<p>I read a review that stated "If you are a liberal, open minded individual, do not come to Lehigh." I realize that not every review is completely accurate, but this opinion did disturb me a little bit as I consider myself to be both of these.
Can anyone speak to the general qualities of the student body? I have recently been admitted to Lehigh and am trying to decide if it is a good choice for me.</p>
<p>I’m from the Lehigh Valley and, although our representative is a republican, it is a very liberal area; I see it as one of the more liberal parts of the state. The actual campus and its inhabitants may be different, but the area that the campus is in is liberal.</p>
<p>I am just like you, liberal and open minded. I have visited twice now and I love it, and will most likely be attending. I am interested to see the responses to this question</p>
<p>From what I’ve read and from what my friends at Lehigh told me, the student body is mostly somewhat conservative (not all, but it’s a good amount). Although the school is in a very liberal area (NY, PA, NJ area), the students tend to come from families that lean right - even though I’m not sure why. It could be that Lehigh is made up mostly young adults from middle to upper class white families, who area statistically the most conservative. </p>
<p>Regardless, I don’t think it would be a problem for any liberal who is comfortable with their own views to go to a conservative school as long as they either don’t mind standing up for their views or they are not very vocal about them. If you cannot stand to debate politics but at the same time you are very vocal about your liberal views, it may not be the best idea to go to a conservative school (although don’t get the impression that Lehigh is Texas! It’s just more conservative than the average school).</p>
<p>I’m conservative but at the same time I respect any and all views. Also, I happen to think I’m very open minded, so I wouldn’t worry about that aspect either (we aren’t all close minded :)).</p>
<p>we are from Massachusetts and are VERY progressive!!! You will be in good company, I’m sure. Would I have loved to have sent my daughter to a more liberal leaning school, sure, but we do not always find ourselves in the company of likeminded thinkers and if we did, there would be nothing to learn from each other. I think that the political leanings of a particular school, should not impact the education you will find there, or your friendships.</p>
<p>Lehigh is more CNBC conservative rather than FOX or 700 Club conservative. The prolififeration of engineering and business majors probably contribute to that. The role of the active fraternity scene in shaping the campus political culture is also open to debate. FWIW, I’ve seen students who lean to both sides of the political spectrum enjoy their 4 years at Lehigh and, I think, they’d all say they would go to Lehigh again if given the chance.</p>
<p>I like that analogy, hudsonvalley51!</p>
<p>Unless Lehigh has suddenly become a hot bed for political activity, while I was there, it was the most apathetic school in the nation. I do not recall a single political debate. Some may say this is a travesty - but considering our currently political climate, it may before the best. If there is a “conservative feel,” I can’t imagine it being that noticeable. </p>
<p>Better apathy than crazies.</p>
<p>Went earlier this week to an accepted students day. My son tends to be very cerebral and academic, captain of the Debate team, etc… He dresses more for comfort than appearance and prides himself on his individuality - not necessarily a leader but certainly not a follower. We sent him to public school throughout (albeit a good one in an upscale area olf NY). My fear is that Lehigh is full of private school future good ol’ boys who wouldn’t be caught dead witholut their docksiders and chinos. I realize that much of the life centers around greek life. I can’t stand the idea of him being rejected from a frat because he isn’t the prep school jock stereotype. Any comments from anyone on thhis? He is currently choosing between Lehigh, and Villanova. Any thoughts would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!</p>
<p>Sent you a PM</p>
<p>Paba - shipped you PM</p>
<p>My son has already decided to go to Lehigh. However, I am also concerned about the social scene. Shanntotheont and bb5454 would you mind sharing your PM to paba with me? I would really appreciate it. Please send it to me in PM format.</p>
<p>thanks</p>
<p>I would add to what bplusmom asked. I expressed my concerns in another post, and my son is still deciding between schools, with just a little over a week left. If you could also kindly PM me the info, or list it here, it would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>There are so many people that your opinions would benefit so I’d very much recommend for you to post it publicly here. If it’s private than by all means disregard what I said.</p>
<p>I chose Lehigh over schools such as Carnegie Mellon and Illinois Urbana Champaign. I’d be more than happy to share with you why and how I made my decision</p>
<p>Paba, Does your son want to pledge? He does not have too, in fact the majority of students do not. My son is non Greek and is very happy at Lehigh with a wonderful group of friends and lofty career aspirations. My son would disagree that life at Lehigh is centered around Greek life. </p>
<p>I feel pretty certain that if you son wanted too, he could find the right frat for him, but someone involved in Greek life could probably give you advice on that.</p>
<p>Just bear in mind that he certainly does not have to and will have a fulfilling college experience if he chooses to not pledge.</p>
<p>My recommendation would be that you spend as much time as possible there, walk the hill at 10pm on a Thursday night, walk the main campus, see what it is really like there - maybe arrange an overinight in the dorms through admissions. Your son needs to make sure he feels comfortable at Lehigh and I don’t think anyone on a site like CC can do that for him. We can only share our own experiences.</p>