town, but there are so many hole-in-the-wall places to explore. |
Tips for prospective students
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As for any college, solidify good study habits now, so that when you have the free time college allows you know how to use it wisely. As for Muhlenberg specifically, they call it the caring college for a reason. Muhlenberg has a very strong sense of community even among the theatre geeks, pre-med hopefuls, and obsessed athletes. This is a place for people with diverse interests and unique combinations of study. Some people will complain about the small size of the student body but it's what I signed up for and I love it. I don't want to be in a class with 400 other people and at Muhlenberg I haven't encountered a class with even 40 other people so far.
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Academic Rigor
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Academics are, of course, a step up from high school. However, as someone who took multiple AP classes I felt completely comfortable with the transition. It wasn't much of a stretch at all. The biggest challenge was that there would be a few weeks out of the semester that seemed like professors- all across the board- gave out a heavier work load. It's just making it past those weeks that seem impossible. Everything else is fine as long as you are smart about your time. Granted, this is my perspective as a math major, I cannot speak for pre-med.
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Dorm Life
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The dorms at Muhlenberg are great. The three Freshman dorms are all very different but have their own perks. I lived in Brown, an all-girls dorm that had a few upperclassmen. The rooms in Brown are HUGE with hardwood floors and high ceilings. Sophomore year I had the village which is apartment style and the nicest dorm I've ever seen. There are plenty of options and none of them are terrible. Wherever you end up at Muhlenberg will be a step up from other college dorms that I have experienced. We also have school-owned off-campus houses that are available. Since this is a small school, there is always enough room for everyone, including upperclassmen, to live on campus, and most people do.
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Food and Dining
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Our dining hall is nationally ranked, which we often take for granted. As a student-athlete who travels to other schools and experiences their dining as well, I can surely say none of them have been better than the Berg. Of course we still have days when even I, among the most praiseful of our dining hall, think the options are lacking, but those days aren't too often and still always have campus-made pizza, salad bar, burgers, and the deli station. We also use grass-fed, never frozen beef which has left me so spoiled. I'm a foodie I could go on forever. One thing I will end with is that the hours aren't the best. We have one dining hall and it closes at 8 on weekdays and 7 on weekends which is pretty early. But throughout the day it remains open, which isn't true at all schools so that is nice. We also have a few campus restaurants which are also great too and GQ (groceries and fast food) is almost always open.
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What to do for fun
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This is where Muhlenberg lacks the most, but I haven't had too much of an issue with this so far. Towards the start of the year the school is very good about having fun things on the weekend, always free like stuff-a-plush, make your own t-shirts, and movies. However, I felt that throughout the year that died out, or at least I stopped reading the berg bulletin and looking for them. Allentown isn't the most exciting place at first glance, but it has little treasures if you take some time to explore. There are shuttles that run on the weekends that go all around town so it's okay if you don't have a car, but better if you do. I would mostly stay on campus and hang out with friends and always had a great time doing just that. The older kids would sometimes venture to the bars which are very close to campus and I've heard they are fun, and sometimes drive 20 minutes to the casino. This isn't a DI state school, but if you really want to have fun, you will.
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Bang for the buck
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My experience with Muhlenberg's financial aid is great. They don't offer a ton of merit aid, but what I got was pretty significant and it's not like I was valedictorian in high school. The Berg is fantastic with need-based aid. The sticker price is very shocking but my financial aid brought it down to a VERY affordable price, way cheaper than what other schools offered me. If you are a candidate for need-based aid, Muhlenberg will most definitely help you out.
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Great for these types of students
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Muhlenberg is great for the typical liberal arts student who is interested in interdisciplinary education and may have an unusual combination of topics that they want to study.
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Greek Life
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I am not a part of greek life here, but it does exist. I think something like 20% of students are involved, so it's not huge, but it holds it's place on campus and most students do go to frat parties at least a few times in their years here. There are only a few options for frats and sororities but we are getting a new one this upcoming year.
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GO MULES!
a current student here
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In three sentences
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Muhlenberg College is known as the Caring College, and rightly so - the students that attend college here are some of the kindest and genuinely nice people you'll meet. Muhlenberg takes academics seriously, and also focuses on engaging with the surrounding Allentown community.
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Tips for prospective students
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Schedule a visit! The admissions counselors are more than willing to help and being a tour guide is a highly sought after position - everyone wants to share how great of a place Muhlenberg is.
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Academic Rigor
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Muhlenberg was rated the #1 theatre program in the country a few years ago, and is also known for their science and education programs. Class size is kept small, and there are no TAs. Merit Scholarships are available, and there are honor programs such as the Dana Scholars and Muhlenberg Scholars.
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Dorm Life
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Freshman have 3 housing options, surrounding the freshman quad: Walz (the most highly sought after, newest and nicest, typically goes to early decision students), Prosser (the largest dorm, known as Dirty Pross but it's a great bonding experience), and Brown (all girls dorm with the most spacious rooms).
