<p>My younger son had the exact same search last year! Vandy was his first choice (our older son is there), but he also wanted other options that had the same “feel” - strong academics, sports and great social life. </p>
<p>Some on His list: Wake Forest, Boston College, Univ Richmond, Tulane, UGA, Maryland.</p>
<p>have to chime in on this one as I adore vanderbilt and it was my top choice school for awhile. I’d consider furman, u of richmond, wake forest, and SMU. As far as concerns people have about SMU: I was accepted at all of the above schools (including vandy) but chose to attend SMU because of their incredibly generous merit scholarships (I’m being paid to go to school). We have a really strong business school with a great alumni network and incredible resources and opportunities. While SMU might not have a reputation for being extraordinarily rigorous academically, the professors and programs here are of a very high caliber and the education is truly what you make of it. On top of that, our campus is gorgeous and Dallas is a great location for fun and business!</p>