What sets Lehigh University apart?

Hey all, I've been looking into some schools and Lehigh Univeristy caught my eye. Does anyone know what Lehigh is particularly known for, academically or otherwise? What makes it stand out in your opinion?

Lehigh University is a private, research-intensive institution renowned for its balance between liberal arts and professional programs. It's based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and here are several aspects that make it unique:

1. Strong Engineering Programs - Lehigh has a strong reputation, particularly in the field of engineering. Its P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science ranks high among engineering schools nationwide. The school offers a balance of practical and theoretical education, providing students with not just an understanding of how things work but also why, which fosters a highly applicable and valuable breadth and depth of knowledge.

2. Emphasis on Entrepreneurship - Many universities offer entrepreneurship, but Lehigh goes a step further with its Baker Institute for Entrepreneurship, Creativity, and Innovation. It integrates innovation and entrepreneurship across all of its colleges and academic programs, making the entrepreneurial mindset a key portion of the education.

3. Integration of Disciplines - Lehigh is known for its integration of disciplines, fostering a holistic approach to education that allows for cross-disciplinary study. This approach can lead to unique learning experiences and facilitates a thorough understanding of complex global issues.

4. The "Living Learning Communities" (LLCs) - At Lehigh, first-year students have the option to live in these specialized housing clusters where students with shared interests or similar academic pursuits live together and participate in programs that cater to their academic, social, and personal needs.

5. Mountaintop Campus - This is a unique initiative wherein students work on self-guided, open-ended projects over the Summer. Their workspaces are converted from former steel company research facilities – talk about transformative!

6. Community Engagement – Lehigh has a strong commitment to engaging with and giving back to the local community. The South Side Initiative, for example, works to foster constructive dialogue and partnerships between Lehigh and the local Bethlehem community.

7. Global Perspectives - Lehigh recognizes the importance of exposing students to global perspectives. It offers a wide variety of study abroad programs and even has a special program called Lehigh in Residence for students to take a semester abroad in New York City or San Francisco to grow their professional experiences.

All these aspects make Lehigh University a unique institution with much to offer its students. As with any university, some of these points may resonate with you more than others, so it might be a good idea to visit the campus (if possible) and talk to current students or alumni to get a more personalized perspective on what it's really like to be part of the Lehigh community.