<p>Songold, I don’t mean to direct this to you personally (really I don’t!) but there are a ton of threads on CC at this time of year that basically say, “accepted to X and Y…which should I choose or can you help me decide or what’s your opinion?” Here’s MY opinion generically speaking about such threads…there is NO way I can give an opinion. It is not as if one school is better than the other. The appropriate way to pick a college is what college fits YOU (or your child) the BEST. How could one comment on that without hearing the student’s selection criterion? I’d have to hear what the student laid out as wanting in a college. Then, I’d want to hear how he/she thinks X or Y school matches up (or doesn’t) with each selection criteria. I’d want to hear his/her comparisons of the two schools. I would want to hear his/her thoughts on pros/cons he/she sees in each school in relation to his/herself, and then I could advise and help probe and so on. It doesn’t matter which school I would pick but what school matches the kid the best. So, without knowing what he/she wants in a college, I can’t comment. </p>
<p>There are clear differences between American and Muhlenberg (back to your case). For example, one is in an urban setting and one is in a small town. Which setting does your child prefer in a college? American is larger than Muhlenberg. Does your kid care about size? One is an actual BA in MT program and one is a school where a student could piece together acting, singing, and dancing classes and fashion MT studies in a Theater major (double major/minors, etc.). I could go on and on about the differences but the missing piece is what YOUR CHILD WANTS in his/her experience. </p>
<p>I know my post won’t be seen as helpful (sorry!!) but without that information from your child, it is too hard to give much of an opinion. </p>
<p>I have had theater or MT students attend each of these two schools. I have students accepted this year to these again and one is deciding still but has already ruled out American but may choose Muhlenberg. I have other kids who have turned down their acceptances to Muhlenberg. It is all about FIT. I can’t emphasize that enough. It is a highly individualized decision. If a student shares their thoughts on their options vis a vie what they want in a college, it would help to guide them with the decision. Absent that, I have no opinion regarding these two fine college options.</p>