<p>I'm currently enrolled at CMU, and I am trying to get off of the Vanderbilt waitlist. IF I'm lucky enough to get into Vandy, I'm just wondering if you guys could weigh in on which school seems like a better pick. </p>
<p>I'll be majoring in economics at both schools, and since they're both excellent academically, I'm more focused on their social aspect/atmosphere. </p>
<p>I've already visited CMU and I'm pretty sure I'll have absolutely no problem fitting in there. However, I'm a little worried about Vanderbilt, given it's heavily greek and preppy stereotypes. I'm an Asian dude from the northeast. I'm obsessed with hip-hop culture and I can NEVER see myself wearing Sperrys or pastel shorts. Can you guys give some insight on whether I'm just being dumb here by worrying about this(:D)?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I think Carnegie Mellon is easily the better pick. I don’t view Vanderbilt as a prestigious business/economic school at all.</p>
<p>Actually, Vanderbilt serves students with interests in business very well. </p>
<p>Anyway…since the OP says that he’s more focused on the social atmospheres of the two schools.</p>
<p>Carnegie Mellon and Vanderbilt are VERY different in this regard. Vanderbilt has an active and inclusive social scene. I’ve heard that Carnegie Mellon’s is inclusive, but not as active. It’s a bit “nerdier”.
A lot of people are concerned about Greek life here. But, in actuality, most people aren’t involved in it. Only 1 in every 3 guys goes Greek. You certainly won’t be expected to wear Sperrys if nearly 70% of the student body doesn’t.
Lastly, Vanderbilt’s southern leanings play well into its social life. People here are down to earth and hospitable. I won’t say that they aren’t at Carnegie Mellon, but I would be surprised if its students were as gregarious and charismatic as Vanderbilt’s. I actually would say that your residence in the northeast is only more cause for you to come to Vanderbilt; Vanderbilt’s culture and character would make college a new, more enriching experience.</p>
<p>Best of luck with the waitlist! Regardless of whether or not you are accepted, you will end up at a great school!</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies!</p>
<p>Commodore, can you comment on the inclusion of Asians/minorities in general in Greek life? I’ve heard that very few male minorities get bids from fraternities and that frats are pretty much all white. Is this true? I’m planning on rushing at both schools, and CMU’s greek scene seems much friendlier in terms of minorities because even in the top frats there were a decent amount of minorities.</p>
<p>I’m an asian male from the Northeast, and had several of the same concerns that you mentioned. You’ll be fine, honestly; the asian community is there if you want it (putting on big cultural shows like Diwali (Indian/Hindu) and Asian New Year, for example. You’re right that there aren’t thattt many asians in the fraternity scene, but I think that’s a matter of self-selection. A lot of asian kids are the type, I think, who don’t find that scene appealing; that being said, I know asian kids in the fraternities and I didn’t feel discriminated against during the rush process (was essentially guaranteed a bid from one that I was rushing, but chose not to accept it to focus on school/grades). Certain fraternities have more of a southern feel/tradition to them, I suppose, but even there, I think you’ll find them just as unappealing; if you decide you do want to go Greek, I think you’ll be able to fit in just fine.</p>