<p>NWern, Vandy and Rice were D1's primary target schools, and of the three, she (and I) loved NWern. It seemed like the perfect blend of intellectualism, arts, and fun; it blended an urban and suburban vibe; and you could feel the energy exuded by its student body. She ultimately got into her reach school and went there, but we're both still a bit wistful about NWern.</p>
<p>Consolation- You really hit a new low with your post number 17. I grew up in the northeast, go there about every 5 weeks and my son goes to college (and went to boarding school) there. If it isn't my favorite place, that is certainly my right. My posts stating that opinion were always in response to people like you slamming the south and stereotyping southern schools. I really do think many people from the northeast are about 20 years behind in their view of places like Chattanooga and Nashville.</p>
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This is a gun-toting nation, sad to say. I don't know what you mean by "people like us," but they probably shoot whoever that is pretty much anywhere.
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<p>Unitarians. And no, they don't shoot us elsewhere just for being UUs. The other UUs who were acting as such who have been murdered in the South--James Reeb, et al--were either part of the civil rights movement, or escorting doctors who performed abortions and had received death threats. Not putting on a children's play in church on Sunday.</p>
<p>Anyway, I apologize for being excessively cranky last night. I let something that is preying on my mind get the better of me.</p>
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If it isn't my favorite place, that is certainly my right. My posts stating that opinion were always in response to people like you slamming the south and stereotyping southern schools. I really do think many people from the northeast are about 20 years behind in their view of places like Chattanooga and Nashville.
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<p>You were the agressor here, MOWC. MY post is in response to "people like you" slamming the northeast. Repeatedly. Why don't you give it a rest.</p>
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Consolation, just because you were "blunt" doesn't make your statement and generalization credible. The fact that you had to bring up University of Chicago to support your point shows that you were aware of your prejudice.
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<p>Duh. That's why I said "different strokes." </p>
<p>It's not prejudice, it's preference.</p>
<p>^^Interesting. I don't see any "slamming" of the northeast done by me in this thread. I did point out in response to a particularly stupid comment about prestige that the northeast was not the whole country.</p>
<p>In your case, it might be preference, but it is also stereotyping and narrow-minded. I wonder why you managed to turn a thread about two southern and one midwest college into a rant against me and the south?</p>
<p>Preference refers only to preferring the U of C to Northwestern.</p>
<p>I've noticed that us northeasterners are supposed to simply absorb the constant stream of abuse, while you southerners go crazy any time someone speaks frankly about why they think they might not feel comfortable in a southern school. I once made the mistake--in a thread about the difficulty of regional culture clash, no less--of relating the completely factual experiences of a couple of kids I know who went south to school and had trouble adjusting. I was lambasted as a prejudiced, anti-Southern meanie simply for being truthful. </p>
<p>BTW, you've acknowledged making remarks about the northeast already. The latest was simply the straw that broke the camel's back, as far as I'm concerned.</p>
<p>Normally I wouldn't let it get to me. From now on, I'll go back to the accepted fiction: all northeasterners are horrible snobs and their weather is terrible and they should simply accept it; all southerners are open-minded models of charm and their weather is great, and anyone who thinks otherwise is simply prejudiced.</p>
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It's not prejudice, it's preference.
