Here's a list of 25 questions we're often asked. Check out  'Berg at a Glance for more answers, or feel free to e-mail or call us if you don't find what you're looking for here.

1. What kind of setting is Muhlenberg located in?
   Come and visit! Muhlenberg's beautiful campus is nestled between elegant homes in the West End neighborhood of Allentown, PA, part of the popular Lehigh Valley. The campus sits on about 81 acres, and we also maintain a 40-acre arboretum and a 40-acre environmental field station/wildlife sanctuary. Allentown (Metro area) ranked number 30 on Forbes Best Places for Business and Careers!
   
   
2. What major cities are accessible to students?
   Philadelphia is about one hour away, New York City about 90 minutes, and Baltimore and Washington D.C. are about 2 1/2 to 3 hours away. A bus station near campus provides frequent trips into New York and Philly.
   
   
3. What are the current expenses for tuition, room, board, and fees?
   For the 2008-2009 school year, a comprehensive fee of $43,435 covers all but books and personal expenses for all students in or out of state.
   
   
4. What types of financial assistance are available?
   The primary component of a student's financial aid package is the Muhlenberg College Grant, which does not need to be paid back and is renewable for four years based on academic progress and family financial circumstances. In addition, the Stafford Loan, Perkins Loan, Pell Grant, and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant are all available based on family need. Entering freshmen are eligible for Merit Scholarships in amounts ranging up to $13,500 per year. In addition, the three honors programs, Muhlenberg Scholars, Dana Associates and RJ Fellows, each carry awards of $4,000. Performing and fine arts talent grants ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 are awarded on the basis of an audition or submitted portfolio, and are available in Theatre and Dance, Music, and Studio Art.
   
   
5. How are you handling the new SAT? And do you use SAT-IIs?
   Starting with the class entering in 2007, we accept the new SAT, including the new writing section. We do accept the ACT, and we also require the writing portion of the ACT. We do not require SAT-IIs.
   
   
6. Is it true that Muhlenberg is SAT-Optional? How does it work?
   Yes! Since 1996, Muhlenberg has offered students the option of not submitting their SAT or other standardized test scores. Students who apply without submitting scores must have a personal interview with a member of the Admissions staff, and must submit a graded paper from an 11th or 12th grade class, with a teacher's grade and comments on it. They must also sign and submit the SAT-optional form with their applications.
   
   
7. Are interviews required?
   Interviews are only mandatory if you choose to apply without submitting your SAT scores (Muhlenberg is SAT- optional, see #6). However, interviews are highly recommended for anyone seriously interested in Muhlenberg. Interviews are offered from April 1 of the junior year through February 15th of the senior year. Reservations for interviews and tours must be made by phone.
   
   
8. Does the College offer honors programs?
   Yes, incoming first-year students may be invited to join one of three honors programs: Dana Associates, RJ Fellows, and Muhlenberg Scholars. (See question #4 for more info.) Muhlenberg also houses a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa and several other academic honor societies.
   
   
9. Does the College provide overnight housing for prospective students?
   Absolutely! Through the Campus Visitation Program (CVP), prospective students are matched with current student hosts. Visiting high school seniors stay in the dorms, sit in on classes, eat in the dining hall and sample everyday life at Muhlenberg. Please give us at least two weeks' advance notice.
   
   
10. Does Muhlenberg have noted graduates?
    Yes! Among them...
    Dr. Karen H. Antman, Physician -- Deputy Director of the National Cancer Institute for Transitional & Clinical Sciences.
    Anthony Azizi, Actor -- Television and movie actor; recently a regular on the TV series "Commander in Chief."
    Richard Ben-Veniste, Attorney -- Partner, Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw, LLP; former Watergate prosecutor. 
    John W. Blend, III -- CEO, Goshen Capital Partners
    Dr. Paul Brucker -- President Emeritus, Thomas Jefferson University
    Richard F. Brueckner -- CEO, Pershing, LLC.
    Kam-Kam Cheng, Singer/Actress -- Female lead in the Broadway production of Miss Saigon; also performed on Broadway in The King and I.
    David Fricke, Writer -- Senior Editor of Rolling Stone magazine.
    David Massenheimer, Actor -- A male lead in the Broadway productions of Les Miserables and Ragtime.
    Jack McCallum, Writer -- Senior writer for Sports Illustrated magazine and author of numerous sports books.
    Mark Paris -- Managing Director and Head, Financial Products Group, Salomon Smith Barney.
    Darryl Ponicsan, Writer -- Novelist and screenplay writer ("School Ties," "Vision Quest," "Random Hearts," "Taps," "The Last Detail").
    Jeffrey Porphy -- Managing Director, Credit Suisse First Boston
    Steven Starker -- Founder, Bass Trading
    Harold "Sam" Stovall -- Chief Investment Strategist, Standard & Poors
    Paul Vikner -- President and CEO, Mack Trucks, Inc.
    Karen Wagoner -- Managing Director, Merrill Lynch & Co.
    
