On a recent Thursday afternoon, I enjoyed being on the Lehigh University campus with Admissions Representative Samantha Pitcher, who graciously spent some time over lunch at one of the local Bethlehem restaurants telling me all about Lehigh University.
To start with, she shared that this year admissions were the most competitive ever. They are an “Early Decision 1 and Early Decision 2” school and between these two admission plans they filled 50% of their incoming class. When a school fills half the class through early decision it ends up making regular decision much more competitive which is what happened this year.
We discussed Lehigh’s most popular programs and they are:
- Business (Lehigh’s business program is ranked #2 in the country second to Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania). BA/MBA combined program available.
- Engineering
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Programs in Environmental Studies and Environmental Engineering
- Architecture (will be fully certified in 2017)
- Psychology
There is a very strong alumni network which acts as a resource to students for internships, externships, and jobs. Fall, Winter, and Spring recruitment and career fairs are on campus for all students to access. In terms of life after getting an undergraduate degree, Lehigh students with at least a 3.75 GPA can pursue the first year of graduate work tuition free at Lehigh.
Lehigh has always been a school that takes demonstrated interest into consideration when reviewing students’ applications for admission and a campus visit prior to applying is an absolute must, most especially for students who live within a reasonable driving distance (Lehigh is a 3 hour drive from south western Long Island).
