<p>I’m an asian/white girl who grew up in Asia. I want to major in Public Policy/Economics and want to eventually work in the East coast and maybe go to graduate school. I like studying but I also like to go out and have fun and party. Like, I want to be able to go to a school that knows how to let loose and have fun as well. Going to a “fun” school is really one of my top priorities. I love debating and doing scholarly things but I also love pop culture. I want a balance between these two. I also want to go to a school that has really good sports and really good academics. I also want a school that fosters really good relationships between teachers and students. I’m thinking that I want to join a sorority in college, but I’m not so sure though. How hard would it be for a US citizen who grew up abroad to join one? I’m also really looking for the traditional, American college experience with the beautiful campus and quirky campus traditions, with the college green and everything. I also want to go to a school with all 4 seasons and a great college town. I love the thought of being immersed in a school’s “bubble” wherein most students stay on campus (and not go to a “commuter” school). I also want a school with a strong alumni base in the East coast.</p>
<p>Cost is not a factor. Please let me know where you think I’ll have the best college experience among these 3 schools.</p>
<p>VANDERBILT
Pros:
<p>Cons:
- Not sure about going Greek at this point, how will not being in a sorority affect me
- Alumni base and internships: is it just me or are they not as strong as the other two on the East coast? I plan on working in the East coast so I’m not sure
- Nashville: how hard will it be to adjust</p>
<p>UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
Pros
- Very well known in my country
- School spirit
- Traditions!! What I really looked for in a college
- Poli Sci department good
- Alumni base in the East coast
- Fun school as well (but not as fun as Vandy, I’ve heard)</p>
<p>Cons:
<p>BOWDOIN</p>
<p>Pros:
- Best undergraduate teaching of the 3
- FOOD!!!
- Great relationships between teachers and professors
- Graduate placement
- Hot guys
- In the east coast, so very good alumni connections</p>
<p>Cons:
- Being in a class of just 300 ish will make me feel suffocated
- Monotonous after being around the same people?
- Not much to do in Maine compared to other schools
- Seems a lot less fun than the other schools
- Weather…</p>
<p>No wrong answer between the 3, but since you asked…some thoughts (from a Parent who has worked in consulting and financial services on the East coast for 25 years)</p>
<p>I think you’re over valuing the Alumni Network. The network occassionaly opens doors, but only you can keep yourself in the room. Those who recruit and know schools appreciate the educational quality at all of the schools you list. If you’re serious about graduate school, the reputations are even less important. </p>
<p>The question I would ask you is “where will you be the most prepared to four years to do what you want”? I believe you’ll have fun at any of them…</p>
<p>Congrats and good luck.</p>
<p>Don’t know too much about the other schools but I say Bowdoin. It is ranked one of the top colleges for Economics and has a stellar grad school placement rate, as well as a very well connected East Coast financial network (Boston, New York). There are so many Bowdoin alums who have gone on to work at and start their own management corporations. UVA, I assume though I’m not sure, might have strong connections on the East Coast but focused more around DC. Bowdoin is a really good balance between party and work: it’s not really a party school but there are definitely lots of parties Thursday-Saturday. It’s also in the NESCAC which is one of the most competitive DIII NCAA athletic divisions and we just had Field Hockey and Men’s Ice Hockey win the DIII National Championships this year so there is definitely a big sports culture here. </p>
<p>From what I’ve heard, Vanderbilt sometimes feels very cliquey and can feel isolating if you’re not in greek life. Also, Vandy and UVA have a distinct southern feel to them where as Bowdoin the quintessential New England college. You’ve got great options, you can’t go wrong. </p>
<p>Like barvoets said, you’ve got three great options…Congrats! Seems like you’ve got some thinking to do regarding school size. I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know when I say comparing a school the size of Bowdoin with a school the size of UVA (and even Vandy, tho’ considerably smaller at >13,000) is truly apples and oranges. Have you had the opportunity to get on the campus of large and small schools?</p>
<p>A couple of things – I don’t think that Nashville can properly be called a “great” city or at least that was my impression when I visited it a few years ago. Charlottesville is a small city but is primarily UVA. Brunswick is a small college town. Bowdoin’s freshman class will likely have about 500 members (not 300 as you assumed). </p>
<p>All wonderful schools. Congratulations! I agree that if possible you should visit each school before you decide. Bowdoin would be a quite different experience than Vanderbilt or UVA, and it will really depend on how you see yourself fitting in to each environment. Bowdoin is not known as a “party school,” but I do think the atmosphere offers students a balanced life experience, with plenty of activities, sports and other events besides academics. I am not at all athletic or usually into sports, but Bowdoin Ice Hockey games are a BLAST. There is definitely not a geeky overall vibe. I’d describe the feel of the student body as smart, outdoorsy, friendly, open-minded and relaxed. Bowdoin does not have fraternities or sororities, but everyone is a part of a social “house” that plans activities and parties. Lots of cute guys–yes! Seriously, the 50/50 gender split is a plus, especially when most schools are majority female, which can make for strange dynamics on campus (creates a “God’s Gift” mentality in some males!). Bowdoin is politically and socially more liberal than conservative. I’d imagine there might be a more conservative feel to Vanderbilt or UVA, if that makes any difference. I’ll reiterate that Economics and Government are outstanding programs at Bowdoin. In terms of size, that IS something to consider. When my husband and I attended Bowdoin, the class size was around 300, which was maybe a bit too small. Some people did complain of feeling a bit sick of each other after four years. On the plus side however, I think the small size of the school meant that there were tons of opportunities to participate in various clubs, get to know your professors well, find you niche and really feel valued and needed as part of the Bowdoin community, that felt encouraging/supportive, rather than competitive. As the prior poster said, it is now closer to 500, which is a big difference. You also might consider Junior year abroad if you want a change after a couple of years. Good luck making your decision!</p>
<p>Um, Barvoets, Bowdoin didn’t win the National Championship in Men’s Hockey. Not sure where you got that idea. </p>
<p>Maybe barvoets was referring to winning NESCAC’s? As far as I know women’s field hockey is the only team to win nationals in any sport at Bowdoin.</p>