Johns Hopkins vs. Vanderbilt

<p>I'm a high school senior and I've been accepted to both JHU an Vandy. My problem is I don't know which one to attend. Money is NOT an issue...I have full rides to both of them. One minute I am all for JHU and the next I flip to vandy. Are there any suggestions? </p>

<p>I want to major in science (but I don't want to be premed) I'm really looking to go into research, particularly genetics. Hopkins has a bit more prestige than vandy but vandy felt more relaxed (yes I've visited both). I really LOVE both schools and I really don't know which to decide, any suggestions or opinions would be greatly appreciated</p>

<p>Remember that you are considering where to spend the next four years. Since both provide superior academic opportunities, think about where you will be happy while you get a great education. </p>

<p>Consider what it is you love about each of the schools, then decide which factors are more important for you.</p>

<p>Is travel home significantly more difficult at one or the other? Are the school year schedules similar, and does that matter to you? (I don’t know JHU’s schedule. Vanderbilt has a short break at the end of October, the whole week at Thanksgiving, a relatively short winter break, a standard full week for spring break–and a big Alternative Spring Break program–and the spring semester is over by the first week of May.)</p>

<p>What about campus organizations that you might be interested in? You should be able to get a sense of this by following links on the schools’ web sites.</p>

<p>I know there are several student organizations that work closely with groups in Nashville, so Vanderbilt students who are interested in town-gown activities can do so pretty easily.</p>

<p>Vanderbilt provides city bus passes to all VU students, rents Zip Cars from campus, and provides free shuttles to the airport at the beginning and end of breaks, making life easier for those who do not have their own cars. Students can get parking spots on campus after freshman year, for those who wish to bring cars.</p>

<p>Good luck with your decision.</p>