Hi! So I did not get into Cornell (sad but true) but I did still get into a bunch of good schools! Right now I’m in the middle of deciding where exactly I wanna go and I’m trying to weigh which one is better for me between Lehigh and Syracuse. Lehigh is a little bit closer to me, but I heard they’re a party school and a little Greek life oriented, both things I’m not really into which is a little concerning, although I think Syracuse has the same story. I was just wondering if anybody had some advice for me! Hope everyone’s doing well!!! 
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Congrats on the acceptances!
–Do you prefer a mid sized or a larger school?
–Are they equally affordable?
–Is one better in your area of interest?
–Can you revisit before making a decision?
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What do you want to study? Do you want a larger school or a smaller one?
What do YOU want in a college?
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Thank you so much!!! I’m gonna visit both of them before finalizing anything just to be sure I like their atmospheres. I definitely would prefer a more small/mid-sized school too. I’m not completely positive on what I want to do major-wise, but I’m thinking something social sciences or heath sciences related. I will say that Syracuse is very expensive and maybe a bit more than Lehigh, but my fafsa has still not gone through so I came be 100% positive which one would be more cost-friendly!
Hi! I’m thinking of studying something with social sciences or health sciences but I’m not 100%. I would prefer the smaller of the schools, but I’m going to visit both of them before any deposits are made! I really want to be able to make friends without having to be part of a sorority or having to go to parties since I’ve never been that type of person.
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people at both love their schools, but I would say Lehigh has a stronger academic reputation overall. one of the biggest knocks against Lehigh has always been the surrounding town, but I think it’s getting better, and it’s not like Syracuse is perfect as a city. Syracuse has bigger sports, although Lehigh is also D1.
If you prefer Syracuse for whatever reason, go for it. I wouldn’t fault you. But I remember visiting Lehigh with my kid and I loved the campus. I thought it was beautiful and I liked the vibe.
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Thank you! I definitely would like the more academic setting that Lehigh has. Is Lehigh spread out through the city (similar to Yale is through New Haven) or would you say that the buildings are relatively in the same area, of course having to walk a bit to get to them? Not sure if my question makes sense LOL!
I visited Lehigh with my D…the campus is just beautiful (it is hilly though) and self-contained.
I think once you sort out the finances and make your visits your preference will become clear. Sounds to me like you are leaning towards Lehigh!
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Yeah… I’m realizing the same thing now LOL! Once my fafsa goes through I’ll really be able to grasp what I’m working with so there’s that. Thank you so much for your help! I have one more question and I think it’s gonna sound a little stupid but this would be the best place to ask. When you’re getting assigned a residence hall, do you get to pick which one (I like all of them except the Centennial I Complex) or is it randomized?
I can’t help you there…we visited Lehigh but my D went to (Lehigh’s arch enemy LOL) Lafayette!
But you can ask the Office of Residential Life or if you go to accepted students day you can ask then.
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Oh ok LOL! Thank you anyway! 
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Both are fine schools. Even at a large school, there are clubs and organizations where you might find that friend group. Also, the gym, study groups, booster clubs, etc. Even at a larger school, you can make friends…it is not like you will know everyone even at a large college!
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Some things to consider
Syracuse is about 3x the size of Lehigh. That can be a plus or minus.
- The Patriot League schools are known for excellent undergraduate education with professors teaching classes. Im not very familiar with Syracuse but at that size, you may have more TAs teaching. Anyone know? How important is it that you have close relationships with profs?
- Huge difference in sports / Rah-Rah / Spirit. No comparison. It’s Syracuses bread and butter. Last time I was at Lehigh, some house had a sign “Bring on ‘Bama” - hilarious, but not realistic. More of that classic “college experience.” at Syracuse for sure
- Lehigh is much closer to NYC and Philly. Syracuse is pretty far and up in the tundra but close to skiing :). Again, could be good or bad. You said you live closer to Lehigh. Freshman year can be rough transition - would it help to be close to home?
- You are undecided so you should think carefully about majors that you might pivot to. Both probably could work and have similar social sciences though Syracuse has more health sciences. Also, if you would consider Communications, Journalism, Public Admin, Psych, Area studies, languages, or education the offerings are much larger at Syracuse. Take a look at the NCES College Navigator and expand the programs tab. (Google it)
(disclaimer: I went to Bucknell and recently led a project at Lehigh, both Patriot League)
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While Lehigh does not have big time sports there is a spirited and fun rivalry with Lafayette.
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Ill throw my two cents in here - visited Lehigh about half a year ago for their DAP program.
To answer some of the questions you had:
Lehigh isn’t exactly spread out much like Urban campuses. Although the campus is well integrated into the wider Bethlehem community, and in some areas crosses into some residential areas, its more condensed. I can post some pictures of what I saw on campus if you’d like.
CAmpus is VERY VERY HILLY. Expect to climb a LOT of stairs, but the campus is beautiful.
With greek/party life, when I talked to the students on campus many of them said that Lehigh isn’t really greek oriented. While greek life is present, they told me it wasn’t an extremely large thing on campus. I myself didn’t see much of it, if I even saw a greek chapter house at all while walking around campus. Lehigh does like to have fun however, especially with the aforementioned rivalry with Lafayette. The social scene at Lehigh is there, but only if you want it to be. Even when people are participating in large scale activities, much of campus still remains locked in academically.
Just my 2 cents.
ETA: I saw you mentioned about choosing housing. From what I can find, and was told, Lehigh tries to place you in housing that fits both gender & thematic. Refer to the following from the housing website (Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Residence Hall Housing | Auxiliary Services):
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My son is at Cuse (he did not apply to Lehigh).
Cuse is very much school spirit. Yes my kid is doing a frat and parties but I also know there are plenty of other activities always going on that are not Greek or party oriented.
I think going to admitted student days at each will be very helpful.
At Cuse, your freshman year you cannot choose your dorm but can choose your roommate or a LLC. You do get to choose your dorm in other years but choices go by lottery where you are assigned a day and time to pick and then you get to choose from whatever is left on the list. My son just chose the exact room he wanted next year.
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Thank you so much!!! I would love to see any pictures you have! I love your profile picture by the way LOL 
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Great idea! I’ll look into the admitted students days coming up, thank you!
My son ended up assigned to Lawrinson his freshman year (this year). We found quite a few videos on youtube. Flint and Day are common choices as well.
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Thank you for all your help!
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