Lehigh University has released its supplemental essay prompts for the Class of 2031. Applicants are directed to respond to a 200-word prompt that probes Why Major details, as well as a straightforward Why Lehigh prompt requiring up to 200 words, and an additional required 200-word essay that probes personal accomplishments. Let’s review.

2026-2027 Lehigh University Required Essay Prompts

The following three prompts are required of all applicants and must be addressed in 200 words or less:

1. 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?

This prompt has one goal: separate the students who have researched the academic resources and opportunities available at Lehigh from those who haven’t. In your response, your goal is to impress your application reader with the density of Lehigh-specific details you’re able to inject into such a short essay. Start by researching the institutes, research fellowships, part-time jobs, advising structures, and events associated with your intended major. Take your reader on a walk with you through a day in your life on campus, one in which you participate in some of these things to forward your passion for your intended major. But note that you should steer clear of any mention of specific classes offered or faculty, as these details are subject to change from semester to semester.

Instead, highlight the things that will enable you to take the pursuit of your singular hook to the next level, A.K.A., to continue your intellectual journey into the specific topic, discipline, passion, cause, or pursuit that forms the backbone of your college application. Your singular hook can be as simple as the origin story behind why you want to major in your field, or could be the result of years of specializing down a particular academic or intellectual rabbit hole. Either way, articulate this hook in this response and cite the Lehigh specifics that will forward your pursuit of it.

2. How did you first learn about Lehigh University and what motivated you to apply?

This prompt is a pretty standard “Why College” essay in which Lehigh wants you to flatter them with all your deep knowledge of the institutional specifics that make Lehigh Lehigh. Whereas the first prompt probes academic details, this response should focus more on the extracurricular aspects of your potential life at Lehigh, viewed through the lens of your specific interests. But again, not all Lehigh specifics are made equal. Your goal is to focus on the things that capture the longstanding qualities and culture of the Lehigh community, including the yearly traditions, celebrations, events, well-regarded student organizations, activities, and campus sites. You should wow your reader with your deep knowledge of all things Lehigh and dramatize the moment when you first suspected this was the right school for you.

3. 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.

Here, Lehigh wants you to inject some levity into your application. Without overlapping anything you’ve already mentioned in this supplement or in your Personal Statement, write about a significant moment in your life (from high school, no earlier!) in which you helped make your local community a better place. Lehigh wants to see that you can put down roots and care for those around you. Even though they’re not saying it outright here, they want your response to showcase your humility, character, and empathy. No matter what direction you choose to take your response in, write something that will cause your application reader to root for your case.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Your Lehigh Supplemental Essays

If you would like to submit an essay supplement to Lehigh that optimizes your odds of admission with the strength of its specificity, fill out Ivy Coach’s complimentary consultation form, and we’ll be in touch with an outline of our college counseling services for seniors led by our team of former elite college admissions officers.