    
11. Are internships available for students? If so, in what majors?
    Internships are a big part of the Muhlenberg experience and are available to students in all majors who wish to pursue them. Faculty as well as The Career Center can assist you in finding an internship.  Internships may be registered for credit or completed for experience.
    
    
12. Does Muhlenberg offer education abroad programs? Through which departments?
    With appropriate planning, students of all majors can spend a semester or full year abroad.  Muhlenberg offers more than 40 approved programs to choose from, or you may set up your own. Approximately 100 - 130 students study abroad each year.  In addition, Muhlenberg offers a semester experience in Washington D.C.
    
    
13. What is Greek Life like on Campus?
    About 20% of Muhlenberg students are involved in Greek life. Students can pledge one of the four sororities or four fraternities in their sophomore year.
    
    
14. What is the percentage of graduates who gain admission to graduate school? How is your success rate in medical and law school?
    Immediately after graduation, about 25-30% of Muhlenberg grads enroll in graduate programs. Five years after graduation, as many as 55% have pursued some graduate study. Our acceptance rate into medical and law schools typically ranges from 75-95%.
    
    
15. Does the College honor AP credit?
    Students who take an Advanced Placement class in high school and who score a 4 or 5 on their AP examination may earn a course unit (one course) toward graduation from Muhlenberg and eliminate the corresponding Skills and Perspectives course from their graduation requirements. Students earning a score of 3 on the AP exam may eliminate a required course but will not earn a course unit.
    
    
16. When do I have to declare my major?
    You need to declare your major by spring semester of your second year. No need to rush! Waiting until at least the end of your first semester allows you to explore a number of different options.
    
    
17. What services exist if a student is struggling academically?
    Students should inquire at the Office of Academic Support Services for peer tutoring. Student tutors are chosen by the faculty in their major. Tutoring is generally available for all departments.
    
    
18. What is the breakdown of ethnic diversity at Muhlenberg?
    In recent years, between 7% and 9% of Muhlenberg students are of African-American, Asian, Hispanic or Native American descent. Several organizations support multicultural life on campus.
    
    
19. What types of religious groups are represented on campus?
    Religious life at Muhlenberg is extremely diverse. The three biggest religious groups on campus are Catholic (about 33% of students), Jewish (about 28%), and Protestant (about 25%).
    
    
20. When is orientation for first-year students?
    First-year students spend three days on campus for move-in, orientation and various other programs before the upper class students return.  It is generally the last week of August.
    
    
21. What are my housing options as a first-year student? Is housing guaranteed all four years?
    On-campus housing is guaranteed all four years. First-year students may live in one of three dorms: Prosser Hall, Walz Hall, or Brown Hall (female only). Roommates are matched based on basic living and studying habits which students indicate on their preference card.  Additional information can be found by visiting the Office of Residential Services website.
    
    
22. Are the dormitories wired for Internet access? Are there wireless areas on campus?
    All dormitory rooms are hard-wired for access to both the campus network and the Internet. The campus network holds all of the software Muhlenberg students are likely to need in their studies. Muhlenberg runs on an IBM-compatible, Windows 2000 format. In addition, each residence hall has a computer lounge with one or two computers and space to plug in another. Whether it's in the Trexler Library, academic buildings, or their own dorms, Muhlenberg students usually have no trouble finding an open workstation. Currently there are several wireless hotspots on campus and more are being developed.
    
    
23. Are students required to purchase a meal plan?
    Freshmen are required to purchase one of two meal plans: the seven-day meal plan (19 meals per week) or the gold meal plan (285 meals per semester). Upper class students can choose from a flexible range of plans.
    
    
24. Can students/freshmen have cars on campus?
    Freshmen may not have cars on campus. Beginning in the sophomore year, students are eligible for campus parking permits. A shuttle is available to take students to area restaurants, malls, theatres, and other fun places.
    
    
25. What other colleges are in the Lehigh Valley? Is cross-registration an option?
    Muhlenberg is part of the Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges (LVAIC). Other institutions in this group include Cedar Crest, DeSales, Lafayette, Lehigh, and Moravian. Beginning in their sophomore year, Muhlenberg students seeking to take a class that is not offered on our campus may apply to take classes at one of these institutions for no extra tuition charge.

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