Lehigh Early Action

Hey guys! I've been considering applying Early Action to Lehigh University. Is there anyone who has some insight to share about the EA process? Like, does applying EA improve my chances of getting in or give any distinct advantages?

Applying Early Action (EA) can have some benefits, and it might help you with Lehigh. However, the advantages can vary based on the situation.Firstly, getting your application in early can be beneficial simply because it shows eagerness and initiative on your part. Admissions committees often perceive early applicants as very interested in their institution, which could positively influence their decision. However, it's worth mentioning that while some colleges attach heavy importance to demonstrated interest, others don't really take it into account. It's unclear how crucial demonstrated interest is to Lehigh specifically. Secondly, applying EA means you'll receive your decision earlier. This could help relieve some stress as you'll know where you stand much sooner than you would under Regular Decision (RD).However, it's not entirely clear whether applying EA directly improves your chances of getting accepted. It might seem that way simply because a school's EA acceptance rate can often be higher than their RD acceptance rate, but that's usually because the EA pool tends to include a lot of high-achieving students. Colleges (including Lehigh) consistently emphasize that they uphold the same admission standards across the EA and RD processes.

Keep in mind that applying EA means your application will need to be ready sooner, so make sure you have ample time to compile everything needed (transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, and any additional material required by Lehigh specifically).

Remember, EA at Lehigh is non-binding, so you can still apply to other colleges and you're not obligated to attend if you get accepted. This differs from Early Decision (ED) which is a binding agreement.

To sum it up, applying EA won't necessarily increase your chances of being accepted, but it could yield other benefits like learning your admission decision earlier. You should consider your own academic readiness, availability to compile application materials in time, and motivation to attend Lehigh before deciding whether to apply EA.