<p>I was accepted into Lehighs Integrated Business and Engineering Honors program and was planning on doing that. Then I got into Vanderbilt off the waitlist, so now Im not sure what I should do. Anyone have familiarity with IBE and/or mechanical engineering at Vanderbilt? Which will have better job opportunities? More fun? Any suggestions?</p>
<p>Someone please give me some advise. I'm really stuck and I have to make a quick decision. I have seen both schools, and I really liked Vanderbilt's layout but feel Lehigh's IBE may be better academically. Someone who's familiar with these programs please respond.</p>
<p>Vanderbilt has overall better national reputation, will provide better education in non-technical subjects, better overall college experience. It's engineering program is excellent, great labs, etc.</p>
<p>If money is not an issue and you like Vandy socially, I would pick Vandy.</p>
<p>Mechanical engineering is vandy's second most popular engineering major. So you will find a much company and competition. There are opportunities to pursue a economics or management of technology minor with the engineering degree. SEcond semester of freshman year, you can apply for the INGRAMS scholar program that will guarantee a spot in VAndy's MBA program after your undergraduate. (actually, I think that it's a five year program; you graduate in 5 or 6 years with a MBA and a bachelors <em>I think</em>).</p>
<p>dont go to lehigh- the most annoying kid that ive known since 5th grade will be thre next year. he wont shut up- not even to chew is sub at lunchtiime. for your ears and stomach's sake- go to Vandy!!</p>
<p>"SEcond semester of freshman year, you can apply for the INGRAMS scholar program that will guarantee a spot in VAndy's MBA program after your undergraduate. (actually, I think that it's a five year program; you graduate in 5 or 6 years with a MBA and a bachelors <em>I think</em>)."</p>
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<p>The program that you are referring to is the ENGAGE program (INGRAM is a program for those who exemplify the best in both academics and community service). ENGAGE guarantees you a spot in the graduate program of your choice at Vandy (make no mistake though, it is a VERY competitive program...last year 9 out of over 500 applicants got it). It is still a six year program. However, should you choose, you could complete it in 5.</p>
<p>futureperson, I really think Vanderbilt as a whole and the connection with a vibrant fun city make Vandy the winner here. I admit I have never seen Lehigh but I lived in Nashville twice and know it well. Even if Lehigh's engineering program is supposedly better..we saw a lot of Vandy scholarship money going to encourage top students to enter their engineering track last year. Admission standards are soaring at Vandy and I think their engineering program is on the upswing. Engineering is very hard work anywhere.<br>
I think Vanderbilt has a good national reputation.
If you want to get a cohesive liberal arts foundation and have a more traditional undergrad school spirit experience, Vandy is your best bet. If you are the kind of person that would leave campus for cultural events, Nashville is a very good place to see music talent and everyone in the USA who is on lecture tours. Vandy's grad schools are also pluses.</p>
<p>futureperson,</p>
<p>I have visited Lehigh and Vanderbilt and I think Vanderbilt is the better overall college experience. The Vandy campus is gorgeous vs Lehigh's ultra steep hill,and lack of flat,open space. Vanderbilt has more name recognition, better dorms which are guaranteed for all 4 years (unlike lehigh's 2 years), wonderful professors (very unlike the bore I heard speak at Lehigh's campus) and a much more vibrant surrounding area (unlike the seedy Bethlehem). Vanderbilt has positioned itself well with Chancellor Gee, whereas Lehigh is in more turmoil with a new president just starting and still needing a dean of business.</p>
<p>I know that Lehigh's IBE program contains a business side, so check out Vanderbilt's managerial studies option with a concentration in corporate strategy. Vanderbilt's academics are awesome. I know a teacher who received 12 job offers by March of her senior year. If you pick Vanderbilt, you will not be sorry.</p>
<p>yes, you're right. It's the ENGAGE program.</p>
<p>I only was going to go to LEhigh if I got into the IBE program because that is the most appealing program there. As compared to Vanderbilt, the social scene is the same at both institutions and both universities like to try and make life more lively. the only real consideration you need to have is whether or not you want to spend 5 years in amish country and be a book worm, or do a single engineering program at vandy.</p>
<p>By the way, I chose IBE at Lehigh</p>
<p>absolutely best choice. Lehigh might not be as well known as Vandy but when an employer does know it, it has an amazing reputation. Much better social life at Lehigh. IBE program is outstanding. Work hard Play hard</p>