Lehigh University's Competitive Admissions: Application Numbers Revealed

Lehigh University is a highly selective private institution with a rigorous academic community. The university has a low acceptance rate, admitting 37% of applicants in 2022. The university has seen a record number of applications, with over 18,000 applications received for the class of 2027, a 21% increase over the previous year. Lehigh's small size, ideal student-to-faculty ratio, vibrant campus life, and rigorous academics make it an attractive choice for prospective students. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across four colleges, with a total undergraduate enrollment of around 5,800 students as of fall 2023.

Lehigh University's application process

For first-year applicants, Lehigh University offers a test-optional policy, allowing students to choose whether to submit SAT or ACT test scores. However, the university encourages prospective students to consider how they can best demonstrate their college readiness and academic strengths. While standardised tests can reflect a student's ability to succeed in a rigorous academic environment, other factors such as curriculum choices, classroom performance, extracurricular involvement, and teacher recommendations can also showcase a student's capabilities.

The admissions process at Lehigh University is holistic, taking into account various factors beyond standardised testing and GPA. The admissions committee considers a student's high school class rank and letters of recommendation. They also look for evidence of improvement or deterioration in grades, with particular attention to performance in senior year courses. The quality of performance in courses related to the student's intended area of study and the difficulty of courses taken are also considered.

Additionally, Lehigh University values diversity and seeks to enrol students from a range of backgrounds with different academic interests, life experiences, perspectives, and talents. The university offers a flexible and supportive approach, understanding the challenges that students may have faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They assure applicants that alternative grading methods and online AP exam scores will be honoured during the review process.

With a vibrant campus and a strong sense of community, Lehigh University offers a collaborative and rigorous academic environment for its students. The university provides a range of resources and support to guide applicants through the process, ensuring they have the opportunity to showcase their unique strengths and experiences.

Acceptance rate

Lehigh University is a highly selective institution with an acceptance rate of 29% to 37%. In 2022, the university admitted 37% of all applicants, offering admission to 5,607 students out of 15,163 applications received. The following year, Lehigh received a record-breaking number of applications, with more than 18,000 students applying to be part of the Class of 2027.

The early decision acceptance rate at Lehigh is higher, with a rate of 66% in 2021. The university offered admission to 860 out of 1,303 early decision applicants for the Class of 2028.

Lehigh University's admissions process is holistic, considering a range of factors beyond just academic performance. These factors include the rigor of the student's secondary school record, personal qualities, extracurricular activities, racial/ethnic status, standardised test scores, level of applicant's interest, and geographical residence.

The university has a January 15 application deadline and a March 25 notification deadline for fall semester admissions.

SAT scores

Lehigh University is a highly selective institution, with an acceptance rate of 29% to 37%. The university received over 18,000 applications for the class of 2027, a 21% increase from the previous year. The number of applicants for the class of 2028 is not yet known, but the university has stated that it has seen a record number of applications.

Lehigh University is test-optional and does not require SAT scores for admission. However, applicants may choose to submit SAT scores to strengthen their application. In 2022, 37% of first-year students submitted their SAT scores with their application. Of those who submitted scores, the middle 50% of admitted students had SAT scores in the range of 1350 to 1490. A score of 1480 or above is considered competitive, with 25% of admitted students scoring higher, while a score between 1350 and 1480 is considered average. The mean composite SAT score for a Lehigh University student is 1409.

On the SAT Math section, a score of 770 or higher is competitive, with 25% of students scoring in this range. Similarly, on the SAT Critical Reading section, a score of 720 or higher is strong, with a quarter of students achieving this score or higher.

The SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section is also considered by Lehigh University. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 700 and 760 on this section.

While SAT scores are not mandatory, submitting strong scores can enhance an applicant's chances of admission to Lehigh University.

ACT scores

Lehigh University has seen a record number of applications, with over 18,000 applications for the class of 2027. The university has a small student body of around 5,800 to 5,900 undergraduate students and an acceptance rate of 29% to 37%.

Lehigh University is a test-optional school, meaning applicants can choose whether to submit their ACT scores. In 2022, 13% of admitted applicants sent ACT scores.

The ACT scores of the middle 50% of admitted students who chose to submit scores were between 31 and 35. This means that 25% of applicants who submitted scores achieved a score of 31 or lower, and 25% scored 33 or higher.

To be competitive with other applicants, a score of 30-33 on the ACT is recommended. A score of 33 is in the 75th percentile for Lehigh University's admitted students.

Application deadlines

Lehigh University has a two-round binding Early Decision process, as well as Regular Decision and Transfer application opportunities. The deadlines and decision dates for each are as follows:

Early Decision I

• Deadline: November 1
• Decision Date: Mid-December

Early Decision II

• Deadline: January 1
• Decision Date: Mid-February

Regular Decision

• Deadline: November 1
• Decision Date: Late March

7-Yr BA/DMD-Bio-Dental

Decision Date: Early April

Transfer Student (Fall)

• Deadline: November 1
• Decision Date: Mid-May

Transfer Student (Spring)

• Deadline: November 1
• Decision Date: Late December

Lehigh University received more than 18,000 applications for the Class of 2027, with all three rounds—Early Decision I, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision—showing increases for a 21% increase over last year’s end-of-year tally.

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