Hi everyone,
I’m deciding between Lehigh Bucknell and Tulane and I’m wondering if anyone has their own experiences to share at any of these schools or general opinions? I’m on a pre law track and probably majoring in econ, are the three schools pretty comparable for that? And for law school acceptances? Any info/opinions would help, thanks so much
All fine options. Law schools care about two things- grades and LSAT scores. And marginally-- work experience after undergrad (the trend is for older students) and extra points for your own personal experience with the legal or criminal justice system- parent incarcerated, appearances as a teenager in housing court due to unlawful eviction, etc.
So pick the one you like the best. Not sure why you need to decide now- in August-- about a decision which needs to be made in April, but you do you.
I’m looking to apply ED so I have until November to decide & submit my application. Thanks!
Will you be able to visit all three? I think they are all peers academically but pretty different environments. If you don’t have a clear favorite, I would not ED.
We visited both Bucknell and Lehigh and felt the vibe was very different between the two. Bucknell is much smaller, more rural, has more greek participation and my daughter thought it had more of a “country club vibe” (which in her mind meant students seemed to be more affluent). Bucknell felt to us more like an LAC.
Lehigh is in the small city of Bethlehem, gorgeous hilly campus, student population felt more diverse to my D, and a bit more of a pre-professional. Campus and the surrounding area also felt “livelier” to our D.
I can’t speak to Tulane but I expect that being in NOLA would make for a markedly different experience.
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I’ve visited all but Lehigh and I’m doing that in a week! Thanks so much
So you’ll apply to the one you like the best assuming its affordable. Easy peasy. And if you don’t have a preference, apply to all three RD.
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They are academic peers, but the environments are different. I know students who have had great experiences at all three. Assuming all of the colleges are comfortably affordable, apply ED to the school you prefer.
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Thanks! Just trying to figure out which I like better with this post because I’m having trouble deciding
You might want to consider ease of travel depending on where you live - if you have to fly, Lehigh or Tulane would be easier than Bucknell. Also Bucknell is not near any cities, would that bother you? Although Lehigh is not in a city, it’s easy to get to both NYC and Philadelphia.
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Think about this and law school. Harvards not very large first year class is represented by 146 schools. UVA typically enrolls from 130+ schools in its first year class and in past years, schools like Alabama, Arkansas, and Oklahoma had more enrollees than Ivies. Penn has over 200 colleges represented in its law school.
So ED where you want and then ED 2 if it doesn’t work out.
Or don’t ED and keep your options open.
The where won’t matter but your LSAT will.
Do you want the South, the North with a hilly (but beautiful campus) or the sticks ?
All three are fine with Bucknell smaller.
All three are also pricey so make sure you factor cost before binding yourself.
Best of luck.
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Thank you! So you think between the three it matters just more about LSAT? Cost shouldn’t be an issue so I’m just trying to decide between the three
It comes down to personal preference and nbody but you can answer that.
FWIW my S liked urban schools while my D preferred a quieter/suburban area. So think about where YOU want to spend the next four years – there is no right or wrong answer here.
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Thanks so much! I just don’t know enough people who went to any of these schools so I wanted to see if anyone had any experiences and opinions to share. I’m pretty torn because I like all three of them, but more leaning towards Bucknell or Tulane.
It could be Boise State, LSU and Temple and the law result will be the same. LSAT, GPA, recs, what you do during your time and increasingly after.
I wouldn’t think about law school. I’d think - where do I want to spend four years. I wouldn’t choose one bcuz you think it gives you an edge.
Btw law school is another $300k potentially so factor that in too.
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Funny - I’d have thought Lehigh / Tulane would share more but not all the same.
Tulane is in New Orleans - a public transport ride from the action. It has Loyola U adjacent. Bucknell is by itself - not much there.
Tulane has D1 football. Both have party school and Greek reps - with high Greek percentages.
What others think doesn’t matter. What you think matters. Simple answer is not to ED. This way you’re not forced into the wrong decision.
Good advice thank you! There are things I love about both which makes it so hard, but for Tulane they take so many ED and it would probably be my best chance so I’ll mull it over a bit more. Tulane and Bucknell are pretty similar other than location, but I’m also not sure if Tulane is a bit too big and Bucknell is almost a bit too small. Lots to think about thanks for the insight!
Yes, some give you better odds but that doesn’t mean you should bind yourself for that reason. In the end, you need the right fit. And if it’s neither, that’s ok too.
Also don’t confuse x % enrolled from ED with how many were admitted.
In other words, 4558 were admitted. Only 1156 of those were ED so about 1/4.
Yes 1100+ of the 1800+ enrollees came from ED. That’s because most admitted not ED chose another school.
So that’s a fear tactic schools use but the truth is, they admit far more, who mostly turn them down.
Look out for you. If ED is right - then great. But don’t choose it based on panic.
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Wait until you see Lehigh this week – it just may be the fit (in terms of size, location) you are looking for.
Before finalizing your ED school, consider re-visiting your top option (if possible) while school is in session.
It is also OK to not apply anywhere ED if you don’t have a definitive and affordable top choice.
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Have you considered Villanova? Just to Throw out another idea that often gets lumped in with Lehigh and Bucknell. Similar stats and they have a law school. They also have a 3+3 law school program where you can finish undergrad and law school in 6 years.
I’ve been considering that one as well but I didn’t know about that program, thanks for the info!