Amherst or Vanderbilt? Only 2 days left..

College Search & Selection
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<p>I am in the difficult position of deciding between two amazing schools. I visited both, and think that each school has its pluses and minuses. Here are some of my observations:</p>

<p>Amherst (+)
- Nice, small campus, with some amazing views
- Really big dorms
- Awesome professors (well, professor (Sarat))
- Food was not bad at all
- Really nice, smart people all around</p>

<p>Amherst (-)
- Campus smallness (I just think that over time, it could be a negative)
- Amherst, MA seems like a pretty boring place to be
- lack of sun/bad weather</p>

<p>Vanderbilt (+)
- Beautiful campus... amazing, really
- Great first-year accommodations and facilities (freshman quad)
- FOOD... so good + the dining hall for freshmen was awesome
- Sunny, warm, green
- Nashville (more FOOD + music)
- Huge medical center on campus + another very large biological sciences building</p>

<p>Vanderbilt (-)
- To be honest, there was not much on the surface that I didn't like</p>

<p>Alright, so those are the observations that I made with my EYES in being on the campuses. Of course, none of what I listed takes into account academic strength, quality of professors/teaching, or post-undergraduate opportunities. In other words, what I listed focuses on student life.</p>

<p>Now, in terms of prestige and such, I think that Amherst takes the cake. Certainly, Vanderbilt probably was wider name recognition. For example, yesterday a kid asked me what Amherst was when I told him that I was considering it-- I've never had that issue with Vandy. However, I think that in those circles that actually matter (grad school admissions, employers), Amherst has an edge. </p>

<p>In terms of academics, I think that Amherst also wins. The smaller class sizes, and pure undergraduate focus just seem hard to beat by any non-LAC. I also think, however, that the difference in academics is not, by any means, night and day. </p>

<p>So, all in all, I can't really pick a favorite. Please please help me decide! And try to refrain from telling me to go where my heart/gut tells me, because at this time, I don't know what the difference is between my mind and gut.. It's all just so fuzzy..</p>

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<p>Vanderbilt wins, more well rounded student body. better location, and great school.</p>

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<p>What are you planning to study? Are you sure you will keep that major? What is the cost difference between the two?</p>

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<p>I am not completely sure what I want to major in (probably econ), but I do plan to eventually go to med school… Even that is up in the air though.</p>

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<p>Oh, and cost is pretty similar. Difference of <5000</p>

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<p>You already know both are great. Amherst is the more purely academic school, but I’m sure the right student can make Vandy just as academic. A few years from now when no one is thinking you were comparing the two, everyone will be duly impressed that you went to a phenomenal academic school in Vandy if that’s what you choose. And sounds like you want the “bigger” college experience which Vandy certainly will offer. When you have no minuses in the plus/minus game that is probably telling you something.</p>

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<p>Hi @karatekid666, I just PM’d you but I thought I’d post on this thread as well to increase chances that you’ll see this!</p>

<p>I just found your thread from last year about Vanderbilt vs. Amherst and am in the exact same situation. I resonate with so many of your thoughts, including concerns about the size of Amherst, its rural surroundings, and cold weather. I also had the chance to sit in on a LJST session by Professor Sarat and thought he was incredible. At the same time, Vandy seems to have the whole package of academics, weather, and social life. But there are a whole bunch of other factors in between. </p>

<p>I’m curious to see where you eventually enrolled and would love it if you shared your experiences and thoughts. I am also interested in pursuing graduate school (law) but am not entirely sure, so I think hearing an opinion from someone who was in a similar situation would be extremely beneficial.</p>

<p>Thanks a bunch!</p>

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<p>If you are going to medical school, it won’t matter what undergraduate institution you go to, probably. If you go to grad school in say, English, it will matter a bit more, but whether you go to Amherst or Vanderbilt won’t really matter, as they’re both very, very well-reputed places. So I wouldn’t worry about prestige. </p>

<p>I think you probably have a valid point when it comes to the fantastic quality of education which a small liberal arts college can offer - I would ask Vandy students how much opportunity there is for them to enroll in smaller classes before they’re upperclassmen. </p>