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<p>Just because you "prefer" University of Chicago doesn't mean your claim about Northwestern being "unintellectual and big-sport oriented" is true. Maybe relative to U of Chicago but not the rest. This is like saying the US is third-world just because its living standard is not as high as, say, Switzerland's.</p>
<p>Phoenix,</p>
<p>My son is a student in the engineering school at Vanderbilt. One of his best friends is an engineering student at Rice, and another of his closest friends is a student at NU (not engineering). All three of these guys are very top students, personable and sociable, enjoy having a lot of friends, and are the types to take full advantage of educational opportunities. All three are completely positive about their school. No regrets.</p>
<p>A couple of responses to your specific questions:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Vanderbilt's engineering curriculum is quite doable, but of course requires a lot of work. That is generally true of engineering programs. The school seems to provide a lot of support for its undergraduates, though. (I'm not saying that is not true at Rice--I really don't know enough to comment on that.)</p></li>
<li><p>Most engineering students say it is tough to graduate on time if they do a semester or a year abroad. I'm sure some manage it, but it probably depends on the particular program.</p></li>
<li><p>It is my impression that people at Vanderbilt (that includes faculty and administrators, as well as office staff) are always friendly and helpful. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>You didn't mention finances, but I'll comment that Rice and Vanderbilt offer merit awards of various amounts to very top candidates, but there are no non-need based scholarships at NU. </p>
<p>You mentioned weather, so I'll comment that if you really do "hate" cold weather, Chicago may not be the place for you. I happen to like Chicago at any time of the year, but most people I know who really dislike cold and cold winds do not care to visit Chicago in the winter. My son wears shorts year round in almost any climate, but on an April visit to the U of C a couple of years ago, he actually went on a search for a pair of jeans. (Son is originally from a cold and snowy part of the northeast, and he likes cold weather. Nonetheless, he enjoys Nashville's weather most of the time.)</p>
<p>Wow consolation, that's quite a slam on NU. What's your experience with NU? What entitled you to draw those conclusions? Your comments are even more curious coming from a parent of a child who attends an institution which is regularly (and, I believe, erroneously) subject to the same criticisms. </p>
<p>I can certainly understand a preference for UChicago vs NU or vice versa (although my son actually liked both schools), but from what I have seen students and alumni of each school have a good deal of respect for the other school.</p>
<p>To the OP, NU, Rice and Vanderbilt are all excellent schools. Yes, NU is very cold!</p>
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Just because you "prefer" University of Chicago doesn't mean your claim about Northwestern being "unintellectual and big-sport oriented" is true. Maybe relative to U of Chicago but not the rest. This is like saying the US is third-world just because its living standard is not as high as, say, Switzerland's.
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<p>Look, I said that that was the way Northwestern "struck me." I didn't make some claim to have the definitive word on the place.</p>
<p>It struck our whole family that way when we visited: both the admissions officer (who narrated their powerpoint...only school we visited to use such a display) and the tour guide gave that impression. </p>
<p>The tour guide could not stop talking about frats and sports tickets/events. When I asked a question about the number of grads pursuing graduate work, he launched into some stats about med/law/b schools. When I clarified that I was asking about PhDs, not professional school, he just looked blank and said he had no idea.</p>
<p>The admissions officer was by far the blandest and least interesting guy I've ever seen in that role, and I've been to a fair number of such presentations. He also cited "Maisie Gummer" as an example of a successful recent theater grad because she was in a movie, while conveniently failing to mention that a) she is Meryl Streep's daughter, and b) the movie in question starred her mother. Since the theater program at NW is great and has lots of famous grads, they hardly need this kid of fakery. It's obviously a minor point, but it annoyed me.</p>
<p>Your point regarding Northwestern:U of C/USA:Switzerland is well taken. NW may not be Swarthmore, Reed, or the U of C, in terms of pure intellectual intensity, but neither is it...well, better not make a comparison that will get me into trouble again.</p>
<p>Since the OP hates cold weather, Vanderbilt would seem like an excellent choice. Everyone says that it's a great school in a vital, fun city. Rice would also seem like an excellent choice, particularly if the residential college system there appeals to the OP.</p>
<p>You should have known two people are never representative of the entire school. If you've done any basic research, which I would think any visitor should have done, you'd know Northwestern is never known for big-time sports. </p>
<p>Your use of "stuck-me" is just a passive-aggressive way to comment on a school that you know very little about; you didn't enjoy your visit because of two people and you have been disliking the school since then. It's a convenient way to voice that dislike while not taking any responsibility of not doing enough due-dilligence.</p>
<p>OP: My post #29 has been garbled by CC. Start about a third of the way down, then go back to the top.</p>
<p>Actually, that particular visit is not the sum of my experience with NW or with NW students and grads, but fine. Have it your way: NW is all things to all people. Satisfied?</p>
