<p>Hey guys.... I was hoping you could help me out....</p>
<p>I have been admitted into Lehigh University. Right now, I am trying to make a decision between Lehigh and Carnegie Mellon. The program at Carnegie Mellon seems really good but the financial package from Lehigh is much more attractive...</p>
<p>I am trying to decide between the two. I would like to know how the biological sciences are at Lehigh. And I'd also like some honest opinions about the social environment there. Also, are there many international students?</p>
<p>Thanks... would really appreciate the help!</p>
<p>I'm also interested in the social environment. From friend, and student that goes there (he's in engineering), I have heard that greek life plays a relatively large role in the student life. Has anyone else heard this/can confirm this? Also, it would be helpful if anyone could comment on the computer science program there in the Engineering College.</p>
<p>Well, I'm a Lehigh graduate, but a generation ago, so I'm sure it's not quite the same (however I've been back to campus a number of times); and my son recently graduated from Carnegie Mellon. These are my general impressions...you can look up statistics if you want.</p>
<p>Both excellent but VERY different schools. </p>
<p>Lehigh: when I was there social life was highly fraternity-based. I joined one and honestly it was a lot of fun. There were alternatives but the parties dominated...I imagine it's the same today, given the sheer number of frats/sororities, but it's a large enough school that you don't have to be part of that scene. From what I've read, most schools including Lehigh are trying to cut into the underage drinking, I don't know how this is impacting the fraternity/drinking lifestyle. Bethlehem itself doesn't offer a whole lot, so most entertainment is probably still university-based as it was when I attended. </p>
<p>Carnegie Mellon: son is social and was in a fraternity at CMU and had a lot of fun, but greek life doesn't dominate the social scene. There's MUCH more to do in the surrounding area vs Bethlehem. Pittsburgh's Oakland section has a lot going on, UPitt is literally a block away so there's many more students (30,000+) out and about in the immediate area. Internationals...I think you'll find a big difference here. I'm sure they're at Lehigh, hopefully a current student can comment, but even just walking through the two campuses the difference is palpable. Diversity in speech, dress and appearance is part of the fabric of CMU that you just don't see at Lehigh, at least nowhere nearly as common. Son had classes (esp some grad classes) where he was one of the few native American language speakers. </p>
<p>Scraps I don't know about LU's CS program but were you accepted into CMU's SCS? (my son was CS...brutal but incredible program).</p>
<p>2331clk, thank you so much for the input.... it was very informative and helpful...</p>
<p>this really is a confusing time... i'm actually a recent immigrant to the US from India....however, i completed all my education in kuala lumpur, malaysia... that's why i'm not too familiar with the scenario here... </p>
<p>thanks again...any input is very much appreciated....</p>
<p>2331clk: I've been priority waitlisted at CMU's SCS program. It's my top choice, but only 20% of the priority waitlist generally get accepted each year. The rest get pooled into the regular waitlist. So now I'm trying to narrow down my accepted schools... but none of those that seem to be strong in computer graphics, or even offer comp graphics courses, are strong in computer science, and visa versa. Lehigh would be my second runner up but I really hate the social scene there. I'm not into drinking and I'm not such a fan of greek life, or at least greek life that is that intense ...so basically it is a sad story.</p>
<p>Scraps I know what you mean... In terms of academics, I know Lehigh is pretty good for my field. And as a smaller school, there would be smaller classes and better chances to meet the professors and create a personal rapport with them. </p>
<p>But I am not interested in greek life either which is why I am having my doubts about the school.... </p>
<p>good luck to you with CMU..... ofcourse, their CS program is one of the very best...</p>
<p>good luck scraps and ms2790, I like Lehigh a lot but you sound much more like CMU people. Making PWL is pretty good...some will definitely get off that list, but not off the regular WL. I remember on CC people posting that they'd gotten the call last year.</p>
<p>JimBob where are you from? i'm still in the process of deciding...but i think i'll probably go to UVA.... but hopefully, everything works out well for all of us=)</p>