374. Lehigh University - Bruce Bunnick - Director of Admissions

🎙️ It was an honor to welcome back Bruce Bunnick, Director of Admissions at Lehigh University, to discuss how this R1 research university maintains the heart of a liberal arts college. They cover Lehigh’s interdisciplinary academics, holistic admissions process, and strategies for students navigating a test-optional environment.

Key Takeaways ✅

• The Lehigh Identity: ~6,000 undergrads across Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Health. Interdisciplinary options let students mix majors and minors across fields.
• Holistic Review & Personal Voice: Essays matter—“give voice to an otherwise voiceless application.” A memorable essay can tip the scales. ✍️
• Context is Key: Students are evaluated within their high school context; use available resources rather than feeling pressured to pad your resume. 📚
• Strategic Testing: Test-optional (~50% submit). Take exams if helpful, but only report scores that truly reflect your academic performance. 🎓
• Support for All Learners: Disability services, writing, and math centers support students with IEPs/504 plans or unique learning needs. 🧩
• Financial Literacy: Use the Net Price Calculator early and contact financial aid to explore scholarships. 💰

Notable Quotes 💬

• "The personal essay provides a window into that student and their world... I will remember a student because of what they wrote about themselves." — Bruce Bunnick
• "This is still a decidedly humanistic process... there are people reading those applications. We don't have an algorithm that determines what is the best fit." — Bruce Bunnick

Lehigh University Admissions

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