I got into Lehigh (ED2; sent my deposit) & Villanova (withdrew in feb), and it was a big surprise for me. Here’s what I think I did right:
reference (stats): http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/lehigh-university/1723258-lehigh-ed2-chances.html#latest
- very rigorous high school schedule
- Very strong counselor & good teacher (2) recs
- Very strong peer recs (3; Dartmouth, Cornell, & Vanderbilt admitted students)
- Used max word limits on common app essays, and made sure I showed my interest in Lehigh & a passion for learning
- Did a private tour.
Even though my SAT score was low (didn’t want to get into extremely rigorous, competitive school, so didn’t study that much), didn’t take SAT2s, had below-average ECs, submitted my common app a day before the deadline, submitted my ED2 request a day before that deadline, no interview, and didn’t have guided tour w/ info session, I still managed to get into Lehigh. Why? Because of its unique admissions process (as shown in ClassicRockerDad’s post).