Muhlenberg College

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Muhlenberg is a niche school but a great choice for the right kid. Very artsy. It lacks the cachet of the top PA schools like Swarthmore and Bucknell, but if you look at its incoming student stats, it hangs with the likes of Dickinson and Gettysburg. I'm not sure why it can't catch a break in USNWR. Could be graduation rates, which might warrant further investigation.

Putting Bucknell on level with Swarthmore is hilarious.

[Anonymous]

How are the arts opportunities for non-art-majors? DD is considering physics or chem as a major but loves visual arts and tech theater - wants to be able to take art classes and be involved in theater shows but doesn’t want to major (probably not even minor) in either. Opportunities to get involved, or are those classes and activities restricted to majors?

[Anonymous]

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I’ve read that Muhlenberg is an evangelical Lutheran school. Is that true, and if so, in what way does religion impact the college experience? My agnostic kid is considering MC but the evangelical bent is a real turn off.[/quote]u

I would call it “Lutheran” (have never heard the “evangelical” used and grew up with lots of Lutherans and near M’berg). Roughly equivalent to a school being Presbyterian. (Please don’t nitpick me theologically). It’s mainline Protestant-religious, which is to say, not very.[/quote]

+1

It’s very light on Christian religion. No theology course requirements, diverse student body including many Jewish students, and a multifaith center for those who wish to engage. But it’s certainly not a predominant feature of the school. They’re also really welcoming of LGBTQ+ students and offer gender inclusive housing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How are the arts opportunities for non-art-majors? DD is considering physics or chem as a major but loves visual arts and tech theater - wants to be able to take art classes and be involved in theater shows but doesn’t want to major (probably not even minor) in either. Opportunities to get involved, or are those classes and activities restricted to majors?

Our DS did a tour and an interview with almost exactly the same question-- They were not only open to the idea, but highly encouraging of participation in tech theater outside of a formal program. They said that for performers it could be more competitive if you are not in a program but tech theater is in high demand with lots of opportunities. A professor and a student from the theater department spent an incredible amount of time answering these questions for our DS, pushing this school high up on his list. If your DD has similar questions, I recommend scheduling an interview with someone in the theater department and asking

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Muhlenberg is a niche school but a great choice for the right kid. Very artsy. It lacks the cachet of the top PA schools like Swarthmore and Bucknell, but if you look at its incoming student stats, it hangs with the likes of Dickinson and Gettysburg. I'm not sure why it can't catch a break in USNWR. Could be graduation rates, which might warrant further investigation.

I agree with this. I know a couple of kids there + a couple of professors. Very artsy and liberal. The kids I know have had amazing opportunities. Anything they want to pursue, it's available. The professors I know are kind, very open to discussion, skewing a little young and fun.

I think it would be a great place for kids seeking a small, stimulating environment.

My kid goes to Ithaca and I perceive a lot of common qualities.

[Anonymous]

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I’ve read that Muhlenberg is an evangelical Lutheran school. Is that true, and if so, in what way does religion impact the college experience? My agnostic kid is considering MC but the evangelical bent is a real turn off.[/quote]u

I would call it “Lutheran” (have never heard the “evangelical” used and grew up with lots of Lutherans and near M’berg). Roughly equivalent to a school being Presbyterian. (Please don’t nitpick me theologically). It’s mainline Protestant-religious, which is to say, not very.[/quote]

+1

It’s very light on Christian religion. No theology course requirements, diverse student body including many Jewish students, and a multifaith center for those who wish to engage. But it’s certainly not a predominant feature of the school. They’re also really welcoming of LGBTQ+ students and offer gender inclusive housing.
[/quote]

Yes, "evangelical Lutheran" is a type of Lutheranism. It's quite liberal, and doesn't even remotely resemble evangelical Christian megachurches.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How are the arts opportunities for non-art-majors? DD is considering physics or chem as a major but loves visual arts and tech theater - wants to be able to take art classes and be involved in theater shows but doesn’t want to major (probably not even minor) in either. Opportunities to get involved, or are those classes and activities restricted to majors?

Our DS did a tour and an interview with almost exactly the same question-- They were not only open to the idea, but highly encouraging of participation in tech theater outside of a formal program. They said that for performers it could be more competitive if you are not in a program but tech theater is in high demand with lots of opportunities. A professor and a student from the theater department spent an incredible amount of time answering these questions for our DS, pushing this school high up on his list. If your DD has similar questions, I recommend scheduling an interview with someone in the theater department and asking

Thank you! That’s super helpful and encouraging to hear.

[Anonymous]

Pre-professional school. Lots of Jews.

I Also grew up near there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Muhlenberg is a niche school but a great choice for the right kid. Very artsy. It lacks the cachet of the top PA schools like Swarthmore and Bucknell, but if you look at its incoming student stats, it hangs with the likes of Dickinson and Gettysburg. I'm not sure why it can't catch a break in USNWR. Could be graduation rates, which might warrant further investigation.

Putting Bucknell on level with Swarthmore is hilarious.

Swat is more intellectual, but Bucknell has equal if not better outcomes, especially in finance and consulting. They're the top LACs in PA, 1a and 1b if you will, they just cater to different kids with different goals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pre-professional school. Lots of Jews.

I Also grew up near there.

Pre-professional how? It’s a liberal arts college. Those don’t strike me as pre-professional environments and not the sense I get from Muhlenberg from our research so far.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Muhlenberg is a niche school but a great choice for the right kid. Very artsy. It lacks the cachet of the top PA schools like Swarthmore and Bucknell, but if you look at its incoming student stats, it hangs with the likes of Dickinson and Gettysburg. I'm not sure why it can't catch a break in USNWR. Could be graduation rates, which might warrant further investigation.

.

My kid goes to Ithaca and I perceive a lot of common qualities.

Good to know. Muhlenberg and Ithaca are both on the list. Haven’t visited Ithaca yet. Kid is interested in liberal arts, including writing and languages, plus performing arts (voice/musical theater but not necessarily a BFA).

[Anonymous]

If you're looking for somewhere with strong arts, lots of nature and good merit aid, I would check out Bennington College.

[Anonymous]

Both IC and Muhlenberg have had recent enrollment declines. Look at their more recent yield rates and class sizes, along with Moody's credit ratings in advance of bond sales.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How are the arts opportunities for non-art-majors? DD is considering physics or chem as a major but loves visual arts and tech theater - wants to be able to take art classes and be involved in theater shows but doesn’t want to major (probably not even minor) in either. Opportunities to get involved, or are those classes and activities restricted to majors?

That's the benefit of an LAC like Muhlenberg. Arts/theatre opportunities aren't restricted to majors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pre-professional school. Lots of Jews.

I Also grew up near there.

Pre-professional how? It’s a liberal arts college. Those don’t strike me as pre-professional environments and not the sense I get from Muhlenberg from our research so far.

I’m also curious about this description. I would not have thought anyone would describe Muhlenberg as primarily pre-professional.