2026–27 application cycle
Lehigh University supplemental essays
Every writing prompt on the Lehigh University application, with word limits. All of it taken from the application itself. 9 prompts, including program-specific ones.
- Prompt 1Required200 words max
Something good right now
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.
- Prompt 2Required200 words max
Something great right now
What's something great happening in your life right now?
- Prompt 3Required200 words max
Why Lehigh
How did you first learn about Lehigh University and what motivated you to apply?
How to approach it
This is a why-us prompt. The trap is describing the school back to itself. Rankings and a pretty campus read as filler. Name two or three things you’d actually use. A program, a professor’s work, an open curriculum. Then tie each one to something you’ve already done.
These prompts are program-specific.
They apply only if you’re applying to the named program or school.
- College of Arts & Sciences / Business / Health / Engineering (standard programs)Required200 words max
Your program fit
For applicants to the College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business, College of Health, or College of Engineering and Applied Science, how will the unique combination of college, program, major and/or 4+1 program that you selected above allow you to achieve your educational or professional goals?
How to approach it
This prompt wants the origin story and the proof, not your resume. Pick the moment the interest became yours. Show one or two things you did about it on your own. Let the school see how you think when nobody assigns the work.
- 5-year dual degree Arts-EngineeringRequired200 words max
Arts-Engineering fit
How will the 5-year dual degree Arts-Engineering program, which requires a major in both the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering, allow you to achieve your educational or professional goals?
How to approach it
This prompt wants the origin story and the proof, not your resume. Pick the moment the interest became yours. Show one or two things you did about it on your own. Let the school see how you think when nobody assigns the work.
- Computer Science & Business (CSB)Required150 words max
Why CSB fits you
What makes the Computer Science and Business (CSB) program the best fit for your academic and/or professional goals?
How to approach it
This is the most literal question on the application. Why this training, for your goals. Answer in that order. Name the goal first. Then point to the two or three parts of the program that serve it. Then show one thing you’ve already done that proves the goal is real.
- IDEAS Honors ProgramRequired150 words max
Why IDEAS fits you
What makes the Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts & Sciences (IDEAS) Honors Program the best fit for your academic and/or professional goals?
How to approach it
This is the most literal question on the application. Why this training, for your goals. Answer in that order. Name the goal first. Then point to the two or three parts of the program that serve it. Then show one thing you’ve already done that proves the goal is real.
- IBE Honors ProgramRequired150 words max
Why IBE fits you
What makes the Integrated Business & Engineering (IBE) Honors Program the best fit for your academic and/or professional goals?
How to approach it
This is the most literal question on the application. Why this training, for your goals. Answer in that order. Name the goal first. Then point to the two or three parts of the program that serve it. Then show one thing you’ve already done that proves the goal is real.
- Integrated Business & Health (IBH)Required
Why IBH fits you
What makes the Integrated Business & Health (IBH) Program the best fit for your academic and/or professional goals?
How to approach it
This is the most literal question on the application. Why this training, for your goals. Answer in that order. Name the goal first. Then point to the two or three parts of the program that serve it. Then show one thing you’ve already done that proves the goal is real.
Common questions
What do students ask about these essays?
How many essays does Lehigh University require?
Lehigh University lists 9 writing supplements for the 2026–27 cycle, all required. That’s on top of the main personal statement.
How long are the Lehigh University supplemental essays?
Word limits across the listed prompts add up to about 1,450 words. Budget real time for them. Supplements are where admissions sees your real interest in Lehigh University.
Do the Lehigh University supplemental essays matter?
Yes, and more so at the hardest schools to get into. Grades and scores put you in the pool. Supplements are one of the few places you control what the reader learns about you. A generic why-us essay is one of the most common mistakes students make.
What Spike does with this
Get help planning Lehigh University essays.
Spike helps you tie each prompt to something you’ve actually lived. It helps you outline and revise, and it won’t write the essay for you.
The full counselor launches in November.