At Muhlenberg, we value the energy and enthusiasm that Early Decision applicants bring to our campus.  In our experience, Early Decision students become active, engaged members of our community, contributing much to the overall vitality of this environment.

The best reason to apply Early Decision is this:  You have found a college that is an absolute first choice.  If Muhlenberg is that college, we encourage you to consider an Early Decision application.

From our perspective, two of the most important goals of the college application process are 1) finding the "right fit" and 2) effective communication.  For a student, an Early Decision application represents communication to the Admissions Committee that is more pointed and precise than anything else the application process can provide.  Early Decision applicants are weighing in on their sense of fit with a particular college in a way that is powerful and important.  Nothing else in the application process provides the same opportunity.

At Muhlenberg, we want to know if we are your strong first choice.  If you look into this community and see something distinctive that could be special for you during your four years of undergraduate education, an Early Decision application gives you the opportunity to communicate that with credibility.  Last year, 304 students took advantage of that opportunity and filled seats via our Early Decision option in a freshman class that eventually numbered 617.

We have moved our Early Decision deadline back to February 1 of the senior year to give students more time and space to consider this big decision.  In addition, we pledge to all Early Decision applicants that we will treat them fairly for financial aid (and we run early need-based and merit aid processes so that students admitted Early Decision know about financial aid before they are required to deposit).

We are eager to enroll students for whom Muhlenberg is a clear, enthusiastic first choice.  If you fit that description, we look forward to the opportunity to discuss the possibility of an Early Decision application with you.  On the other hand, if you need more time, or wish to compare financial aid packages, or are equally interested in a number of colleges, we encourage you to take all the time you need up to May 1 (the National Candidate's Reply Date).  Either way, we wish you good luck and great success as you pursue your college search and selection process.

Here is how our Early Decision program works:

1.  Deadline - Our ED application deadline is February 1.

2.  When do we decide? - We begin reading ED applications around Thanksgiving.  As decisions are made, we mail decision letters weekly through February 15.

3.  What about financial aid? - In order to hear about need-based aid as quickly as possible after an ED acceptance, file a CSS Financial Aid Profile within a week of applying to Muhlenberg.  Our CSS code is 2424.  We will run early need-based and merit aid processes for accepted ED students.

4.  What is your commitment?  - If you are admitted ED, you are expected to withdraw other applications and enroll at Muhlenberg.  This is a promise you should not make lightly.

For more information on applying to Muhlenberg, please call us at
484-664-3200, or write to admission@muhlenberg.edu. Good luck!