I've been looking into applying for Lehigh Uni, but the different application deadlines are making me scratch my head. Could anyone explain their application deadline structure to me? Early decision, regular decision, rolling admissions - how do they all work, exactly?
Sure, happy to help clarify. Lehigh University provides a few different application options: Early Decision 1 (ED 1), Early Decision 2 (ED 2), Regular Decision (RD), and a special application timeline for international students.
Early Decision applications are binding. If you're accepted in this pool, you're expected to attend unless the financial aid package is insufficient. It's an excellent choice if Lehigh is your top choice school. ED 1 and ED 2 allow you to apply and receive a decision earlier than the RD process. The main difference between ED 1 and ED 2 is the deadlines and when you'll receive your decision: ED 1's application deadline is usually around November with decisions released in mid-December, while ED 2 typically has a deadline in early January and decisions are released in February.
Regular Decision is non-binding - you're not obligated to attend if accepted. You have until the national response deadline (May 1st) to decide. This is a more traditional timeline with a deadline typically in early January and decisions released by late March.
Lehigh Univ doesn't use a rolling admissions process, where applications are reviewed and decisions sent out as they are received. Instead, all applications for each pool - ED 1, ED 2, RD - are reviewed after their respective deadlines.
The timeline for international students mainly differs in terms of deadlines for submitting financial aid documentation, though the application deadlines align with the general application timelines.
Do keep an eye on Lehigh's admissions webpage for the most accurate dates as these can vary slightly year to year. Make sure you have everything submitted by the deadlines to ensure your application is reviewed.
Hope this helps, and best of luck with your application process!
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