<p>S1 is a junior who likes the idea of an LAC but is open to a slightly larger school. Will be pre-med biology or possibly bioengineering or informatics. Not determined yet. He's easy going, friendly, not preppy, not jocky, not a big party kid, loves skiing, plays guitar and is open to rural, suburban or city setting...but not too rural- must be near some sort of reasonable town. We are trying to identify several schools in the PA, MD, DC area that would be best fits. He did not like Colgate (too preppy and jocky), Cornell (classes too big, atmosphere, but liked Ithaca), or Hamilton (liked the school alot, too isolated). Tyring to narrow our visits down, too many schools, not enough time! Thoughts?</p>
<p>We visited them all (and others) and they are all excellent schools. My D chose to apply ED to Lafayette & was accepted. We are thrilled. I think it is important to visit the schools and see how your S likes each one.</p>
<p>My impressions: All three are fine for pre-med, only Lehigh actually has bioengineering, but Lafayette’s engineering programs can have a lot of bio in them if you choose. Lehigh is definitely the most frat/party oriented, it and Lafayette are both Div1, so more jocky than F&M. Bethlehem, Easton and Lancaster are all reasonable towns though all have their problems- Lafayette is a little more removed from the downtown area than the other two, I feel it’s a bit safer crime-wise. Each campus has its own feel, so I agree that if they all have appeal on paper a visit is advised. good luck!</p>
<p>*BUMP (I’ll be deciding what school will be my ED2 next week and I’m stuck btw. Lehigh (some Lafayette) and F&M) mainly for pre-med. I interviewed at and visited F&M; I’ll visit Lafayette very soon. I have not been able to visit Lehigh, and for this reason I might choose F&M (Lehigh doesn’t any tours or interviews anymore…but the other 2 schools still do).</p>