Lehigh University

Date: Apr 06 2008
Major: Finance (This Major's Salary over time)
I got into some more elite schools but I ultimately went with my gut. My parents weren't real pleased because they felt for this kind of money I should just go to the best school I got into. But after they had visited me a few times and got to know my friends, my mother got it and had an interesting observation. She said something to the effect that this (Lehigh) must be a tough place for people who get most of their self-esteem from being smart. And I totally think that's true and why I love this place so much. People here, for the most part, work their tails off and then know how to let loose.

I'm sure this place makes certain people miserable knowing that they made getting in here their life's work while others around them have achieved as much as they have academically but have had a hell of a good time while doing so. Though they probably wouldn't be sufficiently self-aware to articulate it like that. It would probably sound more like whining about drinking, frats and'or stuck up girls. Picture how Lisa Simpson would feel if Bart was at least as smart as she is and you have a good idea where complaints are coming from.

Basically, it's an amazing school if you're really smart and love learning, but it does not define who you are. Otherwise it's still a great school academically but probably not someone's dream, must go to place if they have comparable or more high prestige options.