Lehigh University

Date: May 10 2005
Major: Accounting (This Major's Salary over time)
If given the chance, I would go here again, but it took some consideration. My experience here has been mixed.

It is hard to evaluate my overall experience, because I have had some good professors for most of my courses, and some very bad ones. Overall, the faculty is accessible, including many professors who teach large lecture classes. My freshman econ professor who taught 400+ students tried to make himself personally available for office hours. Then again, I've had professors who are too lazy to answer email.

The atmosphere here is not overly competitive—students in the same class try to help each out, study and groups—not cutthroat at all, but I can't honestly say that grades are unimportant here.

I really enjoyed my major, and the majority of the professors in my major were good teachers and very helpful. I was able to get internships with pretty well-respected companies. (I am also going to graduate school here next year.) I have some perspective on the other majors from talking to people and from electives I have taken. Engineering is primarily what the school is known for, and the engineering majors here work hard (which they are pretty outspoken about). For the arts and sciences majors, I think it is mostly what you make of it. I think it is possible to major in many of the humanities and social sciences without really challenging yourself, taking the easiest courses possible, etc. This is helped by the fact that many professors in certain majors tend to be easy graders. But I know a lot of people who really take the initiative, getting involved in independent studies, etc. I think that those who do are really passionate about their majors and receive an excellent education.

The campus is relatively safe, and pretty well-maintained. It's just beautiful in the spring. True, you will have the occasional computer that doesn't work in the lab or a wall that could use repainting, but nothing too serious.

Up until about a week ago, I could say that I never had difficulty with the administration here. Recently, I was treated quitely rudely by one member of the staff, but given the rest of my experience, I would say that the administration generally treats the students well.

My social experience has been mixed. Overall, students here are white, upper-middle class kids who enjoy drinking on weekends (and sometimes the rest of the week, too). If you don't fit that profile, you might feel a little left out. Not miserable—you can still find most types of people here, but this is mainstream here. Social activities for the non-drinkers on weekends can be sort of limited - even though they are there and Lehigh is trying to give people more options. Greek life is big here, but is declining somewhat, and I believe it will continue to do so. I am a member of sorority, and had an overall positive experience, but I also know people who have not had good experiences. It's a personal decision and I would still have enjoyed Lehigh had not I pledged.

Bethlehem's not the greatest, especially if you don't have a car, but it's not horrible either. There are plenty of places to eat within walking distance and many students live off-campus.