Not sure how to respond to the Lehigh supplemental essays? CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the Lehigh University supplemental essay questions will show you how to write strong Lehigh supplemental essays and increase your chances against the Lehigh University acceptance rate.
If you need help creating Lehigh supplemental essays, create your free account or schedule a no-cost advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.
Lehigh Essay Guide Quick Facts:
- The Lehigh University acceptance rate is 50% – U.S. News ranks Lehigh University as a more selective school.
- Lehigh University ranking is #49 in National Universities.
What is Lehigh University known for?
Lehigh is a leading research university with a beautiful campus. Lehigh University is known for its strong engineering programs. It provides hands-on learning with an emphasis on building student leaders. The Lehigh University acceptance rate is 50%, and the Lehigh University ranking is #49.
Showing demonstrated interest can increase your chances against the Lehigh University acceptance rate. So, you should write Lehigh supplemental essays that include details about what programs at Lehigh interest you. This guide will help you write Lehigh supplemental essays that help you stand out from the crowd.
What is the acceptance rate for Lehigh University?
The Lehigh University acceptance rate is 50%. Don’t let the Lehigh University acceptance rate discourage you, though.
Since Lehigh admissions are competitive, you should consider attending a campus tour or special event to show your interest. If you show DI and write strong Lehigh supplemental essays, then you can overcome the Lehigh acceptance rate!
What is Lehigh University ranked?
The Lehigh University ranking is #49. According to US News, the Lehigh University ranking and Lehigh University acceptance rate make Lehigh a more selective school.
Because of the Lehigh acceptance rate and its test-optional policy, well-written Lehigh supplemental essays can considerably increase your admissions odds.
Does Lehigh have any supplemental essays?
Yes. All applicants must complete three Lehigh supplemental essays in addition to the required essay for the Common App or Coalition App.
We’ll discuss how to complete each Lehigh University supplemental essay in this Lehigh supplemental essays guide.
Are the Lehigh essays important?
In a word: yes. Lehigh has moved to a test-optional policy for the next two years. Without test scores, your Lehigh supplemental essays matter even more. You should, therefore, do all you can to make your Lehigh essays count!
Since the Lehigh University acceptance rate is 50%, strong Lehigh University supplemental essays can heavily impact your admissions result. So, for your best shot against the Lehigh University acceptance rate, don’t discount your Lehigh supplemental essays.
How do I write Lehigh University supplemental essays?
All applicants must complete three Lehigh University supplemental essay questions. In this guide, we’ll discuss how to address the Lehigh University essay prompts.
Lehigh University Supplement Essay – Question 1 (Required)
With the understanding that some students will change colleges at Lehigh after the first year, please briefly describe why you chose to apply to the first-choice college or major that you listed above. (200-word limit)
The first Lehigh University supplemental essay prompts you to discuss your chosen college or major. This prompt lets you show why you care about your field, so make sure to highlight your passions and use specific details.
Note that the term “college” refers to one of the five colleges at Lehigh University. Your major is housed within that college.
The terms “college” and “university” are often used interchangeably. However, the Lehigh University supplement essay question does NOT ask your reasons for choosing Lehigh.
Choosing a college or major
At this point, you’ve likely chosen a college or major. However, if you’re feeling unsure, that’s okay! If you want help picking a field of study, check out our tips for choosing a college major.
This Leigh University essay prompt recognizes you may change your major after your first year. So, while you have listed a first choice, Lehigh knows that things may change.
Providing a reason
Next, the Lehigh University essay prompts you to explain your reasons for your choice. This is a great chance to share your passions. It’s also a perfect place to show your knowledge of Lehigh’s programs.
Look at the following example:
My experiences as a student athletic trainer exposed me to the effects of concussions on the human brain and led me to an intrigue of how the human brain works. Studying in the College of Arts and Sciences to earn a BA in Behavioral Neuroscience…
Be sure to identify a specific college and major in your Lehigh supplemental essay. Also, share a story that shows your passion for your area of interest. While your readers know you may change your major, showing your commitment to a given field can really boost your essay!
Remember, the Lehigh University acceptance rate is just 50%. So, you should do all you can to help your Lehigh essay stand out.
Essay Draft Key Questions:
- Do you identify a specific college and major in your Lehigh University supplement essay?
- Does your Lehigh University supplement essay provide a reason for your area of interest?
- Have you demonstrated your passion for your field in your Lehigh University supplement essay?
Lehigh University Supplement Essay – Question 2 (Required)
How did you first learn about Lehigh University and what motivated you to apply? (150-word limit)
Lehigh University prompts like these, while seemingly simple, require care. So, don’t discount this Lehigh supplement essay. Your response should include where you first learned about Lehigh and why you applied.
Tell the truth
Be honest in your response. If you learned about Lehigh University from a school counselor, share that. If you learned about Lehigh University from an alumnus’s visit to your school, share that. This Lehigh University essay prompts you to share what drew you toward Lehigh.
