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How to Answer the 2025-26 Lehigh Supplemental Essays
By
Cait Steele
Cait Williams is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cait recently graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Journalism and Strategic Communications. During her time at OU, was active in the outdoor recreation community.
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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.
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Maria Geiger is Director of Scholarship Services at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.
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Lehigh University is a small private college located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Lehigh, known for rigorous academics and premiere research, opened its doors in 1865. With an array of study abroad options and a beautiful campus located within an hour and a half of both the Pocono Mountains and New York City, Lehigh offers students numerous ways to grow beyond academics. If this sounds like the place for you, let us help you put your best foot forward on the Lehigh supplemental essays!
The Lehigh University supplemental essay prompts
Lehigh requires two supplemental essays on their application. This means there’s a lot of writing to do, but also more than one chance to stand out. Their application may take more time than some others, but that comes with advantages. Lehigh’s prompts offer you the opportunity to really show them who you are. Take your time and don’t get overwhelmed. Let’s jump in!
Prompt #1
How did you first learn about Lehigh University and what motivated you to apply? (150 words)
While the first Lehigh prompt looks like one simple question, it’s important to note that they want you to answer two things. First, how did you learn about Lehigh? Second, what pushed you to apply?
Let’s start with the first part, how you first heard about Lehigh. This part of the prompt shouldn’t be terribly difficult to answer. Colleges know that students may hear about them in a number of different ways, so there is no right or wrong answer, there’s simply the answer that gives them the most information about you.
If you heard about the school through an alumnus, mention how you know that individual. If it was through multiple people that you heard about the school, tell them which interactions finally pushed you to look more seriously into the school.
The second half of the prompt is another straightforward question about you. Now that you’ve told them how you heard about them, they want to know what pushed you to the next step and actually apply. Show Lehigh that you “did your homework” here!
Here are a few questions to consider for part one:
- Is Lehigh well known for the major you want to pursue?
- Do they offer great athletic opportunities?
- Is your mom or dad an alumnus and you want to follow in their footsteps?
It can be easy to answer this half of the prompt with facts about the university, but Lehigh already knows that information. You might mention their clubs and organizations, certain research opportunities they offer, or travel abroad options, but that doesn’t tell them much about you unless you make the connection between their resources and your goals. Use the “why were you motivated to apply section” to give a glimpse into who you are and what you’ll bring to Lehigh University.
Questions to consider for part two:
- Is there a professor at Lehigh who specializes in an area of interest for you? Or do they have state-of-the-art facilities that appeal to you?
- Did Lehigh publish a report that you used for a project in high school?
- What else makes Lehigh unique that appeals to your interests, academic trajectory, or lifestyle?
If you’re still feeling stuck, take some more time to research Lehigh to see what you like about them. Remember, the goal of this question is to get to know you a little better and to show that you’ve done some research to understand why Lehigh could be a good fit.
Don’t overthink it. Be honest and consider what you want them to know about you.
Also see: What looks good on a college application?
Prompt #2
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. (Max 200 words)
This is a good opportunity to add some personal appeal to your application while describing something you’re pursuing in life. You can choose something academic, an extracurricular, or even a less formalized activity such as a job, project, or hobby.
No matter what you choose, make sure that your essay shows a strong work ethic, commitment, and responsibility to whatever brings you joy, pride, or motivation. Ensure that your choice speaks positively about your character and makes the admissions reader more confident in you as an applicant.
Questions to consider
- How does this source of joy inform my goals for the future?
- What promising traits have I demonstrated in order to have this source of joy in my life?
- How does this source of joy indicate that I would be successful as a student at Lehigh?
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More scholarships for HS seniorsDon’t miss: How to respond to the Common App essay prompts
Remember, the goal of these questions is for Lehigh to get a better understanding of who you are. So, take a deep breath and remember that goal. You’ve got this!
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