<p>DD was accepted by both</p>
<p>DD is interested in Arch, but wants school with strength in Civil E, and in liberal arts, in particular Anthro, Japanese, jewish studies. RPI has anthro minor, and of course Civil E, but nothing in the other areas. Lehigh has ALL those areas, but the Arch program is not an accredited B Arch program - she would still need an M Arch to eventually become a licensed architect (assuming she continues on that path, which she is certain she will do, though as a dad I know kids plans sometimes change even though they did not expect it)</p>
<p>DD prefers Lehigh, based mainly on the breadth of offerings, not available at RPI. Her mom thinks RPI may still be the best choice, based on its friendliness to nerdy, quirky kids, its "visual spatial"/hands on approach to engineering education (which we think carries over to the Arch program), its reputed friendliness to ADHD kids, etc. </p>
<p>Your comments are appreciated, esp as they relate to a kid who is intellectual, nerdy, quirky, shy (but coming out of her shell the last couple of years of HS) etc.</p>
<p>and yes, we will be visiting both again.</p>
<p>Brooklynborndad, we looked at RPI too with our son and thought it was a very nice pure engineering school. My son’s future plans are not yet in clear focus other than something in the computer engineering field. I think RPI was my son’s first choice until he saw Lehigh. My son is a serious student but I think he liked the diverseness of Lehigh compared to RPI. By that I mean while I know he’ll enjoy immersing himself in his engineering studies when he comes up for air I think he likes the idea of interacting with students who have different interests other than engineering. He ultimately decided to apply early to Lehigh and was accepted. I don’t think your daughter can go wrong with either school. I’ve been through this three times and I’ve learned that kids get a vibe from a campus that we parent’s don’t. Sort of like a dog hearing a high pitched whistle. If they are both good schools (which they are) I’d defer to my kid’s gut feel of where he or she would like to spend the next four years.</p>
<p>As far as the ‘engineering school’ aspect of lehigh, don’t let it’s architecture and beautiful campus fool you into thinking it’s artsy. Lehigh started as an engineering school, and is still regarded as a mostly engineering school. Our mascot used to be ‘The Engineer’! haha.
But now to ADD ON, and not take away, Lehigh has added the Arts and Sciences school, and more recently the business school, all of which are rising in the ranks. Lehigh also offers several interdisciplinary programs for those who want to not only focus on one subject, such as the IBE program (Integrated Business and Engineering) and special programs related to the area of interest such as IPD (Integrated Product Development). There are several other mix and match options that are offered at Lehigh and not at other schools, and many are accredited! Lehigh’s engineering school is high ranked and known to be good in the engineering world though, if you just want to major in engineering. I just declared my Computer Engineering major yesterday.</p>
<p>If your daughter wants strong non-civil engineering courses, she’d be much better off at Lehigh. Lehigh has the added benefit of a strong undergraduate community, more alumni loyalty and therefore connections, and a closer male/female gender ratio. In non-engineering disciplines, and perhaps even in engineering itself, Lehigh has a better reputation. And while Bethlehem isn’t exactly a hopping place, it looks like NYC next to Troy. </p>
<p>Keep in mind that students often change their minds about what they want to study. Even if your daughter decides to stick with architecture, she’d be better off getting a strong undergraduate education, then specializing in a master’s program.</p>
<p>Of course, if RPI is offering financial incentives to attend, that’s another matter.</p>
<p>Consider Momwaitingfornew’s sage advice. Lehigh makes it very easy to switch majors if your daughter’s interest changes while she’s there. My son started off as IR and switched to Architecture. The Arts at Lehigh have very good support and the facilities are top notch.</p>
<p>The Architecture department at Lehigh is strong. They’ve brought in a dedicated professor named [Hyun</a> Tae Jung](<a href=“Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs | Office of the Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs”>Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs | Office of the Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs). I’ve personally met him during family weekend. He’s a very tough, demanding mentor/professional that really gets the best out of his students. My son shares that professor Jung practically lives in the studio and is always accessible.</p>
<p>Along with IBE and IPD [noted</a> above](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1064421547-post3.html]noted”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1064421547-post3.html), there’s the [Arts</a> & Engineering program](<a href=“http://www3.lehigh.edu/engineering/academics/artseng2.asp]Arts”>http://www3.lehigh.edu/engineering/academics/artseng2.asp) your daughter may be interested in.</p>
<p>we were at Lehigh this week, she toured the arch studios and met several students, and yes, she is interested in both the arts and engineering program (as an Arch/Civ E combo) and in the IPD </p>
<p>Also, looked at South Mountain College (Lehigh’s house that attempts to be like an LAC) which she has been admitted to.</p>