<p>I am not as experienced with the schools on your list as many of the other parent posters are, so I don't intend to do many comparisons among them.</p>
<p>However, I would like to follow up on Faline's comments about Vanderbilt, where my son is a freshman. I have been on VU's campus numerous times over the last 8 or 9 months, in most cases at events that relied heavily on student-led information sessions, or student-led groups that helped orient new students, or give information to accepted students who were giving the school a look-over. In every case I have noticed the large number of African American students involved in the programs; my feeling is that their representation in the tour/info/orientation programs exceeded the percentage of African-American students enrolled in the school. Needless to say, they were all enthusiastic about what VU has to offer (that is a given for any student chosen for those kinds of programs), but I also came away with the impression that a big effort is being made by the university to spread the word that Vanderbilt is serious about diversifying its campus. One other observation: A-A females far outnumber males in those groups, leading me to think your application would be very favorably reviewed.</p>
<p>I also concur with Faline's comments about the extent to which full professors are involved with students and student life on the campus. My son has gotten to know several professors pretty well already, and is actively doing research with his adviser, first semester of freshman year. He doesn't even have a class with this prof, but son has gone in to speak to the adviser so many times about his program that the adviser got to know him and what his interests are, and invited him to work with him.</p>
<p>Next year an entirely new freshman Residential Campus is opening. Not only are the dorms very appealing, but the philosophy that accompanies the new living arrangements emphasizes community among students from different backgrounds and community between faculty and undergraduates.</p>
<p>Finally, I am somewhat familiar with Washington Univ, as I grew up in St. Louis and my son applied and was accepted there. I have nothing bad to say about the school at all, but Vanderbilt may be easier for you to get accepted to, and possibly may be a better bet for merit awards. </p>
<p>Perhaps a down side to Vanderbilt for you: following on NSM's comments about visiting with your family during the course of the school year, VU does place a heavy emphasis on keeping families involved with their students, so many students (not all) do have family visiting for family weekend, many (not all) do leave campus for the very short October break, and the school is out of session the entire week of Thanksgiving, so many students leave at that time. This year the winter break is extremely short, but I understand that is an aberration and most years it is a good deal longer. </p>
<p>With regard to Amherst College. I lived in the Amherst area for fifteen years, and I loved it. However, if your preferences are for an urban environment, I think you would much prefer Vanderbilt or some of the others.</p>
<p>A final plug for considering Vanderbilt over (or in addition to) some of the other schools on your list: VU makes a big effort to get its students involved in the Nashville community, including in the schools in the city. Many of the participating students are in the Peabody College of Education at VU, but by no means are all of them education majors. If you are looking for a college experience that encourages community participation as part of undergraduate education, you could do a lot worse.</p>
<p>Best of luck to you.</p>