<p>I had both my Vanderbilt and Wesleyan interviews this past weekend. Both were very different, with Vanderbilt being numbers and qualifications, while Wesleyan was much more of a conversation. However, despite the differences in the schools (hot v. cold, frat v. hippy-culture, liberal v. conservative....) both institutions sounded SO APPEALING. I mean really, though I have yet to visit (which I'm sure will sway my opinion one way or another), I feel myself smitten with both of these universities, along with many on my list. Well, maybe not smitten, but I have a "really good" feeling about 4 to 5 schools on my list. I am a hopeful Film Major who also likes math, econ, and english. I like sports...A LOT... (Vandy)...but am also considering redefining my priorities in college i.e getting away from my sports love for a bit (Wes) but not entirely, just not so that it dominates most of my thoughts. They both have programs (Wes' sig better) yet I'm not so sure that reputability of the specific dept. is a qualification for me, as the overall academics seem to be equal.</p>
<p>Perhaps I'm just an adaptable or flexible guy, but is this weird that I feel like I could be at schools so different like these? What do you think will make them truly stand apart for me?</p>
<p>You really have to make sure which one is right for you.</p>
<p>Otherwise, trust me, down the road, you will be disappointed. The desire for a new level of education burns out quickly without a proper environment.</p>
<p>You have a very positive outlook and I think you will do well wherever you go! When the acceptances are in, re-visit the schools, and report back…it will all come together.</p>
<p>No, it isn’t weird for someone your age to have a broad enough range of interests that two very different schools are appealing.</p>
<p>Visiting is essential in this case. Take note of the student bodies (don’t let your preconceived notions get in the way, here), the details of the programs that interest you, look around the area surrounding the campus, look at student clubs and organizations, etc. Do your homework.</p>
<p>I think that it’s entirely possible that if you’re a flexible person with a positive outlook that either school might be good for you. Remember that there are a lot of different kinds of people in each school–you don’t have to fit in with everybody.</p>
<p>Besides, these aren’t really polar opposites–i.e., Reed and Oral Roberts U.</p>
<p>Its totally possible that you would be happy at both schools, though visiting might also sway you. I’m a Wes student, and I don’t think I’d be that happy at Vandy, but I am SUPER on the liberal/geeky side; and even then, I’m sure I would have found a place. OTOH, the one girl from my HS that I know who went to Vandy – I could totally see her finding a place at Wes, despite the fact that I’m sure she never looked at it.</p>
<p>It sounds like you’re really flexible, which isn’t a bad thing. I do think that once you visit and get a feel for how different the campuses are, both in terms of vibe and location/size/weather, that will probably sway you one way or the other (if you get into both, that is).</p>
<p>Also, mandatory comment as a Wes film major: Dude, the major is so, so good here. If, in the end, you can’t really make a decision based on anything else, that might be the way to decide.</p>
<p>You are from southern california, apparently and BOTH schools are on the other side of the moon from Southern California, geographically and culturally. </p>
<p>They are different schools. </p>
<p>Waiting on a decision from either of them EDII? Or RD?</p>
<p>I wouldn’t call these two schools “guarantees” but I have a good shot. But I wasn’t really looking for a chance me thread. But yeah, I want to get out of the socal moon haha.</p>
<p>As I said in my other thread…</p>
<p>I want to explore new horizens, and expand my comfort zone in an entirely new situation. On top of that, after touring USC’s film school and the general (disgustingly south central) campus, I realized that I am not 100% sure of my future aspirations and goals. I think college is a good opportunity to find myself, and assure myself of my academic/career interests. I feel like USC’s program is a very pre-professional one, and I view college as an opportunity to take a multitude of courses and expand my thinking, rather than as training for a career. I also plan to come back to Los Angeles/go to New York for a graduate MFA in production or MBA anyhow, so I’d like to get a liberal arts foundation for now.</p>
<p>pop, no, I don’t think it’s at all weird. My son’s top two choices were Williams and Wesleyan and although their stereotyped images are radically different, in fact, there’s a good deal of overlap in the type of student who attends both. Ultimately he chose Williams, but I have no doubt that he would have had a good experience at Wesleyan as well.</p>
<p>Actually I think your “split personality” will help you in admissions at both of these schools: Vanderbilt needs more artsy students, Wesleyan needs more sporty students.</p>
<p>My best friend who applied to a ton of colleges got accepted to both Vandy and Wes last year. She chose Wes, cuz she preferred a LAC environment.</p>