Hi, my daughter (current Junior) is thinking of applying ED to Lehigh IBE program. I saw on the ED thread that a student got accepted ED but rejected for IBE. If that happens are you still obligated to attend? Curious what you think her chances might be for IBE:
ACT 31 (just took it and taking again In Feb). 32 on Math
4.8 weighted GPA, 4.0 unweighted. All honors and AP courses. Will graduate with 30+ credits.
ranked 5 out of 209 in her class, very strong in math and science courses.
Already visited campus and the IBE program is the what she wants!
This question of obligation can only be answered by the admissions office - anything else is speculation.
I can’t answer the first question with certainty but can say that typically colleges that have an integrated freshman time where declaration of major is done sometime in the sophomore year, it results in an ED having the same binding requirements as normal. In other words, if she gets accepted ED but denied IBE, she is still bound to attend because you are not applying to a college, but to the University. Again, this is what I’ve seen at some other colleges and I’m not sure if Lehigh is the same but perhaps someone else could respond to this.
With regard to her qualifications, I think she is an easy ‘in’. The average accepted applicants entry for 2015 was:
AVG ACT=30
AVG GPA=3.83
AVG SATM=710
AVG SATCR=660
AVG SAT=1370
I would like to suggest that she also apply U of Notre Dame for business as a reach.
The IBE program is an honors 5 year double degree program and you are admitted to it (Or not) right after your general Lehigh admittance. They do add a few people sophomore year to fill in vacated spots but those are still tough.
Those are regular Lehigh student stats - the IBE program stats are substantially higher
She is a likely IN for Lehigh but the IBE program is very, very difficult to get into
@paparent106 After attending a campus information session for the IBE Program, I was (and have been) under the impression that ED and EDII are NOT binding if you apply for IBE (or the IDEAS Program) and are not offered admission to that program but are still admitted to the school for your second choice / default major. Despite this, I have yet to find anything on Lehigh’s website under admissions, IBE, early decision, etc. that explicitly addresses this relationship between IBE (and IDEAS) and the binding admission plans offered.
Call admissions or call IBE and ask that specific question if you are concerned about going to Lehigh only the IBE program
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If you are admitted ED but not into the program you applied for (like IBE) you are released from your ED agreement.
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It is correct that there are spots open sophomore year; IBE is a FOUR year program, not 5. However, many with AP credits can get a BS in IBE and a BS in another area in 4 years, and some with a 3.75 gpa or higher stay for a free year, per Lehigh’s generous policy.
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Your daughter will be on the bubble, more due to scores than grades. There are typically 1200 apps for 50 spots in IBE, so the metrics are much higher than the rest of the pool… IBE is often a lure to grab admits from Ivy/U Chicago/ or other highly selective school. It is one of the highest ROI programs in the country. However, she should be in good shape no matter what program she pursues… see link:
http://www1.lehigh.edu/admissions/undergrad/success/outcomes
Update…ACT for February was 33, up two points. Taking one more time. Hope the 33, plus her grades and course rigor are enough!