<p>I would LOVE to go to college in Tennessee, and as an academically-driven A student, Vanderbilt is my number one choice for college after I graduate in 2013. However, the fact that Vandy is becoming one of the hardest colleges to get into makes me nervous about applying. So I am looking for other really good colleges to attend in Tennessee or the surrounding area. I like that region of the country because of the landscape and weather. I currently live in FL and even though I love it here, I would rather not attend college near home because I'd like the away experience. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>Rhodes! Similar in terms of rigorous academics, urban location, gorgeous campus, but your tuition dollars won’t be subsidizing grad students and you won’t be competing with grad students for research opportunities the way you would at Vandy. All that and it’s a little easier to get in.</p>
<p>Hopefully your family can pay $50K/year for school. In-state colleges are usually bargains compared to OOS schools. Look carefully at the Net Price Calculators on school web sites. I would also add Sewanee as a good LAC in TN - gorgeous campus.</p>
<p>What about Belmont? From my research, it seems like a great Christian, music-focused private in Nashville. They are famous for music, but have a lot of other solid majors.</p>
<p>Try Emory, in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s not in Tennessee but I think the climate in Atlanta is somewhat similar to that of Tennessee.</p>