Cedar Crest College and Muhlenberg College

Cedar Crest College and Muhlenberg College (Submitted by Ms. Talotta) In early November, I had the opportunity to travel about two hours West of Bergen County to visit two Pennsylvania colleges – one that is fairly well-known to Highlanders and another one, lesser known. The latter -- Cedar Crest Col- lege -- is a small liberal arts college in the Lehigh Valley, and it impressed me with its warmth and genuine personal attention to its students. On my way to the admissions office, I met two students on their way to morning classes. Asking what they thought about their college, both told me how they felt tremendous support by their college, and they really appreciated the “Four-Year Guarantee.” I learned that Cedar Crest guarantees its students to graduate within four years because of the hands-on support it provides. The students felt this support, and after meeting with the college representatives , I knew the college was sincere in this promise of support, as well. Cedar Crest is an all- women’s college of about 1,500 students in Allentown (65 miles from Philadelphia and 92 miles from NYC), and cele- brating its 150th anniversary with a founding date of 1867. It is best known for its nursing program and nuclear medi- cine program, which are actually co-ed because of their popularity and need for graduates in these fields. Generally, the college looks for about a 1,000 on SATs and a 3.0 GPA or higher. The school also offers many 4+1 programs, allow- ing students to earn a Masters in one additional year after graduation. Cedar Crest College is only about a 20-minute drive to Lehigh University and walking distance to Muhlenberg College. This little college is a gem to any student looking for a strong, kind, supportive college with plenty of access to other major universities and a nearby downtown with excellent restaurants. A short walk away, with an enrollment of approximately 2,200 students, Muhlenberg College is home to a strong Divi- sion III athletics program, including 22 varsity intercollegiate sports, as well as a variety of social, cultural, political, and service organizations and activities. Popular majors include a very strong and diverse business program, psychology, and education, and the college boasts one of the strongest theatre arts programs in the country. Muhlenberg also has an amazing array of accelerated and dual admission opportunities, including: an Accelerated Dental Program with the University of Pennsylvania; a Dual-Admission Physical Therapy program or Occupational Therapy Program with Thom- as Jefferson University; a 3+2 Combined Program in Engineering with Columbia University; and a Combined Program in Forestry with Duke University. As part of the Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges, Muhlenberg provides access to cooperative cultural programs, cross-registration and sharing of library resources with Cedar Crest College as well as Lafayette College, Lehigh University, Moravian College, and DeSales University. Muhlenberg typically looks for SATs with an average of 600 on each the Critical Reading, Writing, and Math sections, and a personal interview is strongly recommended. Additionally, the college offers some excellent scholarship opportunities based on merit, character and talent; the most recent addition to these is the Henry Melchior Muhlenberg Scholarship worth $40,000/ year, awarded on the basis of “superb academic performance, extracurricular commitments, and positive character and citizenship” and is expected to be offered to five students from each entering class. Muhlenberg College is another great option for a student looking for a smaller college offering a competitive liberal arts education in the beautiful Lehigh Valley. 3 Student Services Bulletin .

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