<p>Youngest D just went to visit Vanderbilt and loved the campus, town. She sat in on a science class. It was small and interesting to her. Taught, I believe by a professor from Harvard. One thing to consider based on board posts and other sites is that it has a very vibrant Greek community. Great if that’s your thing but not if it isn’t. Of course I don’t have personal knowledge so you might want to ask around.<br>
She also visited Emory. I didn’t go on this trip but the first time I saw it, I wasn’t in love. I have been through Atlanta (it is outside the city in a nice area), but I’m not a fan of the city. My husband liked it much better this time around. </p>
<p>Oldest was accepted to Carnegie Mellon. She went to an accepted students weekend and we were very impressed with the other admitted students --seemed super smart and driven. The campus itself was older, still lots of ashtrays around, overflowing trash cans. Not the prettiest. Pittsburg is an interesting city with a mix of working class and young professonals.</p>
<p>She ended up at chapel hill on an academic scholarship. It has worked out very well for her. One big factor is that she is in the honors program which has translated into a lot of contact with professors in smaller classes. She is taking some grad classes as a junior, doing research, TA’ing a class etc. The town around the school is very student friendly. </p>
<p>I think your right in asking the question you did, but I would try to seek out students on boards here or elsewhere to ask them directly about their experiences. Good luck!</p>