<p>question for other parents.....how does one compare AU vs. Bucknell vs. Lehigh. My daughter has been admitted to all 3, and has a particular interest in both International Relations and Dramatic Arts. Any advice appreciated on relative merits of these three quality schools! THANKS</p>
<p>Lehigh is not known for it’s strength in either of those areas. AU is strong in international relations and has a new arts complex and the advantage for both of being located in Washington, DC. I don’t know that much about Bucknell, daughter had a friend go there who is strong in creative writing and is in grad school now-campus is supposed to be quite nice, although in the middle of PA</p>
<p>I can only speak to American. My D attends there. American’s SIS is considered one of the best schools for International relations in the country. The whole campus oozes with an IR and political vibe - daily lectures from world famous experts, plently of study abroad and internship possibilties, etc. D is a theatre major, so I can tell you that they have a strong program with many performance opportunities for majors and non majors. Plus, the city of DC is a major plus for both aspects (IR and theatre). If your D decides to major in theatre, she will have to audition, but it is not difficult to be admitted. And it is possible to double major, many theatre majors do.</p>
<p>I wish your D luck with her decision.</p>
<p>When I saw the title of your thread, I thought American looked out of place. However, after reading your post, I would definitely vote for American. I know Lehigh as an engineering school (visited with DS) and American as a great choice if you’re interested in politics or international relations (visited with DD; she got in but didnt attend as another school fit her interests better). I haven’t visited Bucknell - it’s known in general as a very good school but as was pointed out, it’s in the middle of PA. Opportunities for IR and drama abound in DC.</p>
<p>Those are three great schools; congratulations on the choices and good luck making the decision!</p>
<p>Brothney:</p>
<p>AU does have a strong IR program, but [Lehigh’s</a> is also notable](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/lehigh-university/1008652-lehigh-non-engineering-business-majors.html]Lehigh’s”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/lehigh-university/1008652-lehigh-non-engineering-business-majors.html).</p>
<p>Also, the [Theatre</a> Department](<a href=“http://cas.lehigh.edu/casweb/default.aspx?id=78]Theatre”>http://cas.lehigh.edu/casweb/default.aspx?id=78) is very rigorous.</p>
<p>You can’t go wrong with any of the three choices, but be sure to get accurate information before making a decision.</p>
<p>Bucknell is known as a “bubble” school … as in “everything is on-campus, which is a good thing because there’s not much off-campus.” Maybe it’s just me, but I’d find that an odd environment for International Relations.</p>
<p>American, no contest. If she’s really interested in IR, then there is nothing that compares to being in DC.</p>