a comma is necessary so that this sentence will not be confusing:
Apart from the perfect size, Division I athletics, numerous intramurals, and beautiful
campus , there was one thing that made me realize that Lehigh
not only met but exceeded all of my expectations (and I think it is too much to say it not only met but also exceeded... you are not writing about whether expectations are met.)
What you are writing about is a great application of intuition. I really like this approach.
Still, I think you need to reinforce it. After saying that your intuition (intangible factor) drew you to choose the school, you can say your intuition was proven correct, because professor so-and-so seems to be someone who has interests very similar you your own. And now you have started to really get excited about having her as your mentor, because you are determined to contribute to the field of __________.
Do you think that my second response adequately answers the question?
You accidentally wrote the same question twice, so i don't know! What was the question for that second one?