Introduction to Lehigh's 2025–26 Supplemental Essays

Applying to Lehigh University this admissions cycle means navigating a targeted but highly revealing set of supplemental questions. While this guide does not claim to cover every possible program-specific question you might encounter, we are focusing on the two primary supplemental prompts you will need to tackle for the 2025–26 application year.

With a combined maximum of 400 words across these two essays, the writing load for Lehigh is relatively light compared to other highly selective institutions. However, this brevity means every sentence must carry its weight. The admissions committee uses these concise responses to gauge your genuine interest in their specific academic offerings and to understand your personality and values outside the classroom. Below, we break down exactly what each prompt is asking, how to structure a strong response, and the common pitfalls to avoid.

Prompt 1: The Origin and Motivation

"How did you first learn about Lehigh University and what motivated you to apply?"

200 words

This prompt is a dual-purpose question: it asks for a brief origin story of your interest ("how did you first learn") and then pivots into a classic "Why Us?" essay ("what motivated you to apply"). Lehigh wants to know how you discovered them, but more importantly, they want to see concrete evidence that you understand what makes their campus and academic programs a perfect fit for your goals.

A Strong Approach:

• Keep the origin brief: Dedicate no more than one or two sentences to how you discovered the school. Whether it was a college fair, an alumni mentor, or a deep dive into engineering programs online, state it simply and move on.
• Focus on the intersection of interests: Lehigh is famous for its interdisciplinary approach (like the IDEAS or CSB programs). Highlight how their specific academic structures allow you to combine your unique interests.
• Name specific resources: Mention concrete courses, professors, labs, or unique Lehigh traditions (like the Mountaintop Summer Experience) that align directly with your high school track record.
• Connect campus culture to your personality: If you value a tight-knit community, collaborative research, or strong school spirit, explain how Lehigh’s environment matches your preferred way of learning and living.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Lingering on the discovery: Spending 100 words telling a story about a campus tour or a conversation with a relative wastes valuable space that should be used to advocate for your fit.
• Generic praise: Complimenting the "beautiful campus," "great location," or "strong alumni network" without tying those features to your specific needs.
• Repeating your resume: Avoid listing your extracurriculars unless you are directly connecting them to a specific continuation of that activity at Lehigh.

Prompt 2: Celebrating the Good

"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 words

This prompt is a refreshing departure from traditional, high-stakes academic questions. It is a pure personality and values check. Lehigh is an intense, rigorous environment, and the admissions team wants to admit students who know how to find joy, maintain perspective, and celebrate positive moments. They are explicitly giving you permission to share something "big or small"—meaning a quiet personal victory is just as valuable as a major public accolade.

A Strong Approach:

• Choose authenticity over impressiveness: The best answers often revolve around small, highly personal joys—finally mastering a difficult piano piece, harvesting the first tomato from your garden, or teaching a younger sibling how to drive.
• Focus on the why: The event itself is less important than why it brings you joy, pride, or motivation. Explain the underlying value or the struggle that preceded the celebration.
• Show your emotional intelligence: Use this space to demonstrate gratitude, self-awareness, or curiosity. How you celebrate reveals a lot about your character and maturity.
• Keep the tone positive and reflective: Lean into the prompt’s uplifting nature. Write with genuine enthusiasm.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Writing a disguised brag sheet: Choosing an impressive accomplishment but stripping it of personal meaning, turning the essay into a sterile recitation of a resume bullet point.
• Forcing a connection to Lehigh: Do not twist your personal joy into an artificial pitch for why you belong at the university. Answer the prompt exactly as it is asked.
• Choosing a stressful topic: Avoid framing something positive in a way that feels overwhelmingly anxious or competitive. The prompt asks you to "pause and celebrate."

Next Steps for Your Lehigh Application

Writing effective supplemental essays for Lehigh requires a balance of clear, well-researched academic alignment and authentic personal reflection. As you finalize your responses, keep these next steps in mind:

• Review for overlap: Ensure your "Why Lehigh" essay highlights different aspects of your profile than your personal statement. The two should complement each other, not repeat the same information.
• Check your proportions: In Prompt 1, verify that the majority of your word count is dedicated to why you are applying rather than how you heard about the school.
• Do a "Joy Test" on Prompt 2: Read your second essay out loud. If it doesn't make you smile or feel a genuine sense of pride, consider picking a different topic that truly excites you.
• Edit for precision: With only 200 words per prompt, every adjective and anecdote must serve a purpose. Cut the filler and get straight to the point.