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Food and Dining
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Muhlenberg redesigned their dining hall within the past year, and has fantastic food with lots of options provided by Sodexo. There's vegetarian, gluten-free, and kosher options. You can also snack at the General's Quarters (GQ) or the LSC cafe at the gym.
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What to do for fun
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Lots of things, both inside and outside of the Berg Bubble. You can visit the Lehigh Valley Mall or take one of the buses driven by Shuttle Steve to the Target in the nearby shopping center or the Maingate Nightclub on college nights. There's always people hanging out in the freshman quad, GQ, and Light Lounge and there's lots of activites sponosred by MAC, such as Stuff-a-Plush, trivia nights, and performances from bands and singers.
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Bang for the buck
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College is supposed to be some of the best years of your life, and Muhlenberg seeks to provide that. The Muhlenberg Fund takes 17% off of expected tuition.
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Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
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Victor's Lament is a modern art sculpture that is featured on the main green at the front of campus, and is iconic.
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Great for these types of students
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Friendly, kind, outgoing students willing to get involved in clubs, activities, and the community and work hard in class but also have fun.
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Clubs and Activities
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Muhlenberg is chock-full of clubs, and you can start a new one with enough interested students.
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Greek Life
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About 1/3 of all students at Muhlenberg participate in Greek Life. Students aren't permitted to rush until their sophomore year. Greek life has a presence, but isn't exclusionary.
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Campus Safety
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Campo is made up of retired Allentown Police Department officers. They keep everyone safe but are reasonable! There is a Blue Light system on campus and students must use their ID cards to swipe into buildings. Campus is safe, students feel comfortable leaving laptops, cell phones, and wallets on tables while they get food in the dining hall or are away from their desk at the library.
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Erin from Blue Bell, PA
a current student here
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In three sentences
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It is academically rigorous and perfect for Theatre and Biology majors. It has a good variety of majors but definitely specializes in the aforementioned. Competition in the theatre and everyone is very driven in their lives.
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Tips for prospective students
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Apply! I absolutely love it. If you are thinking theatre or dance or music, DEFINITELY audition.
Generally: just talk to students. Everyone is very helpful and loves to talk to prospectives. It feels like home here and it is easy to get involved and make friends. |
Academic Rigor
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It is perfect for those who want a strong performing arts program without the conservatory academics. You have a strong education in mainstream academics as well as in the arts.
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Dorm Life
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I looked at the dorms for every college I toured and have seen several from visiting friends at other schools. Muhlenberg's is amazing. Rooms considered tiny on campus are average size at other schools. Most are much bigger and many have high ceilings which is quite nice when you loft your bed. There are kitchens and lounges in every building, and the entire campus is kept extremely clean. There are also off campus options through the school if you want more options when you are an upper classmen.
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Food and Dining
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AMAZING!! We were actually ranked top 5 in the country I believe this year. While it can get a bit monotonous as far as options, the food is great and easy to access. Much MUCH better than any where else I toured.
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What to do for fun
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There are tons to audition for and get involved with. I love being in the Muhlenberg Theatre Association and Muhlenberg Dance Association. If you aren't in the arts, there is still plenty to do! We have organizations for just about everything!
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Bang for the buck
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Most definitely. The quality and necessity of a liberal arts education in this day and age is unmatched. I am a Theatre (technical and acting concentrations) and Media Communications double major. And I have also taken Computer Science, Foreign Language, and Sustainability Studies course. Plus I work in the Information Technology department. All the professors are amazing. You will leave the school so skilled in so many different ways. And also extremely marketable for most any position.
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Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
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The fishbowl is the glassed in section of the Trexler Pavilion and it is beautiful and great to study or rehearse in.
Every year Catholic Campus Ministry hold a HUGE fundraiser (biggest event of the year probably) where they serve free pancakes and breakfast foods late at night and all the student music groups perform. It is a fundraiser via donations and extremely successful. On the last Friday of the year, the school opens up the dinning hall for a midnight breakfast, free and open to anyone. Which is super great because it is right after formal for the Theatre and Dance Associations! We also have our own student Circus so that's pretty awesome. |
Great for these types of students
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Theatre, Dance, Biology, Chemistry, Pre-med, Business, friendly
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Clubs and Activities
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SO MANY. If you can think it, it probably exists. If not, find one other person and make it happen.
A capella and Show Choir are big. Music and theatre in general. EMS is also a big club. But we honestly have everything. |
Greek Life
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It is there if you want it but not overwhelming or a pressure to join.
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Campus Safety
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Absolute rockstars. I was on crew for Muhlenberg's Circus and one of the members got hurt backstage. They were on top of it and were super helpful in getting EMS there and getting her fixed up for the show!!
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Anna from Scarborough, ME
a current student here
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In three sentences
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Muhlenberg is such an amazing school in every aspect of student life. The accommodations are amazing and they're enhanced by all the students who fill them. You can always find something to smile about while you're on campus.
