<p>I am a perspective pre-med student that is applying to schools soon. I have narrowed my early decision choices to Lehigh and Holy cross, however I can not decide between the two. I have the grades, scores, and activities that are suitable for admissions for each of these schools but I just don’t know which one is better. Things to consider are that I have a offer to play D1 tennis at Holy Cross, both of my parents went to HC and are both active alumi, my friends Dad is a huge connection at Lehigh and has offered to write me a letter, and I only live an hour away from lehigh. I need to make my decision fairly soon as the ED deadlines are are in just a few weeks. Any advice, comments, or opinions would be great, thanks!</p>
<p>Have you visited these schools? What do you want to study?</p>
<p>From what you are describing on paper, HC sounds like the better offer, but it almost sounds like you’re afraid of getting in. Why is close to home better? You need to answer that one, as it’s rarely a compelling reason, especially after your first semester.</p>
<p>Visiting both campuses and getting a feel for the schools, plus taking your desired course of study into account is truly the way to go. And the tennis offer, that not insignificant. Add in any financial factors, and you might have your answer.</p>
<p>In the mean time, write your supplements for both schools, so you’re ready to go either way. Writing them can also help focus things in your mind.</p>
<p>I have visited both of the schools multiple times and have met with teachers, students, and coaches . I will be majoring in biology. In terms of distance from home I am unbiased. There would definitely be advantages and disadvantages to going to school close to home. I have done all the supplements/essay for both schools, it’s just a matter of making the final decision. Also, would pre-med/biology major be possible if I played tennis?</p>
<p>There are too many unknowns in that question for anyone on CC to be able to answer it. Of course it’s possible, the question is, would it be possible for you? How good of a student are you and what is the time commitment to play tennis? You need to ask the first part and ask some current players the second, especially some pre-meds if they have any.</p>
<p>Another factor to consider, a pretty important one. Compare the pre-med admit rates and see if you can get a read on the pre-med advisors. Maybe meet with them. All other things being equal, you might want to go to the school with the better pre-med advisor, which often explains the more successful application rate.</p>
<p>Holy Cross is good for humanities majors, Lehigh is better for the hard sciences.</p>
<p>Does playing a D-1 sport afford you any perks that might sway your decision? Early course registration, tutoring, mandatory study sessions, etc.- these may be important factors. Must you apply ED to either? Why not RD or EA (if available) and buy yourself some time?</p>
<p>Rather be in Worcester which is no garden spot but is less than an hour to Boston and Providence so would go with HC which provides free shuttles to both cities. Would hate to live in Bethlehem, PA.</p>
<p>HC has strong science programs.</p>
<p>I enjoyed attending college in Worcester. (Clark University) No, not a garden spot, but for me at least; the best of both worlds. An urban environment, with many ethnic restaurants, a good art museum and Boston just close enough not to distract.</p>
<p>You will also be a part of the Worcester Consortium, permitting you to take classes at Worcester Polytechnic, Clark, Assumption and several more.</p>
<p>HCs campus is set away from the rougher areas of Worcester. It’s very nice and safe.
