Lehigh Supplemental Essays & Deadlines 2026-2027
Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA. Every 2026-2027 prompt and deadline, verified against the school's own materials on August 7, 2026.
Lehigh Application Deadlines 2026-2027
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early Decision | November 1, 2026 |
| Early Decision II | January 1, 2027 |
| Regular Decision | January 1, 2027 |
| Scholarships | February 1, 2027 |
Lehigh Supplemental Essay Prompts 2026-2027
Under each prompt: what it is really asking, the mistake most applicants make, and the first question Jim asks you so the essay comes from your story, not a template.
- How will the unique combination of college, program, major and/or 4+1 program that you selected above allow you to achieve your educational or professional goals?
200 wordsWhat they are really asking: Why this exact combination, and what goal needs it?
The mistake most applicants make: Describing the program.
Do this instead: The goal, then how each part of the combination serves it, with one experience as evidence.
Jim starts by asking you: “What goal do you have that a single major would not cover?” Answer it with Jim, free →
- Explore Lehigh is designed for students who are undecided or are considering multiple areas of study and wish to explore which of Lehigh's colleges or integrated programs are right for them. You will spend your first semester engaging with big questions, collaborating with peers and developing essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving and communication while you have an opportunity to sample from any of Lehigh's colleges. Tell us why Explore Lehigh is a more attractive option to you than starting in a specific college or intercollege program.
200 wordsWhat they are really asking: Why are you undecided in a productive way?
The mistake most applicants make: Saying you have many interests.
Do this instead: Two or three fields, the question that connects them, and why a semester of sampling is the honest way to choose.
Jim starts by asking you: “What are the fields you cannot yet choose between, and what links them?” Answer it with Jim, free →
- What makes the Computer Science and Business (CSB) program the best fit for your academic and/or professional goals?
200 wordsWhat they are really asking: Why CS and business together, from your own work?
The mistake most applicants make: Generic value of the combination.
Do this instead: One CS thing you built, one business thing you did, and the goal.
Jim starts by asking you: “What have you built and then had to think about as a product?” Answer it with Jim, free →
- What makes the Integrated Business & Engineering (IBE) Honors Program the best fit for your academic and/or professional goals?
200 wordsWhat they are really asking: Why business and engineering together?
The mistake most applicants make: Generic value of the combination.
Do this instead: One engineering project, one business experience, the goal that needs both.
Jim starts by asking you: “What engineering project made you think about cost or customers?” Answer it with Jim, free →
- What makes the Integrated Business & Health (IBH) Honors Program the best fit for your academic and/or professional goals?
200 wordsWhat they are really asking: Why business and health together?
The mistake most applicants make: Generic value of the combination.
Do this instead: One health experience, one business experience, the goal that needs both.
Jim starts by asking you: “What have you seen in health care that was really a business problem?” Answer it with Jim, free →
- What makes the Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts & Sciences (IDEAS) Honors Program the best fit for your academic and/or professional goals?
200 wordsWhat they are really asking: Why engineering plus arts and sciences?
The mistake most applicants make: Generic value of the combination.
Do this instead: One engineering project, one humanities interest, the problem that needs both.
Jim starts by asking you: “What is a technical problem you think needs a humanities answer too?” Answer it with Jim, free →
- How will the 5-year dual degree Arts-Engineering program, which requires a major in both the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering, allow you to achieve your educational or professional goals?
200 wordsWhat they are really asking: Why both degrees, and can you name the goal?
The mistake most applicants make: Vague ambition.
Do this instead: The goal, one experience in each side, and why five years is worth it.
Jim starts by asking you: “What would you do with both degrees that you could not do with one?” Answer it with Jim, free →
- How did you first learn about Lehigh University and what motivated you to apply?
200 wordsWhat they are really asking: Is there a real story behind applying?
The mistake most applicants make: A generic discovery story.
Do this instead: The actual moment, the person, or the visit, and what specifically stuck.
Jim starts by asking you: “What was the specific thing that put Lehigh on your list?” Answer it with Jim, free →
- At Lehigh, we believe in pausing to celebrate the good, meaningful moments that bring joy, pride or motivation. What's something great happening in your life right now? It could be an accomplishment, a personal win (big or small) or something you're genuinely excited about. If it matters to you, we'd love to hear about it.
200 wordsWhat they are really asking: Can you share something good, honestly, without spin?
The mistake most applicants make: Choosing an achievement to impress.
Do this instead: Something real that makes you happy right now, big or small. Let the reader like you.
Jim starts by asking you: “What is going well in your life right now?” Answer it with Jim, free →
Stuck on one of these? Open it in AlphaApply.ai and Jim will work through the prompt with you, in your own words.
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What Are My Chances at Lehigh?
Lehigh University admits 25.9% of applicants · SAT middle 50%: 1370–1500 · ACT: 31–34. The next step adds your activities or resume, then shows your estimate. An estimate is not a promise: essays and recommendations can move it either way.
Writing the Lehigh essays? Jim, the AlphaApply.ai counselor, has Lehigh's prompts and deadlines loaded and coaches your application in your own voice. Free to start, no credit card.
Plan Lehigh with JimLehigh Admissions FAQ
Does Lehigh have supplemental essays for 2026-2027?
Yes. Lehigh has 9 supplemental essay prompts for 2026-2027, 200 words each. All are listed above with word limits.
When is the Lehigh application deadline for 2026-2027?
The Early Decision deadline is November 1, 2026 and the Regular Decision deadline is January 1, 2027. Lehigh University has 4 rounds in total; see the table above.
Is Lehigh test-optional for 2026-2027?
Yes. Lehigh University's 2026-2027 testing policy is: test-optional. The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1370 to 1500 on the SAT and 31 to 34 on the ACT.
What is Lehigh's acceptance rate?
Lehigh University admits about 26% of applicants and accepts the Common App.
Can Jim help me write the Lehigh essays?
Yes. Jim, the AlphaApply.ai counselor, has every Lehigh prompt and deadline loaded. He asks the questions that surface your story and gives feedback on your drafts. He never writes the essay for you. Free to start.
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Deadlines and prompts change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026; always confirm on Lehigh University's official admissions site before submitting.