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Tips for prospective students
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Get involved. Its a great way to meet new students, teachers and staff. Also, leave your door open while you're in your room, you'll be surprized at how many people stop by to say hello. If you're into sports, join a team. You make the most amazing friends and there will never be anywhere on campus where you don't know somebody.
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Academic Rigor
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Muhlenberg is a hard school to get into but a harder school to get good grades in. I've learned more in chemistry this year then most people learn in all 4 years of college but it just makes me that much smarter and it will definitely help me out in the long run.
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Dorm Life
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Dorm life is amazing. Although freshman dorms (esp. Prosser) aren't the nicest dorms in the country, their so much fun. Its like living in a house with 300 brothers and sisters. You're never lonely and people are always in their rooms hanging out, having a good time.
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Food and Dining
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Muhlenberg has the best dining hall. The food is great. I'll go to breakfast an hour early just so I can study in there. Its like a giant ski lodge. Its so beautiful. And GQ is great for late night snacks or when you're in the mood for something different.
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What to do for fun
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There's so much to do for much. I love going to watch all the games, which is great for athletic people. For theater people theres always a performance going on. There are plenty of partys on weekends and a lot of the time me and my friends go hang out in the light lounge in Seegers just for fun because you'll see everybody.
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Bang for the buck
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I wouldn't do it any other way. Although the school is very expensive, the education is unvaluable. I'm also having the time of my life.
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Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
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St. Pattys day is epic here.
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Great for these types of students
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Theater students or athletes thrive here.
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Joseph from Paramus, NJ
a current student here
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In three sentences
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Muhlenberg is a fantastic place for a budding scholar. Faculty encourage you and connect you with local internships and research and job opportunities. People are very nice here and have a wide range of interests.
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Tips for prospective students
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Be ready for theater students to have a large presence on campus! Also, be ready to work; many professors will assign a substantial amount of reading and writing.
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Academic Rigor
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As I said in the tips, be ready to work! College in general requires a different mindset from High School. Don't be intimidated though! You learn how to manage your time well, and professors will be there to help you if you need it.
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Dorm Life
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The dorms are pretty nice. The Office of Residence Life is moving as fast as they can towards equipping every building with central air and heat control. Overall, it is pretty cushy and can only get better.
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Food and Dining
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Muhlenberg drastically improved its food quality from when I was a freshman.
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What to do for fun
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Farmers Market, a lot of good restaurants in the inner-city (Thai, Ethiopian, Mexican, etc.), pretty scenery, farms outside the city, decent number of events on campus... there is a lot, just have to look.
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Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
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Victors Lament
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Great for these types of students
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Artsy kids do pretty well here.
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Greek Life
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Pretty prominent for being about one-fifth of students.
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Laura from Massapequa, NY
a past student here
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In three sentences
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Muhlenberg has a small campus and student body, but it provides a caring and intimate environment for students. Students are encouraged to customize their experience by becoming involved in the many clubs and activities offered on campus.
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Tips for prospective students
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Great if you are looking for a small school with personal attention and an intimate feel. Not a good fit if partying is your priority.
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Academic Rigor
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Muhlenberg has a great academic reputation. It is known for its strong liberal arts foundation and its pre-med sciences and theater arts programs. Professors are all caring and extremely smart. You definitely get more personal attention here than at a state school.
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Dorm Life
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Avoid the all-girls freshman dorm! It is tough to be social if you live there. They started building some nice new suites during my senior year. They also offer college-owned off-campus apartments for juniors and seniors. These are a perk if you can get one through the lottery.
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Food and Dining
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Wide variety of food with some fresh, local options. Good vegetarian selection as well. The campus dining program focuses on sustainability.
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What to do for fun
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If you are social you will find things to do. Dorm parties for the underclassmen and a few local bars for the 21+ crowd. Decent selection of clubs, intramural sports, and other activities.
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Michelle from Brookhaven, PA
researching this school
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In three sentences
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I spent the day at Muhlenberg for an open house and everyone was extremely friendly. The professors get to know their students very well. There are so many activities going on so it seems impossible to be bored.
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Campus Safety
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The campus seemed very safe.
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Kristina from Warwick, NY
a current student here
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Am learning a lot
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You learn alot, it's hard material but the teachers are good and want to help you.
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Am enjoying being here
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The campus really is a community. People are really friendly and always willing to help you out.
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Bang for the buck
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I don't know that much about how well my education will be overall, but so far I think that I am getting my monies worth. All tutors, worskshops, and appointments during office hours are abundantly available.
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Tips for prospective students
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Keep up with your classes and GPA your senior year. Don't slack off and take only easy courses, keep a hard class or two. This will show colleges that you are still motivated. Also, it's not how many activities you do, but it's how long and how involved you were.
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Great for these types of students
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Muhlenberg is great for anyone who is driven and willing to work hard. The courses are hard and you have to study alot so you have to be willing to put in the work if you want the grade. It's also great for theatre majors. Our theatre department is great.
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