Application Instructions for First-Year Students
Find a step-by-step breakdown of everything you need to do (and when you need to do it) to apply for admission and financial aid at Muhlenberg College.
We’re excited that you’re interested in the challenging liberal arts education and supportive residential experience that Muhlenberg offers. Here’s what you need to do once you’ve decided to apply to Muhlenberg.
Choose Your Admissions Plan
There are three ways to apply to Muhlenberg and each comes with its own deadlines and decision dates:
Early Decision
The best reason to apply Early Decision is because you know Muhlenberg is the right fit for you. If you are admitted through Early Decision, you’re expected to withdraw other applications and enroll at Muhlenberg. Learn more here.
Early Action
Early Action applicants submit their application to Muhlenberg early and receive their admissions decision sooner than Regular Decision applicants but do not make a binding commitment to withdraw applications to other institutions if admitted.
Regular Decision
Regular Decision applicants submit their application to Muhlenberg latest and do not make a binding commitment to withdraw applications to other institutions if admitted.
Application Deadlines
| Admissions Plan | Application Deadline | Receive Your Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I | November 15 | Mid-December |
| Early Action | December 1 | Mid-January |
| Early Decision II | February 1 | Mid-February |
| Regular Decision | February 1 | March 1 |
Consider an Early Scholarship and Aid Review
Muhlenberg offers a unique opportunity for students to receive an estimate of the scholarships and/or aid they may be offered if they choose to apply and are admitted to the college. This is especially useful for students who are considering applying Early Decision.
Follow These Steps to Apply (Domestic Students)
We’ve broken down the admissions process for you here. If you have questions, please email us at admissions@muhlenberg.edu or call the admissions office at 484-664-3200. We’re here to help!
Complete the Common Application
You may apply online. There is no fee to complete your application.
Request Official Transcripts
Request that your official transcripts be sent to Muhlenberg, and be sure that grade reports for each quarter or marking period are sent to admissions as they become available throughout your senior year. Transcripts and senior grades can be sent through the Common Application or your school’s document management system.
You should be on track to complete a secondary school college preparatory program of at least 16 Carnegie units. These units should include four of English, two of one foreign language, three of mathematics, two (preferably three) of science, two of history, and major academic electives. Exceptions to these requirements will be considered on an individual basis in cases of documented learning disability, homeschooling, or other exceptional situations.
Submit Letters of Recommendation
Submit two letters of recommendation (one from your high school counselor and one from a core academic teacher). Recommenders can either send their letters through the Common Application online or by downloading the forms on the Common Application website and sending them directly to the Office of Admissions.
Submit Standardized Test Scores (Optional)
Muhlenberg has been test-optional for admissions since 1996. There are no additional application requirements for a test-optional applicant to be considered for admission or merit scholarships. Indicate your preferred testing preference on the Muhlenberg-specific questions on the Common Application.
Muhlenberg’s test codes are SAT, 2424 and ACT, 3640. If you ultimately enroll at Muhlenberg, and you have self-reported your test scores as part of your application, you will be required to submit official test scores from either the test agency or your counselor.
If you would like to change your testing preference after you submit your Common Application, please contact admissions@muhlenberg.edu.
Please note that while test scores are optional for undergraduate admission to Muhlenberg College, students must submit test scores to be considered for the University of Pennsylvania 3-4 Biodental Program and SUNY College of Optometry 3-4 Combined Program.
Complete Financial Aid Paperwork (Optional)
If you wish to be considered for need-based financial aid, please file a FAFSA. Learn more about scholarships and financial aid here.
Academic Partnerships
Students who wish to be considered for the University of Pennsylvania 3-4 Biodental Program or the SUNY College of Optometry 3-4 Combined Program should indicate their interest on the Common Application. Standardized test scores are required for consideration for these programs and additional application materials may be requested.
Homeschooled Students
Applicants who were homeschooled must complete a high school education in a homeschool setting approved under their state law (or, if state law does not require a homeschooled student to obtain a completion credential, completing a high school education in a homeschool setting that qualifies as an exemption from compulsory attendance requirements under state law). We encourage applicants who were homeschooled to be explicit about their homeschool setting in their application. Interviews are highly recommended for all applicants and can be particularly helpful for applicants who come from a homeschool setting.
Follow These Steps to Apply (International Students)
We are excited that you are interested in Muhlenberg College! Each year, we welcome students from around the world who bring unique experiences and perspectives to our community. Please contact international@muhlenberg.edu or +1 484-664-3212 if any further information is needed as you complete the application process.
Complete the Common Application
You may apply online. There is no fee to complete your application.
Request a Secondary School Transcript
Official transcripts must include the original stamp or seal of the school. Electronic copies must be submitted in PDF format directly by a school official to admissions@muhlenberg.edu. We cannot accept transcripts directly from applicants. Transcripts must be translated into English.
Submit a School Report With a School Official Recommendation
Recommendations can be written by a counselor, advisor, or school principal.
Submit a Teacher Recommendation From a Core Academic Subject
Teacher recommendations can be emailed directly by the recommender to admissions@muhlenberg.edu. Core academic subjects include literature, mathematics, and sciences.
Submit English Language Proficiency Testing
All international applicants are required to submit English language proficiency testing. Muhlenberg accepts TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo to fulfill this requirement. Scores must be sent directly by the testing center; we cannot accept score reports directly from applicants.
Muhlenberg is a writing-intensive liberal arts institution and we do not offer ESL coursework. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency by meeting the following minimums:
- Duolingo: 115
- IELTS: 6.5
- TOEFL: 85
- You may be exempt from taking an English language proficiency test if:
- your native or first language is English
- your high school’s primary language of instruction is English, and you have attended the school for more than three years (these will be assessed on a case-by-case basis)
- If you wish to request a TOEFL/IELTS/DET exemption, please fill out this form in your Application Status Portal.
Complete the Certification of Finance Form
The Certification of Finance form is located within each applicant’s Application Status Portal. This form takes 5-10 minutes to complete and no banking documentation is required.
Submit Standardized Test Scores (Optional)
The submission of SAT or ACT scores is optional for Muhlenberg applicants. You may submit copies of score reports by email to admissions@muhlenberg.edu or through the testing agency by using Muhlenberg College reporting codes: SAT, 2424 and ACT, 3640.
If you wish to be considered for our dental or optometry academic partnership programs, you are required to submit standardized test scores.
Complete an Admissions Interview (Optional)
While interviews are optional, we strongly encourage all international applicants to interview so we can get to know you better. We offer online appointments via Zoom and WeChat, as well as in-person interviews in our travel regions and on our campus. Interviews are required for students applying to the University of Pennsylvania 3-4 BioDental Program.
To schedule your interview with a member of our admissions team, please register here for a virtual appointment and here for an on-campus appointment.
International applicants are also welcome to provide us with an InitialView interview. If you are going to participate in an InitialView interview as part of your application plans, please do so by February 1.