Try to avoid a vague response such as “I heard about it from some friends,” since this doesn’t show your specific connection to Lehigh. This Lehigh University supplement essay question isn’t looking to trick you. Instead, your readers genuinely want to know where you first learned about Lehigh.
Connect to your interest
Motivated applicants are usually successful students. So, show what motivated you to apply to Lehigh! Also, try to discuss specific aspects of Lehigh. While this Lehigh University supplement essay might seem simple, including details will help your essay stand out.
Lehigh supplemental essays like these let you explore Lehigh’s programs, so use your essay to show why you love Lehigh. Additionally, showing DI in this Lehigh University supplement essay can help you stand out. Since the Lehigh acceptance rate is relatively low, you should approach your essay with attention and care.
Think about the following questions:
- Have you been able to visit the campus?
- Have you spoken with an admissions officer?
- Is there a particular program that excites you?
In other words, what do you know about Lehigh that excites you? Is it their entrepreneurial mindset? Their focus on creative inquiry? Or, perhaps your passion lies in their methods more than a particular program.
If you explain how you learned about Lehigh and why you want to attend, your response for this Leigh University supplement essay is sure to stand out!
Essay Draft Key Questions:
- Have you stated how you learned about Lehigh in your Lehigh University supplement essay?
- Does your Lehigh University supplement essay explain your why you want to attend Lehigh?
- Does your essay include details that show your knowledge of Lehigh’s programs?
Lehigh University Supplement Essay – Question 3 (Required)
A compelling characteristic of Lehigh’s community is that our students want to be actively engaged in their learning, their community, and the world. Our students look to make a difference and have a real-world impact. We expect our community to challenge your viewpoint, your naturalized assumptions, and the way that you see the world around you. Lehigh University is committed to being an anti-racist institution. By this, we mean actively speaking out and addressing acts of racism, racist comments, racist practices, policies, and procedures.
What would you want to be different in your own country or community to respond to issues of inequality, inequity, or injustice? (300-word limit)
The longest of the Lehigh University supplemental essays asks you to think about three things:
- What is an injustice in your country or community that moves you?
- Where do you see this injustice occurring?
- What do you want to do to rectify it?
Identify an issue
This Lehigh University essay prompts you to consider Lehigh’s anti-racist stance. So, you may want to think about an example of injustice that relates to racism.
If you need help choosing an issue, consider some of our tips for generating ideas. Additionally, you may think about any issue that you have read about or experienced that ignites your desire for justice.
If you’re struggling to come up with a topic, think about these questions:
- Is there an injustice that you want to change?
- Has something happened at your school or in your hometown that demands justice?
- Is there a system or institution embedded with inequality that you want to transform?
- Is there an issue that fires you up to make change?
Your Lehigh University supplement essay could relate to any of these questions. For the first part of your Lehigh University supplemental essay, you should explain your chosen injustice as it manifests in your country or community. Then, you should explain how you would remedy this injustice.
As you write your Lehigh supplement essay, be careful not to tell anyone else’s story. While your Lehigh supplemental essay can show your care for those from different backgrounds, your essay should also reveal how you relate to the world.
Create social change
After you’ve identified your injustice, your Lehigh University supplement essay must include what change could resolve this issue. Your Lehigh University supplemental essay should also explain how you can be a part of that change.
For instance, let’s say that you want to change the representation of Latinx communities in the news media. First, identify and explain the issue. Then, express how your future goals would help you foster change:
Ex. With my BA in Journalism and a minor in mass communications, I know that my education, partnered with the work of the Association of Latino Professionals of America at Lehigh empowers me to make changes in the representation of Latinx communities in the news….
You can also draw on previous activism in which you have taken part:
Ex. During my senior year of high school, I used my experience on the yearbook staff to create a spread titled “Latinx Innovations” which highlighted specific contributions that Latinx members of our local communities had made to the history of our high school…I want to continue this activist journalism at Lehigh…
Additionally, try to be as personal, specific, and honest as possible. If you describe your issue and show how you’d help fix it, your Lehigh University supplemental essay is sure to shine!
Essay Draft Key Questions:
- Have you identified a specific injustice in your Lehigh University supplement essay?
- Does your Lehigh University supplement essay show your knowledge of how that injustice impacts your community or country?
- Do you highlight your passion to be a change-maker in your Lehigh University supplement essay?
Lehigh University Supplemental Essays – Final Thoughts
The Lehigh essay prompts may seem overwhelming, especially when you think about the Lehigh University ranking. However, don’t let that discourage you! With these tips, you can write a strong set of Lehigh supplemental essays and maximize your chances against the Lehigh University acceptance rate.
This 2021-2022 essay guide on Lehigh was written by Sasha Litzenberger. Want help crafting your Lehigh supplemental essays? Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.
