Lehigh University, situated in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and ranked among the top 50 schools, boasts a vibrant community of 5,400 undergraduate students. The majority of these students are drawn to the university’s prestigious engineering, business, biology, and computer science programs. From an admissions perspective, Lehigh stands out with its fluctuating selectivity metrics and non-linear trajectory in acceptance rates. While many similar institutions—private, selective, and STEM-focused—have witnessed a steady decline in acceptance rates, Lehigh’s admissions numbers have displayed a degree of unpredictability, resembling the bouncing trajectory of a Superball.
What is The Lehigh University Early Decision Acceptance Rate?
Lehigh University offers two rounds of Early Decision. The ED I deadline falls on November 1st, while the ED II deadline is on January 1st. In the case of the Class of 2025, the university accepted 763 out of the 1,084 students who applied through binding ED. This translates to an impressive 70% acceptance rate for the ED applicants.
What is The Lehigh University Acceptance Rate?
Lehigh University received a total of 15,161 applications for the Class of 2026 and extended admissions offers to 5,507 applicants. This resulted in a 36% acceptance rate, marking a decrease from the previous year’s 46%.
What is The Lehigh University SAT, ACT, and Class Rank?
In the 2022-23 academic year, the majority of incoming freshmen, precisely 57%, ranked within the top decile of their high school class, while 86% were in the top quartile. The mid-50% SAT composite scores for enrolled members of the Class of 2025 ranged from 1340 to 1460, while the mid-50% ACT range was between 31 and 35.
For the admitted students of the Class of 2025, the mid-50% scores differed slightly, with SAT scores ranging from 1380 to 1500 and ACT scores between 32 and 34.
What is The Admission Insights at The Lehigh University?
Admissions Trends & Notes
- Lehigh University is test-optional for the 2023-24 academic year.
- The percentage of Class of 2026 applicants not submitting SAT/ACT scores decreased to 48%.
- Lehigh witnessed a 7% increase in applications compared to the previous year.
- The average GPA for incoming students over the past three cycles is 3.66.
- 38% of admitted students came from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
- International students comprised 19% of the applicant pool, up by 4% from the previous year.
- In an effort to enhance diversity in STEM fields, more women than men were admitted to the Class of 2026.
What is The Lehigh University Demographics?
Exploring the Demographics of Current Lehigh University Undergraduates
Geographical Distribution:
- Representing 43 states across the US.
- Enrolled students originate from 28 countries worldwide.
- Competition tends to be fiercest among applicants from densely populated states like those in the Northeast and the West Coast. Conversely, applicants from less populated states such as Idaho, Wyoming, or Alaska may enjoy an admissions advantage.
Top Home States of Current Undergraduates:
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
- New York
- California
- Massachusetts
Ethnic Identity Breakdown:
- Asian American: 9%
- Hispanic: 10%
- African American: 5%
- White: 61%
- Two or More Races: 4%
Gender Distribution:
- Male: 54%
- Female: 46% (For the Class of 2025, women were admitted at a higher rate compared to men, with a split of 51% versus 41%).
International Representation:
- International students constitute 8% of the undergraduate population.
- The highest number of international students originate from countries including China, India, South Korea, and Iran
What is The Lehigh University Yield Rate?
Last year, Lehigh University’s yield rate stood at 23%, indicating the percentage of accepted students who ultimately chose to enroll. This figure is relatively low, largely influenced by the competitive nature of the applicant pool, which overlaps with that of many other prestigious institutions in the Northeast.
To provide context, here are the yield rates of some other private institutions:
- Lafayette University: 21%
- Cornell University: 60%
- Case Western Reserve University: 16%
These figures underscore the unique challenges and competition that Lehigh faces in attracting admitted students to matriculate.
What is The Admission Criteria at The Lehigh University?
Lehigh University places significant emphasis on several factors in its admissions process, with a holistic approach aimed at understanding each applicant’s unique qualities and achievements. While rigor of secondary school record and GPA are deemed “very important,” there are ten additional factors considered “important” in evaluating candidates:
- Class rank
- Application essay
- Recommendations
- Standardized test scores
- Talent/ability
- Extracurricular activities
- Character/personal qualities
- Racial/ethnic status
- Volunteer work
- Level of interest in the university
In the words of the Lehigh University admissions staff, authenticity is crucial in crafting an application that stands out. They encourage applicants to focus on sharing who they are rather than trying to fit into a specific mold.
The university’s holistic review process takes into account not only academic achievements but also the individual’s characteristics, experiences, and the influence of their environment. This comprehensive evaluation considers factors such as school transcripts, recommendations, essays, extracurricular accomplishments, leadership experiences, and personal background.
By considering a wide range of factors, Lehigh University aims to create a diverse and dynamic student body that reflects the unique talents and perspectives of its applicants.
The Lehigh University Application Process Key Tips
If you find yourself among the 15,000+ applicants vying for a spot at Lehigh University in the upcoming admissions cycle, consider the following tips:
- Direct Application to Undergraduate Colleges: All applicants must apply directly to one of four undergraduate colleges on the application for admission. It’s also recommended to select an alternate major.
- Optional Evaluative Interviews: Lehigh offers optional evaluative interviews for prospective students. Taking advantage of this opportunity can provide valuable insight into your application.
- Demonstrated Interest Matters: Lehigh University places significant importance on “demonstrated interest” in the admissions process. Activities such as campus visits (when possible), contacting admissions officers, and engaging with the university on social media can positively impact your application.
- Supplemental Essay: Dedicate sufficient time and effort to the optional supplemental essay required by Lehigh. Use this opportunity to showcase your unique qualities, interests, and aspirations.
By keeping these points in mind, you can enhance your chances of success in the competitive admissions process at Lehigh University.
Conclusion
Gaining admission to Lehigh University is a competitive endeavor, but with careful planning and preparation, you can increase your chances of success. By understanding the admissions process, demonstrating your interest in the university, and presenting a strong application, you can position yourself as a competitive candidate for admission. Good luck on your journey to joining the Lehigh community!