Lehigh Vs. Rutgers Vs. (CMU + $$$$)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Lehigh University
1

<p>I'm a High School Senior from NJ - Class of '09 - top of my class - intellectual - typical CC stats etc. etc.</p>

<p>After the ivy slaughter today, I found out that I didn't get into any of my top choice schools. Now that I have all of my decisions I'm going to have to make a choice between Lehigh, Rutgers - New Brunswick, and Carnegie Mellon (CIT wlisted ECE). I'm looking to major in engineering. I'm going to explore Computer Science, Materials Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, and see what works. I want a bit of flexibility in my options, but I also want to be intellectually challenged throughout college. </p>

<p>Financially, Lehigh and Rutgers are practically free to my parents. CMU, however, costs twice as much, which is quite a stretch to me and my parents. I'm going to try to bargain with CMU fin aid to see what I can get from them.</p>

<p>CMU was by far my top choice before I saw their financial aid offer. Rutgers is like where a third of my class goes, but I wouldn't mind going there. I liked Lehigh a lot, but I am a bit scared because they have a reputation for being a very "white" school (I'm Indian American), and a party school (Again I have Indian American parents. I have yet to be exposed to the sin and pleasure of college life). I'm not sure if I will be able to "fit in" well at Lehigh.</p>

<p>But I would like some of your insight to make my decision easier. </p>

<p>Thanks in advance.</p>

2

<p>Well…financially speaking, I would pick either Lehigh or Rutgers. Why incur additional debt when you don’t have to.</p>

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<p>Lehigh. Rutgers is a good school, but Lehigh has a tighter community that lasts well beyond graduation. Lehigh has such alumni loyalty that it ends up benefiting you in the long run; somewhere down the road you’ll get a leg up because you went there and someone else feels a connection with you. Plus, for engineering, it has a better reputation. And the campus is gorgeous.</p>

<p>CMU is more prestigious, but Lehigh isn’t so far behind that it’s worth incurring huge debt. </p>

<p>Visit your options ASAP (it’s a good excuse not to go to HS classes) to see where you feel the most comfortable. You won’t know for sure, of course, but most students know in their hearts after visiting the top two or three where they’d rather be.</p>

<p>Good luck! PM me if you want to learn more about Lehigh.</p>

4

<p>vaibhav2614,
I am in pretty much the same dilemma for my son - Rutgers or Lehigh for the same reasons stated. I am the head of an Indian American family as well and I understand exactly your sentiments. However, it was encouraging to see Momwaitingfornew’s reply.
Let us know what you decide. All the best whichever option you choose. We are leaning towards Lehigh.</p>