Application Requirements, Deadlines & Process

Lehigh is a partner of the Common Application and Coalition Application.

Once your application is submitted, a confirmation email will be sent to the email address you designated on your application.

If it has been more than seven business days since you submitted your application and you have not received a confirmation email, please contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@lehigh.edu or (610) 758-3100. In your email, please include your full name, address and date of birth as provided in your application.

  • Test Optional Policy- Lehigh will extend the test optional policy for admission indefinitely while continuing to evaluate its impact.

Flexibility for COVID-19 Circumstances

As we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, Lehigh understands that students have experienced a variety of challenges - from changes in the educational systems and AP exam policies, to financial and personal losses for families. Please keep in mind that the following measures are in place and should assure you of our commitment to students:

  • We will utilize a test optional policy for the SAT or ACT indefinitely.
  • Flexibility with alternative grading methods: Lehigh’s Office of Admissions will continue to review transcripts based on the individual school’s practices and policies during our review process. Alternative grading methods being utilized during the COVID-19 pandemic will be honored in the same manner as the school’s traditional grading scale.
  • Scores from the new online format for AP exams will be honored according to our existing policies.

Lehigh will continue to act with sensitivity as schools and families make decisions that best suit their students. You can find continued updates on the COVID-19 Information Center.

Application Deadlines

Lehigh has two rounds of binding Early Decision, as well as Regular Decision and Transfer application opportunities. Take the next step to your future, apply now.

  • Early Decision I
    • Deadline: November 1
    • Decision Date: Mid December
  • Early Decision II
    • Deadline: January 1
    • Decision Date: Mid February
  • Regular Decision
    • Deadline: January 1
    • Decision Date: Late March

  • Start early to give yourself ample time to get through the college selection and application process.
  • Consider all that you want us to know about you and then make sure that each is reflected somewhere in your application.
  • Authenticity is the key to submitting an application that stands out. Focus less on fitting in a box and more on sharing who you are.
  • Check application for accuracy and completeness and ensure that all required items have been submitted.
  • Be aware of deadlines and consider submitting your application days or even weeks before the due date.

  • First, Save that Confirmation Email
    Once your application is submitted, a confirmation email will be sent to the email address you designated in the application platform.
  • Next, Access the Applicant Portal
    Visit the Applicant Portal to make sure we are not missing any of your documents. 
  • Look for Emails, Letters and Applicant Portal Announcements
    We send important information regarding applications for admissions and financial aid, from incomplete notifications to final decisions.

  • How do I apply for admission to the IDEAS Program?
    • Admission to the Integrated Degree in Engineering and Arts and Science Program is highly selective, with annual admission limited to approximately 50 students.
    • You should apply to Lehigh University following the standard procedures and indicate on the application form that you are applying for the IDEAS Program.
    • The deadline for IDEAS applications is January 1st. If you wish to be considered for regular admission to either the College of Arts and Sciences or the P.C Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science in the event that you are not admitted to the IDEAS Program, please indicate that on your application.
    • The University's Office of Admissions (610-758-3100) can provide further details for applying to the University and the IDEAS Program.
  • Can I transfer into the IDEAS Program after I've been at Lehigh for a while?
    • It is possible that a small number of exceptional students may be admitted to the program following the completion of their freshman year. Admission at this point would be highly competitive and based upon freshman year GPA, faculty recommendations, and space availability.  The IDEAS Program will not consider transfers beyond the end of a student's first year. If interested, reach out to our Academic Advisor, Melissa Phelps (mjp618@lehigh.edu) for more details.