I was recently accepted off the waitlist at Dartmouth College after I deposited at Vanderbilt.
I’m looking to go into a science or perhaps economics. I think the academics are basically similar, but correct me if I’m wrong. The culture is the thing that’s getting to me. Both have pretty big Greek scenes, but my issue with Dartmouth is that if I don’t want to participate, I will have nothing else to do. At Vanderbilt, I can fairly easily just go into the city. Also I kinda had hoped to escape New England weather, although it’s not that much of an issue.
Dartmouth gave me slightly worse financial aid, but when you factor travel costs in, the cost is basically identical.
Any and all opinions greatly appreciated.
Interesting. You make a good point about the location and weather. Try the Dartmouth forum and see if they can talk you into it. I think you are going to get better recruiting for Econ at Dartmouth and the D plan can land you a good internship.
There is actually a world at Dartmouth for non-Greek people, but if you are thinking urban(ish) v small town, that is worth thinking through further.
@BrownParent I know Dartmouth is held in high esteem in Econ, do you happen to know how it compares to Vandy in terms of placement in science grad schools? I am unsure which of those 2 I’m leaning towards and I want to leave as many doors open as possible.
No I don’t but there should be plenty of resources at either. Science grad school is more about what you do. Getting involved in undergraduate research experiences research being key.
With your goals in mind, I think Vandy has more resources for sciences, it has its own med school and boasts a larger R&D program. Overall I think Vandy gives you broader options, and yup, the warmer weather is nice too, and Nashville is a great city to live in for 4 years.
All things being evaluated to your specific goals and preferences—Vandy gets the nod on this one.
Thanks for the help guys. I think I’ll be fine at either place, really. It’s now just coming down to the minutiae.