<p>Going into the whole college selection process, my son's 1st choice was the University of Chicago. After visiting, he was a bit disenchanted with the social scene there, although he fell in love with the city of Chicago. A subsequent visit to Vanderbilt made him question his first choice. He was fortunate enough to be admitted to both schools, but Vanderbilt's financial aid was fantastic, and while UChicago was also generous, it would translate into a difference of roughly 50K over the four years. My son is struggling with the decision to suck-it-up and choose Chicago for the prestige factor in spite of sacrificing the traditional college experience, or to go with the feeling he had during his visit to Vanderbilt. I have read that Vandy students can shallow and have a sense of entitlement, and while this didn't seem to be the sense he got, would be concerned if this is true.
Has anybody had experience with either school that could help shed light on the concerns? And, do you feel Chicago is worth the difference in price?</p>
<p>I’ve heard that there is division and separation between greeks and non-greeks. Also the president himself said that they have a “clique” problem.</p>
<p>What does he want to do later?? For the academic life UC is hard to beat. But if he plans to go into business or law and the like Vandy may be better as social skills matter too.</p>
<p>He’s pretty sure grad school will be in his future. Has contemplated the idea of both medicine and law at different points of the process. He knows that UChicago will challenge him in a way Vanderbilt may not in terms of intellectual acuity and inquisitiveness, but he also wants to enjoy the college experience.
I’m pretty confident he will get a great education at either place. I just want him to be able to figure out which will offer him the best overall experience and long term benefits.</p>
<p>Most people at Vanderbilt are down-to-earth and friendly. People dress sharper and take pride in their appearance – but they are approachable. There is a good mix of students from all over the country.</p>
<p>I guess it depends on what he likes doing for fun or enjoyment. What kind of kid is he? </p>
<p>He’s a very down to earth kid who happens to be smart but doesn’t revel in knowing it. He loves music and has learned to play several instruments and does so for personal enjoyment as well as with ensembles of friends. He enjoys sports and school spirit…quite frankly he immediately felt at home at Vanderbilt. Yet he is aware of UChicago’s well earned reputation for being an environment where people learn to question and think. The whole life- of-the-mind was very attractive for him until he actually went to visit. I guess he realized that he didn’t just want one side of the experience, but he has a hard time turning away from what had been his academic goal.
I have been trying to make him feel comfortable with whatever choice, but fear the whole “shallow and entitled” reputation Vanderbilt kids seem to have in some circles. Even an alum whom I though could encourage him echoed that sentiment- but granted, that person graduated 20+ years ago.</p>
<p>Not sure what do you mean by social scene at Chicago your son is not happy with. But my dd had a geat time and lots of friends from attending Chicago. Perhaps he had a bad impression from that visit but it should not be reperesantative. </p>
<p>I think that anyone looking at Vanderbilt has to decide if they’re happy in a Southern environment because it is very Southern. Yes, they dress like it’s still the 1950s - seersucker suits and ties for guys, dresses and pearls for girls - even to football games. Some of the kids live on family farms with remnants of slave quarters still standing. Our NYC Godson goes there and loves the dress up aspect but is creeped out by the frequent reminders of slavery. They’re also not so great with gay/lesbian/bisexual/transexual kids.</p>
<p>UChicago does have some truth to their reputation of being “where fun goes to die.” One of my favorite people in the world is a professor there and his son went there as well (his daughter did not) and they laugh about that reputation. I believe they are more tolerant in so many ways. There are also many colleges in Chicago plus the Improv and Theatre scene, so it’s not like there’s nothing to do surrounding the university. The kids are creative and very enthusiastic about learning. Sports are very low-key there. </p>
<p>Is it worth the extra money? I don’t have that answer, that’s for your family to discuss. In the end, you probably can’t go wrong with either school. Good luck!</p>
<p>Amtc, your perception of Vanderbilt is outdated. The school draws students from all around the country. Here’s a map of the current geographic distribution:</p>
<p><a href=“http://admissions.vanderbilt.edu/images/OUA.Enrollment.Map.Fall.13.jpg”>http://admissions.vanderbilt.edu/images/OUA.Enrollment.Map.Fall.13.jpg</a></p>
<p>There are people who dress up in seersucker, etc. but you find the same styles at Princeton and Dartmouth.</p>
<p>He would enjoy the preppy style at Vandy as well as the improv scene in Chicago, but fears little opportunity to enjoy Chicago outside the campus what with the pace of the quarter system and the rigor of the classes. I think he’s getting comfortable with a choice. Finances are an important consideration.</p>
<p>Have you posted this on the Vanderbilt board? <a href=“Vanderbilt University - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/vanderbilt-university/</a>
If not, you should do so. </p>