Many universities focus more on research; others focus on entering the job market. As I am undecided, I needed an all-rounder: university with many research and internship opportunities. Each spring, Lehigh hosts impressive research projects put forth by undergraduates, and with almost all students completing at least one internship, Lehigh is definitely an all-rounder.
Financial aid was a main concern during my search; Lehigh demonstrates great commitment to meeting all students' needs.
As an international student, the diversity of the student population made me feel I'll easily be able to adapt to the environment. A host of many cultures must have a student body accepting of difference and able to absorb new and disparate ideas and conventions.
This combination of a well-founded reputation, interdisciplinary learning, and diversity can be achieved in a few universities, but only one of them have a smart, welcoming community that shines in interviews, online videos, and magazines.
@Bisho2002 This looks like a great draft. It’s important to be specific about the institution on these “why this college” questions, and I think you’ve honed in some of Lehigh’s special qualities. Make sure you connect those qualities to yourself in a robust way. For instance, you can probably say more than just “I’m undecided.” That makes you sound like you might not like either option, instead of suggesting that you want both research and internship opportunities. Lastly, and this is a real nit-pick, I wouldn’t use the phrase “all-rounder.” Colleges want to thin of themselves as well-rounded, of course, but they also want to see that you’ve picked them for a reason, not just because they’re a catch-all.
You shouldn’t post any essay drafts online. You could end up in trouble if someone plagerizes (or a plagerizer checker finds this post and thinks you copied it).
It’s okay as a rough first or second draft. The positive aspect is that you show enthusiasm for the university, but the negative aspect is that you fail to include specifics about what makes Lehigh University a great match for you & your interests & talents.