<p>But what are the pros and cons of each for chemical engineering? and for social life?</p>
<p>girlfriendmb,</p>
<p>My son just graduated from CMU... and I went to Lehigh for my undergrad. I'm not an engineer so I can't comment first hand on the academics.</p>
<p>The main thing: these are two HUGELY different schools. First the similarities as I see them: similar size (~5000 undergrad), good science/engineering at both, and other than they're both in PA there isn't much alike between them.</p>
<p>Now for the differences. CMU for engineering is ranked much higher, #14 for Chem E and Lehigh not in the top 25 (that's where the usnews list ends), and #8 overall engineering with LU #47. Lehigh has a good regional reputation for its engineering, but CMU is far more respected nationally and internationally. You'll see a lot more kids from top science hs's (Bronx Science, Stuy, TJ in VA) at CMU vs Lehigh.</p>
<p>Student body---Lehigh in my day was a school for rich white kids (although I wasn't rich) and although it's become more diverse, it's still 85% white (3% international and 6% Asian). CMU's much more diverse (53% white, 11% int'l, 23 % Asian) which is apparent immediately walking thru the campuses. </p>
<p>Setting---Bethlehem has improved but I still wouldn't call it hopping, more like a depressed old mill city with a nice redone Main Street. Because of that drinking in the fraternities is the main social activity...if it's not your thing I'd think twice about applying. There is drinking etc at CMU (my S was in a fraternity and had a great and fun social life) but you're in a city so there are lots more options. Pittsburgh in my opinion is a great small city...clean, good restaurants, culture, major league sports, etc. There's just obviously more to do in a city.</p>
<p>Campuses---LU is traditional stone/gothic, it's a gorgeous campus. It's on the side of a somewhat steep hill (South Mountain) so walking back up to your dorm/frat/sorority after class can be a chore esp in hot weather. CMU is not as beautiful, but over the years I came to really like the campus for its cleanliness, compactness, symmetry and flatness. Some of the buildings actually are quite nice.</p>
<p>Students---the same person can find his/her niche at either school but as a gross generality I'd say the typical Lehigh kid is rich, white, athletic, good looking, smart but not intellectual. Typical CMU kid: quirky, not especially athletic, average looking, smart and intellectual...when my son visited Lehigh he decided not to apply, since he wanted a city school. I liked Lehigh, it was fun and rigorous academically, but I think there are a lot more options at CMU. If I could do it again I'd choose CMU in a heartbeat. It's a more interesting place to spend four years, at least in my opinion.</p>
<p>thanks, but is CMU a nerd school? Is it true its extremely competitive without a strong alumni?</p>