Given the choice, Holy Cross.</p>
<p>Congrats. But why just these two schools? Have you considered others?</p>
<p>Is money an issue? </p>
<p>If you are considering these two patriot league schools, why not the other little Ivy League schools there as well: Colgate, Bucknell, Lafayette, Fordham?</p>
<p>Lehigh plays Fordham today in New York in a battle of two highly ranked (FCS) and unbeaten football teams. </p>
<p>College is about programs, professors, classes, facilities, yes. But its also about the location, vibe, internships, friends, fun and your likelihood of success. Every school has a unique vibe. And picking a school is highly subjective and personal. </p>
<p>Finally, if you are looking at Holy Cross then why not Boston College? </p>
<p>All of these schools are special and I have high respect for Lehigh and Holy Cross. My kid went to Fordham and did extremely well and new a lot of premed people. Fordham has an outstanding premed program that places very well in medical schools. There are people at Fordham whose families have a long legacy at BC or Holy Cross and they just wanted to do their own thing and be in New York. Its another option for you.</p>
<p>You cant make a mistake in the Patriot League, rest assured. Good luck.</p>
<p>In general, I would say that unless you love one school above all others, then you should not apply anywhere ED. You never want to apply ED, get in, and then have second thoughts or regrets. </p>
<p>In this case, you are looking at two great schools which are similar in a lot of ways. So consider the differences…How important is it to you to play D1 tennis? Are you interested in a Jesuit education? Is your family legacy at HC a factor? Would you rather be closer to home? Did you feel happier/more comfortable on one campus? What is your gut feeling telling you?</p>
<p>You really can’t make a bad choice here. I just wouldn’t commit to a school ED unless you are certain it is your top choice.</p>
<p>I’ve considered basically all the other patriot league schools. My brother goes to Bucknell and we both mutually feel that we should attend different schools. Boston college was originally on my list but it was a little to much of a reach for me/ it has restrictive early action which dosnt allow you to apply ED anywhere else.<br>
Not to sound to confident, but holy cross is almost a guarantee, my dad is Econ professor there and has been a very active alumni, I have an offer to play there, and my grades were ok’d by admissions after the coach showed them my r</p>
<p>Only you can answer that question.</p>
<p>Before you say you can’t decide, ask yourself, is it you can’t decide or you’re afraid of your answer?</p>
<p>Here’s a test. You are going to take it right now. If you fail to answer the test, you will be unable to attend either college. You have 10 seconds to answer…</p>
<p>Pick a college - Holy Cross or Lehigh? Go!</p>
<p>Now, that’s your gut instinct. Your doubt will come when you start thinking about it. Most of the time, your gut instinct is correct. It’s when we overthink things that we rationalize and convince ourselves of things that are not true and get into trouble. We often fear our gut instinct not because it’s the wrong decision, but because we fear what others will think of the decision. And we want the approval of others. Or we want to have others make the choice for us, so we can feel less guilty about disappointing someone.</p>
<p>Go on instinct. Then try and figure out why instinct tells you to make that decision. That’s your answer.</p>
<p>Mrmom62. Thanks that was actually really helpful, I just need to step back from everything and go with a gut decision because that’s often the fit decision. There is a lot of different influences to both colleges whether it be the legacy factor at HC or whether playing tennis is needed or not. On a clean slate, with no outside factors, I think lehigh is ultimately better for me. Tennis would be a difficult thing to jugle with pre med if I am really dedicated to my dream of becoming a doctor, also I think if I went to HC it would be an expirience that is too dependent on my families history their. Lehigh would be a better, more independent and less chaotic school to attend. I’m gunna go with lehigh, but keep HC in the mix if I don’t get in ED. Thanks</p>
<p>Lehigh is a Greek school, lots of partying and drinking. Not everyone, but that’s the predominant culture.
Both are great! Go with your gut.</p>
<p>Yup. But drinking occurs at Holy Cross…big time as well. It occurs, frankly, at every college. Dartmouth has a serious problem. Made the NYTimes its so bad.</p>
<p>No condoning it, but just saying. </p>
<p>Fordham beat Lehigh today in a battle of unbeaten teams. :-)</p>
<p>I second the comment from happy1, that going ED is problematic, because you are bound to attend if accepted. EA non binding is the way to go if you can. Gives you more options. Trust me, you will change your mind between now and April. </p>
<p>But again, you cant make a bad choice in the Patriot League. Good luck</p>
<p>If you’re almost guaranteed admission at Holy Cross, why not just apply both for regular decision and give yourself a few more months to decide?</p>
<p>A large percentage of the Lehigh undergraduate students are Greek, and I would imagine that many of them are pre-med. If you’re organized and efficient you should be able to do it (also Rush typically happens before you take on too many other commitments, in freshman year).</p>
<p>I have a close friend who went to Holy Cross and she loved it. She still has close friends from there that she hangs out with.</p>
<p>Just as an added point about Lehigh, my son started there and was thinking he would “have” to get involved with fraternities because of the Greek scene. What he found was that he could connect with other kids and not feel compelled to get involved with frats and no one was pushing him in that direction. </p>
<p>He also played varsity tennis in high school, but not at a level where he would be recruited. He found another club sport to get involved in at Lehigh that is fun but not as demanding, and that provides a social connection for him. The academics are demanding but there is also a lot of support available for those who need them. </p>
<p>Good luck with your decision.</p>