u/CivilPepper5674

I’ve narrowed my college decision down to Lehigh (IDEAS program) and RPI (electrical engineering), where I’d either minor in music or stay seriously involved in violin.

I have strong scholarships from both, so cost isn’t a major factor between those two.

That said, I was also accepted to Northeastern (too expensive, so probably off the table), University of Rochester (also too expensive), Syracuse (more affordable), SUNY Buffalo Honors (basically a full ride), Oberlin, Ithaca College, and University of Vermont Honors (all with good scholarships).

At this point, I’m mostly deciding between Lehigh and RPI, but I wanted to ask if there are any standout reasons I should still be seriously considering any of the other schools?

Thanks in advance.

I’m choosing between Lehigh and RPI for electrical engineering. Cost is similar (both gave strong scholarships), so I’m focused on fit, academics, and music.

Lehigh:

• Admitted to IDEAS (EE + Music Performance, violin)
• Prefer campus/vibe
• Stronger impression of music program

RPI:

• Stronger engineering reputation
• More tech-focused
• Concerned about competitiveness and staying involved in music

I’m currently at a performing arts high school and practice ~4+ hours/day, so continuing music seriously is important to me.

Questions:

1. Does Lehigh’s IDEAS program put me at a disadvantage vs a traditional EE degree from RPI? (This might be a major factor for me)
2. Is it realistic to balance high-level music with engineering at either school?
3. RPI: does the culture or gender ratio affect student experience?
4. Lehigh: what is social life like without being involved in Greek life?

tldr: RPI for engineering strength, or Lehigh for better fit + music?