<p>Actually, Vanderbilt may be a better UNIVERSITY–it has better graduate programs overall, its medical school is better, its MBA program and law school are pretty close with Georgetown taking the prize in both of those areas, and Georgetown graduate programs in public affairs and international relations are clearly better. The undergraduate student bodies are pretty similar, now, in terms of academic quality (Vanderbilt has become more selective in the past decade and is now starting to rival Duke in terms of the best university in the south and attracting bright students). HOWEVER, despite having more strong graduate programs (which, by the way, is ultimately what all “academic reputation” scores are based on), Vanderbilt’s undergraduate experience cannot hold a candle to Georgetown’s. Georgetown, as a university, is much more focused on students, and undergraduate students, with an emphasis on teaching and mentorship–it is a self-proclaimed “student-centered” university. Much more the feel of a liberal arts college, but all of the resources of a major university. Georgetown also is unique in terms of utilizing the superior DC location to enhance the undergraduate academic, social, and cultural experience. Internships in EVERY discipline are numerous, and everyone wants a Hoya to work for them. Internships during the academic year, whether they are on the Hill, at the World Bank, at embassies, at Fannie Mae, at the National Institutes of Health, for the White House, etc.-- are far more substantive than the brief encounters other students get in the summers. Also, the social life, and therefore the undergraduate experience, at Georgetown is far more diverse, exciting, and varied than what is available in Nashville and Vanderbilt. In terms of law, medical, business, and graduate school placement, Georgetown does as well if not better than Vanderbilt–and Georgetown’s social prestige and international reputation is certainly better. Finally, the emphasis on serving others is part of Georgetown’s Jesuit tradition and provides a perspective on your education that is unique, personally relevant, and community-enhancing. Being a Hoya carries with it far more in every domain than being a Commodore.</p>
<p>Now, if I were looking to pursue a PhD in Math, I would go to Vanderbilt. If I were wanting to pursue a degree in education or music performance–Vanderbilt. But for every other UNDERGRADUATE program, Georgetown wins, hands down. You will never regret pursuing your undergraduate degree at Georgetown.</p>