<p>Hi, I'm from western NY, got into the following schools: SUNY Binghamton, University of Rochester, Northeastern University, University of Pittsburgh, University of Delaware, and Lehigh University. I have narrowed my choice down to Delaware and Lehigh. I applied for financial aid but I'll just put down what I got for grants: Delaware gave me a 6k/year grant so that makes it about 20k a year. Lehigh gave me a 28k/year grant which would in all likelihood go down quite a bit in value for my last 2 years (my sister is currently a sophomore in college, so she'd be graduating by then). So that makes Lehigh about 18k or 19k a year the first 2 years, and I dunno exactly for the next two years, but more expensive for sure. I also got deferred ED to Bucknell and eventually denied. </p>
<p>I applied under mechanical for Lehigh and engineering-undecided for Delaware because I'm not completely sure. I'm thinking probably mechanical or chemical, but like I said, I'm not entirely certain. I know Delaware would be the better bet if I wanted chemical for sure. I just read the 2008 rankings for engineering in general today and Lehigh and Delaware are a lot closer than a thought to each other (Lehigh 44th or so and Delaware 50th about, I believe). My parents are under the impression that an education from a private university would look much better from an employer's standpoint, but I've heard there isn't a hell of a lot of difference between engineering degrees unless it's from one of the top, top universities. Would one of the degrees (Delaware vs. Lehigh) look better to an employer or not?</p>
<p>I plan on running cross country and track next year, and that is extremely important in regards to where I go. I'm not really good enough to get recruited but the Delaware coach told me I would be a competitive candidate on their team. However, the Lehigh coaching staff has been really hard for me to get a hold of and when I finally contacted an assistant coach I learned about their tryout process which caters to upperclassmen and anyone considered a recruit (it is a one race tryout, upperclassmen/recruits don't get cut). I dunno if I'm down with the idea of training all summer for just ONE RACE, which could be the end of my season, if I had an off day. Also, I have emailed the coaches and left messages on their voice mail to get more information but I have never received a call back or email. The Delaware coach on the other hand has replied to all my emails and I even talked on instant messenger to a runner at Delaware who has told me all about the program. I feel very welcome there, but at Lehigh I don't feel like I'd get as much attention in regards to track (which may seem strange given the size of the schools). I will be visiting both schools Thursday and Friday. I don't even know if the Lehigh coach will be there when I will be, because I can't get through to her, or any of the assistants. I don't want to be a pain, either, so it makes it really difficult. </p>
<p>Please no one say not to make my decision based on athletics, because I've heard enough of that from my parents (and quite frankly that isn't what I'm basing my decision on). I'm just looking for other opinions. I have received a lot of pressure from my friends and family to go to Lehigh because it is more prestigious and because I got more money there, although I get a better feeling from Delaware. If you've read this far, thank you. Any advice is greatly appreciated...</p>