<p>I know the U.S. News rankings and have visited the U.C.'s and several private universities and colleges. I like Vanderbilt but am having a hard time deciding if the perks are worth the extra cost. Are there any Californians who could have gone to one of the top 5 U.C.'s paying more to attend Vandy? If so, what influenced you? And if you are already there, how do you feel about your decision?</p>
<p>I turned down Berkeley, UCLA, and UCI to go to Vandy. It does end up that I'm actually paying less, however. Reasons: Get out of state, experience the world, smaller campus feel, more personal attention, less cutthroat.</p>
<p>Very good experience. PM me for more information. I am from California.</p>
<p>I turned down UCLA, Berkeley, Irvine, and RIverside (last two with regents scholarships) for Vanderbilt. Only thing is that I'm out-of-state and the price would be high.</p>