So as it comes closer to May 1st, I am caught between two colleges: Holy Cross and Lehigh. My top choice, however, was the University of Michigan, and unfortunately, I was not admitted. I am interested in studying creative writing, the classical languages, psychology, philosophy, and Japanese; however, I plan on majoring in English regardless. Out of Holy Cross and Lehigh, which has the stronger English department? I also wanted to ask which of the two has better study abroad opportunities? I may potentially try to transfer to Michigan because of how much I enjoyed it from an academic standpoint, but I really wanted to hear someone else’s input.
Congrats, HC and Lehigh are two terrific schools! Maybe you will love the one you attend!
I’m not sure about Japanese, but otherwise I think of HC as being stronger in your areas of interest (and Lehigh stronger in sciences/engineering, though both are excellent all round). Academics at HC are really top notch; I think as good as anywhere. I think the schools are really fairly similar in terms of campus, local environment, student body, and weather. So I wouldn’t find too much there on which to base a recommendation. Good luck wherever you go!
HC and Lehigh are both great schools, but I agree with TTG that HC has the edge for your areas of interest (in particular creative writing, classical languages & philosophy; HC’s departments in these areas are among its best, and very competitive overall). Lehigh is a bigger university, while HC is a liberal arts college. Another point to consider. Best of luck to you!
PS HC grad here - full disclosure!
These are two Patriot League schools that have similar student quality, but different vibes. I think most students would probably feel more at home at one or the other after visiting.
HC is smaller. I would guess that Holy Cross is a similar size to the Arts and Sciences college at Lehigh. Both have beautiful campuses. HC is flatter. lol
Parent of a HC student here. HC has a 50 study abroad programs, including semester, long term, Maymester and other opportunities that are popular with students. About 290 students a year participate in study abroad, according to their website. Our D has friends going to St. Andrews and Trinity U for long term studies and many have done the traditional semester abroad in Europe and even Japan (Sophia U, in Tokyo). We are currently exploring options for her. Seems like the support for setting up travel abroad is there and many kids take the opportunity to travel their Junior year.
For whatever it’s worth, the English program is highly rated (#9) on a recent USA Today list of best colleges for English majors. Not a huge fan of all these lists, but there it is. Their Classics major is very popular at HC and the English department is very well regarded. Good luck.
In addition to a strong English program, the Classics department at Holy Cross is outstanding. More depth and breadth than most other liberal arts schools
I don’t know if you have already decided…but the social scene at Lehigh & HC seem very different. I do not have first hand experience, but Greek life is very prominent at Lehigh and non-existent at HC. Lehigh is also considerably larger.
Both have great academics but you should dig into the lifestyles to see where you would fit in.