Lehigh University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Lehigh University 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 2 essays of 200 words; 1 essay of 300 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why, Diversity

How did you first learn about Lehigh University and what motivated you to apply? (200 words)

The first part of this question should not be rushed through. Really think back and try to pinpoint the moment that Lehigh appeared on your radar. Maybe a family member went there, and you’ve known about it since you were a kid. Perhaps it’s a popular college for students in your city. Write your truth. And don’t forget to answer the second part of the question: What motivated you to apply? Did the campus tour blow your mind? Does Lehigh have a major that few other schools in your region offer? No matter your story, invite the reader into your mind and take them on your journey from exploring options to applying. Overachievers will include a sentence or two about their vision for the next four years as well! 

Our 10-year strategic plan, Inspiring the Future Makers, outlines three goals that articulate a vision for how we innovate, make an impact and do that work together—because together, we do better work.

Reflect on how your personal background—be it academic, cultural, extracurricular, family, gender, racial, religious, or another aspect—will contribute to Lehigh’s aim to make it new, make a difference, (and/or) make it together. (300 words)

Although not explicitly stated in the prompt, this is a Diversity Essay at its core with a special focus on Lehigh’s strategic plan. So, start by thinking about what has made you you, from your nuclear family to your culture, your hometown, your religion, your hobbies, or any other aspects of your life and identity that you value. Then contemplate Lehigh’s aim: make it new, make a difference, make it together. How are you uniquely positioned to contribute to this goal? Maybe you have a Deaf parent so you grew up signing and intend to work as an ASL interpreter for Deaf students at Lehigh. Perhaps you’ve tended to your best friend during several seizures and look forward to collaborating with your fellow Computer Science majors at Lehigh to code an app that can warn users about impending health episodes. With 300 words, you have plenty of space to play with, so dig deep! 

How will the unique combination of college, program, major and/or 4+1 program that you selected above allow you to achieve your educational or professional goals? (200 words)

This question asks you to explore why you’ve chosen not just Lehigh, but the specific college, major, or program you’re hoping to study there. With only 200 words, you’ll have to be very clear about your goals: What kind of educational experience are you hoping to have? What are you envisioning for your future career? Maybe you’re aiming for the 4+1 Master of Public Policy so you can become a lobbyist for the farming industry. Perhaps the interdisciplinary Integrated Business and Engineering major would provide the perfect incubator to develop your start-up idea to use recycled materials to build low-income housing in your town. Your goals don’t have to be concrete yet: Maybe you’re excited to major in Design so you can explore new media and figure out how to apply your artistic skills in the professional world. To ace this question, you just need to reflect honestly on what you’re hoping to gain from your college experience.