Application Instructions

The best reason to apply Early Decision is this: You have found a college that is an absolute first choice. You know that it’s the right fit for you. If you are admitted Early Decision, you’re expected to withdraw other applications and enroll at Muhlenberg. This is a promise you should take seriously.

Early Decision I

Deadline to apply: November 20

Receive your decision: mid-December

Early Decision II

Deadline to apply: February 1

Receive your decision: mid-February

Early Action and Regular Decision applicants may change their application to Early Decision by submitting the Early Decision Agreement Form by February 15.

Early Action applicants submit their application to Muhlenberg College 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.

Deadline: December 9

Receive your decision: February 1

Regular Decision applicants submit their application to Muhlenberg College by February 1 and do not make a binding commitment to withdraw applications to other institutions if admitted. Students receive their decision by mid-March.

Deadline: February 1 

Receive decision: mid-March

You may apply online. A $50 application fee is required unless this would present a significant financial hardship for your family or you qualify for an institutional fee waiver.

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, home schooling or other exceptional situations.

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, merit scholarships or honors programs. 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 from your counselor.

If you would like to change your testing preference after you submit your Common Application, please complete and submit a Test-Optional Form to [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.

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.

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 in a homeschool setting to learn more about their academic experience.

For more information on application requirements for international students view our instructions here.

Students who wish to be considered for the University of Pennsylvania 3-4 Biodental Program or 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. View more information here.

If you wish to be considered for need-based financial aid, please file a FAFSA. For students who have given serious thought and consideration to Muhlenberg College as one of their top college choices and are considering applying Early Decision, the Office of Financial Aid offers you an opportunity for an Early Scholarship and Aid Review. Our goal in providing this information is so that you and your family can make an informed decision about applying Early Decision. View more about scholarships and financial aid here.