Northwestern v. Vanderbilt v. Washington and Lee

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

<p>Okay. So I am having trouble choosing between three schools: Northwestern, Vanderbilt, and Washington and Lee. I'm thinking about a double major in political science and philosophy with a minor in visual arts.</p>

<p>As of right now, I really have no clue.</p>

<p>I visited the Washington and Lee campus and I loved it. It is the only LAC I'm looking at. The individualized attention that I would get there is great. I hear their political science program is really good and they have this really nice center for the arts. The campus is great. Professor accessibility, students, all great. My only main concern is the size of Lexington, VA...about 7k. That is a big problem for me and seems to be the only one I can't get past. There are 3 big cities about 45 min - 1 hr away in three different directions. But still. It's not quite the same. They did offer me full scholarship though.</p>

<p>Vanderbilt is another really good school. The campus is gorgeous and of course the academics are spot on. My sister goes there already so I'm pretty familiar with the area. Not to mention the fact that I live only 30 minutes away >_<. I visited the campus one weekend and like it a lot. And the students and faculty seem really nice. Nashville is a great city too. They also gave me stellar financial aid. But still...it's so close to home.</p>

<p>Last but not least...Northwestern. It's the only three of these that I haven't visited. I may be visiting later in April, I'm not sure yet. It's a nice campus, from what I've seen in pictures. And it's pretty close to Chicago, which is a big plus. Of course the academics are legit and all that jazz. I do know less about Northwestern than the other two though. The aid they gave me can't top Vandy's or W&L's, but it's definitely do-able. One big plus? It's NOT close to home or in a SMALL area.</p>

<p>I really haven't a clue what to do. Input?</p>

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<p>All of the the things that you say about W&L are true, and the politics and art programs are both exceptional. Access to professors, small class size, fantastic alumni network, amazing student body. Lots to like. </p>

<p>Regarding the small town, unless you live to shop or go clubbing, I promise that you will never be bored or lacking for something to do in Lexington. </p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

3

<p>Go to W&L and enjoy your college experience.</p>

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<p>I’m debating between Northwestern and Vanderbilt, and I posted three different threads about it a few weeks ago, so if you want to know what people told me about those schools go to my profile and then threads started by me. But honestly, from what you said, it sounds like you want W & L. I visited and it was beautiful/everyone was really nice, but LAC just aren’t my thing. Only thing with W & L, you pretty much have to go Greek because over 80% of the students are (unless you’re REALLY confident that you will find other things to do). Vandy and NU both have prominent Greek systems but from what I’ve heard there is a larger percentage of students who do not participate in Greek life. Basically, if you go W & L, which is what you seem to want, make sure you’re okay with Greek.</p>