Drexel vs. Lehigh

College Search & Selection
1

Hi!
I have until Tuesday to decide between Drexel University and Lehigh University, but I’m not sure which.

I want to major in Bio, I like medium to big colleges (so both of those fit that description), Financial aid isn’t a problem because I got aid from both, I’m very quiet and have social anxiety but HAVE to be around people and talking or else I feel isolated and have major Fear of Missing Out. Being at Drexel in the city will probably make me feel less like I’m missing out but Lehigh might make me feel more because it’s more than an hour from a city, but at the same time it has a decent amount of people and I could always take a bus to the city but I’m not sure how often people do that?. At the same time though, since I have MAJOR social anxiety issues, being around 25,000 people might stress me out and lehighs 7,000 sounds just right I guess , I also need therapy and meds and it’s probably going to be harder to figure out all that at Lehigh than Drexel and Drexel is right next to Penn Health which has excellent therapy facilities that I could walk to. I also live 30 minutes from Drexel and 1 hour from Lehigh and something about being closer feels better, I’ve heard that Drexel has like no school spirit and it’s really hard and there’s not as many breaks as other colleges which is ok, but I get stressed out kinda easily but I like getting challenged so I think Drexel academics will be ok for me.
Do you think at Lehigh people get a better overall college experience because i feel like at Drexel you just work and don’t have that much fun despite being right in the city and you’re just lost in a sea of 25,000 people. I like the programs at Drexel a lot and the research facilities. Is it not too wise to go to Lehigh for Bio because it’s mostly for finance and engineering?
Since I’m going into Bio which school would be better for that?
oh and I’m also gay and so would I feel supported at Lehigh? I know it’s a conservative leaning school which I don’t mind and actually kinda like, but I did look online and it said like more than half of the gay people at Lehigh find it hard or something. I’m a boy btw.
So all in all, I’d probably go to Lehigh if it provides a great experience because i don’t think Drexel really provides that much and is self guided, but idk

THANKS SO MUCH
!
Any feedback is appreciated

2

Drexel is in Philadelphia and is an urban school but still has a campus (if that makes sense). Being in Philly is super fun and there are a ton of things to do on and off-campus. I would not want to be in bethleham for 4 years but I guess that depends on if you want to be in a city or middle of nowhere. Drexel, being in Philly also leans liberal compared to Lehigh

3

Drexel

4

@223combo332 Your mental health and social fit are priority #1, because if you are not in a good place figuratively speaking, your ability to do well and focus on academics will likely suffer. IMO Drexel will be better for you. It’s student body is more liberal and accepting. It’s close to Penn Health and your family if you need a quick getaway. It’s a solid school for sciences and you will have opportunities for coops if you wish —a good opportunity to also face your social anxiety. There will be plenty of things to do in Philadelphia outside of school work if you want, providing a good respite from the stresses of school. Not so much in Bethlehem. And Lehigh will be a more stressful intense environment which I don’t think in your case would make it a better choice than Drexel.

5

Drexel. I would doubt there are many bus trips from Lehigh to Philly. Lehigh locally has more the Greek frat party rep (while still a great school). Your post doesn’t give me the since you will be a big Greek party guy. Sounds like being in the city will be a better fit for you.