<p>BTW, you might want to look back at the point where the OP asked if there was anything that anyone particularly liked or disliked about the schools in question. Heaven forbid that anyone answer honestly.</p>
<p>^^ We can answer honestly as long as we agree with you! :)</p>
<p>phoenix121- To get back on subject...</p>
<p>Vanderbilt does have a type of residential college system as well. Students live on campus all 4 years, and the freshman have the brand new "Commons" (which are beautiful -look on the website) where they live in houses along with faculty and their families. The Dean also has a house there and he holds functions for the students. Time maganize recently did an article on the "Commons" - I'm sure you can google it. </p>
<p>I, too, will say Nashville is wonderful. We live in DC and were surprised how much we enjoyed that city. Its vibrant, fun, live music everywhere and only 1.5 miles from campus. I think it gives the students a wonderful outlet for fun when they want to leave campus. Also, we have noticed that Vanderbilt is rapidly becoming even more popular than ever. In this area, we are surrounded by some of the best high schools in the country, and it seems LOTS of these kids are focusing on Vandy. I think the south is now a huge draw for a lot of top students - must be the weather and southern hospitality!! Good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>Back to the OP's question-- My older s has his Mech Eng. degree from Rice, and younger s applied to Vandy (though chose a different school). IMO, the enginnering program is stronger at Rice than Vandy, but in all fairness, younger s didnt really look at Vandy's Eng. program . </p>
<p>The Hillel at Rice is pretty active. The Jewish population at Rice is only about 10% (or was when my s was there) but he had lots of Jewish friends and his roommates were jewish. Vandy has been increasing its Jewish population and I believe its just built (or is building) a new Hillel. The Jewish population at Vandy is higher than Rice, but I dont recall the % off the top of my head. The Hillel website isnt always accurate, but it'll give you a ballpark figure. The Reform Judaism magazine link posted in post # 6 is another good resource for general #s (though I think they also rely on Hillel's numbers). NW has a bigger jewish population than both. NW is a wonderful school, but if you dont want cold weather, dont go.</p>
<p>I am not planning to enter the North/South debate fracas, but stuffice it to say I grew up in the North but currently live in the South. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Rice. It is more affordable than Vandy and NW, the small size makes the access to the faculty wonderful, and the education is top notch. The Res. College system was also a big draw. Vandy has a new freshman dorm/facilities campus which is also nice, but I just love the Res college system (which I think NW also has). The opportunities at Rice were incredible. My S went to SA twice as part of one of the Engineers Without Borders teams. Wonderful experiences. He made lots of contacts inthe engineering field in Tx, though unlimately decided to take a different type of Engineering job (didnt wantto work for a big corporation). He had great summer internships that paid a lot of $$, and had 4 solid job offers by the end of the first month of his senior year. That was an enviable position to be in! Certainly he may have had that at other schools-- I can only share with you his experience at Rice.</p>
<p>Does it get hot/humid in TX and TN? Sure. But you will rarely be wearing anything more than a sweatshirt or fleece to keep warm and you will be able to run all the time (except in the rain, occasional hurricane and around the construction, LOL). BTW, after my s recovered from his broken leg, he became even more of an avid runner and biker. He will be participating in a triathalon this April. You will have plenty of opportunity to run at Rice, and I encourage you to participate in Beer Bike (you ride, you dont drink).</p>
<p>*** crossposted with dwhite!</p>
<p>Ok-- did a little more checking. Vandy is now about 15% Jewish. I forgot to mention that the Vandy Hillel has Grins cafe Bongo</a> Java Roasting Company – Organic coffee, fair trade coffee, coffee merchandise based in Nashville, TN a vegetarian/fusion kosher cafe. I dont recall Rice having Kosher food, but I could be wrong. </p>
<p>Have you gone to visit the schools, phoenix? I think you'll have a good feel for each if you do. I suspect all three schools have great study abroad programs. My s didnt study abroad so I dont have firsthand knowledge, but he had several friends who did, and I know if you contact anxiousmom here on CC she'll tell you about her dd's experiences through Rice's Study abroad program.</p>
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^^ We can answer honestly as long as we agree with you!
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<p>Huh? Did I complain about someone's honest remarks about what they did or did not like about Rice, Vanderbilt, or Northwestern?</p>
<p>Oh, btw, I forgot to mention that when we were seriously investigating Chattanooga about 10 years ago, one of the things that we found off-putting was that some of the kids of UUs there had been informed by their classmates in school that UUs are "devil worshippers." They don't call it the buckle of the Bible Belt for nothing. I'm sure that Nashville is considerably more sophisticated.</p>
<p>Here are links to the Rice and Vandy Hillels. Rice's is part of the Houston Hillel, which includes students from the neighboring universities, as well as the Law/med schools and young local jewish professionals.</p>
<p>Vandy has apparently finished their new building.Very nice, and much prettier than the old one they were in when we visited a year or 2 ago</p>
<p>Houston</a> Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life
Rice</a> University Hillel
Shalom</a> Vanderbilt!</p>
<p>By the way--it was my understanding that the previous director of the Rice Hillel was a little on the pushy side, but she is long gone, and her replacement is very nice.</p>