Lehigh vs Cornell?

[Anonymous]

as others have used the phrase, we are down to the brass tacks here. DC understands that Cornell is ivy and some may view it as the more prestigious school, but DC really is enamored with everything about Lehigh. She said the kids at Lehigh are fun and nice, and the vibe at Cornell was more cutthroat mean girls rooting for everyone else to fail. But I feel given the perceived difference in quality, she would be passing up a better opportunity. Ugh. And my take is that the kids at both schools are probably pretty similar - has anyone else dealt with their senior hating Cornell and passing on an acceptance? honestly wish she had done the visits before applying

[Anonymous]

neither

[Anonymous]

My DD really liked both. She’s studying engineering at Cornell, but applied to Lehigh as well and would have been happy to attend had Cornell not worked out. She felt like Lehigh was the smaller version of Cornell. Maybe a bit more social. They’re both well regarded for engineering!

[Anonymous]

Wasn't the deadline May 1?

If she really, really wants Lehigh, the difference is not gigantic. But it is pretty significant. And I'm guessing she just met the wrong crowd at Cornell - it is big enough that it has all types.

[Anonymous]

Cornell and it's not even close. That said, fit matters and if your daughter would not be happy at Cornell then it's not the right school

[Anonymous]

Ugh. This stinks for you but I really wouldn't my kid to blame me for going someplace they end up unhappy.

Has Lehigh offered any money? Have you asked them? Can you ask them to do so? Then your DC will always have a reason acceptable to all (even Cornell alums) for choosing Lehigh.

I think there are good, financial reasons to choose a place where you think you'll shine in the short term, even if it's less prestigious. Watch the Malcom Gladwell Ted Talk "Don't Go to Harvard".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:as others have used the phrase, we are down to the brass tacks here. DC understands that Cornell is ivy and some may view it as the more prestigious school, but DC really is enamored with everything about Lehigh. She said the kids at Lehigh are fun and nice, and the vibe at Cornell was more cutthroat mean girls rooting for everyone else to fail. But I feel given the perceived difference in quality, she would be passing up a better opportunity. Ugh. And my take is that the kids at both schools are probably pretty similar - has anyone else dealt with their senior hating Cornell and passing on an acceptance? honestly wish she had done the visits before applying

how are you still deciding? didn't decision day pass?

[Anonymous]

If you've gotten an extension to decide - go back to Lehigh and ask for more money. They now have a better sense of what they've got left I'm sure and they will want your kid.

Big Lehigh fan here - my first ended up going somewhere else but I have hope for the next one! Great campus, so social - really focused on career outcomes. I can see how it would be a hard choice but I can see a more social kid wanting Lehigh.

[Anonymous]

What would her major be? Any particular interests? - Lehigh alumna

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you've gotten an extension to decide - go back to Lehigh and ask for more money. They now have a better sense of what they've got left I'm sure and they will want your kid.

Big Lehigh fan here - my first ended up going somewhere else but I have hope for the next one! Great campus, so social - really focused on career outcomes. I can see how it would be a hard choice but I can see a more social kid wanting Lehigh.

+1

[Anonymous]

They're both great. I can see the overlap. Cornell has more name recognition, I suppose, but Lehigh is certainly way up there in engineering.

If it's a liberal arts field, *maybe* Cornell, but I think this kid should pick the school she liked better.

[Anonymous]

It doesn't matter where you go, it matters how you do there. She should go where she'll do better. (Sounds like Lehigh.)

[Anonymous]

Lehigh reminds me of a small version of Cornell - but a social and not cutthroat version. Cornell was the only Ivy we thought DS might have a chance at, but after visiting when school was in session did not apply. It is also gloomy in the winter.

Lehigh is not known for weed out classes and is more cooperative.

Don’t get stuck on Cornell being an Ivy - if she goes where she fits in better she will flourish.

[Anonymous]

We did not find Cornell competitive at all. Tough classes, sure, but people were friendly and helpful.

But Lehigh is also great.

Can't go wrong.

[Anonymous]

kinda shocked at the luv for Lehigh - isn’t it pretty middle of the road in terms of outcomes? and billy joel sang about how depressing the town was lol - how do the business majors make out ?