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.
Apply For Fall 2027
The Common Application is officially open. If you're ready to apply to Muhlenberg, we'd love to learn more about you. Apply before Dec. 1 to qualify for our $2,000 early application grant.
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.
Early Action and Regular Decision applicants can change their decision plan to Early Decision by emailing [email protected].
Application and Aid Deadlines
| Admissions Plan | Application & FAFSA Priority Deadline | Receive Your Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision | November 16 | By December 1 |
| Early Action | December 1 | By January |
| Regular Decision | February 1 | Rolling, beginning in mid-January |
How to Apply to Muhlenberg
Your first-year application comes together in just a few steps. Start with the overview below that applies to you (as a domestic or international student), then find detailed instructions for each step further down the page.
Applying As A Domestic Student
- Complete the Common Application
- Send your transcript
- Submit recommendations
- Decide whether you want to submit your test scores
- Apply for financial aid
Applying As An International Student
- Complete the Common Application
- Request a secondary school transcript
- Submit a school report with a school official’s recommendation
- Submit a teacher recommendation from a core academic subject
- Submit English language proficiency testing
- Complete the certificate of finance form
- Decide whether to submit test scores or meet the Admissions team.
Financial Aid for Prospective Students and Families
EsaExplore scholarships, grants, financial aid, and other resources that can help you and your family understand the cost of a Muhlenberg education and plan with confidence.
Follow These Steps to Apply (Domestic Students)
We’ve broken down the admissions process for you here. Expand each of the steps below to learn more. If you have questions, please email us at [email protected] 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.
Homeschooled applicants: 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, complete 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. Connecting directly with our admissions team is highly recommended for applicants who come from a homeschool setting.
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 emailing the Office of Admissions at [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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.
Honors Programs
Muhlenberg’s honors programs recognize students whose academic achievements, interests, and experiences align with these distinctive opportunities. Students are considered through the admissions process and may be invited to participate in one of these selective programs.
RJ Fellows
RJ Fellows is a selective honors community for curious, motivated students who want to turn ideas into action. Through interdisciplinary coursework, mentorship, research, service, and hands-on experiences, Fellows develop the skills and connections to make an impact at Muhlenberg and beyond.
Shankweiler Scholars
The Shankweiler Scholars Program offers students interested in medicine a distinctive, interdisciplinary approach to understanding health and the human experience. Scholars explore medicine through science, the humanities, social sciences, and the arts while building meaningful relationships with faculty mentors.
Explore 4+1 and Muhlenberg Graduate Programs
Muhlenberg offers accelerated 4+1 pathways and graduate programs that can help you earn an advanced degree efficiently, deepen your expertise, and build momentum toward your academic and professional goals.