<p>realjoy, thanks for clarifying about the early read. I misunderstood you and thought that the early read was of the application itself. I happened, coincidentally, to be talking to a friend last night whose D attended Muhlenberg and who has another D who will be applying this year. Her understanding of the early read is that it takes place once the student is accepted so that the f/a information is quickly available. She sent me this link, which you may have already seen:</p>
<p>[Straight</a> Answers on Early Decision](<a href=“http://www.muhlenberg.edu/admissions/early.html]Straight”>http://www.muhlenberg.edu/admissions/early.html)</p>
<p>That makes it pretty clear that although they will provide you with the f/a info in a timely manner, they do expect the student to honor the E.D. commitment, withdraw other applications, and enroll at Muhlenberg. As they say, not a promise to take lightly.</p>
<p>I understand how tempting it is, particularly when a school does tend to accept such a large percentage of their freshman class through E.D., to take the chance and go for it. I still wouldn’t recommend it if finances are an issue. It’s interesting that the E.D. deadline is so late. Many/most schools R.D. deadline is earlier than that! 
I guess I’d be curious to know if Muhlenberg waits until long after Feb. 15 to even bother looking at any R.D. applications. That set-up just seems weird, and a little too crafty, to me.</p>