<p>I've currently narrowed my colleges to just two--Vanderbilt and Notre Dame. I have grown up loving Notre Dame, cheering for them at football games, and visiting the campus every year, as my mom went there. However, I was offered a $30,000 per year merit scholarship to Vandy that is very hard to turn down, since I would pay the full cost of ND. I just visited Vandy for the first time yesterday and, while the community didn't seem as close-knit as ND (at least from the perspective of a first impression) and I don't like the prevalence of Greek life, I really liked it and could see myself enjoying it there. The academics have very similar reputations, and both have strong science programs. If I hadn't gotten any money from Vandy, ND would still have the edge in my opinion, but since I want to major in a science and eventually go on to medical school, I can't completely discount the money--yet I don't want to make my decision on the SOLE basis of money either. My head says Vandy, my heart says ND.....any advice?</p>
<p>Although I personally prefer ND over Vandy, I don't think the difference is worth 30k a year. If I were in your position, I would definately go to Vandy.</p>
<p>If you hate Vandy once you matriculate there, you could always transfer back to Notre Dame assuming you keep your college grades up.</p>
<p>It depends...I almost had a full-ride to Colorado and I had decided that even if I had gotten that I would have gone to ND. ND and Vandy are very similar schools and you are right...if it was straight up with that scholarship I would go to Vandy. However, you have to look at where you are most comfortable as well and how important some of these factors are. (btw, this post isn't going to help I don't think, but I will keep trying). The way I viewed it is it is four years of my life and a one shot deal; I won't ever get this again and I want to make the most of it. I had always wanted to go to Notre Dame and I think I would have if I was in your shoes. If you think you could be happy at Vandy, I would probably go to Vandy. However, if you are like me and you think you would regret turning down Notre Dame and regret missing out on what it is like to be a Domer (which is amazing), then I would probably come here. What I would say is think about how important it is and if it is really important, go with your heart because otherwise you may regret it forever, and that isn't worth it. If you won't regret it, however, go to Vandy so you will not regret the loan payments... I know that probably just restates your dilemma but I tried!</p>
<p>Vandy and ND are similar with both great communities and generous people. I would never turn 30K down. Plus, Nashville- one of the best college towns- is hard to beat.</p>
<p>money matters, yet you did not apply for financial aid?</p>
<p>nonetheless, i would at least write to ND Admissions office, financial aid office, and scholarship office (if they have a separate one) of your situation. ain't got nothing to lose but seven minutes spent typing an email</p>
<p>That's a tough one. ND and Vanderbilt are so much alike - both have great academic reputations and a beautiful campus.</p>
<p>We visited Vanderbilt and it is a very impressive school (except for our guide -a very laid-back guy. He told us how he had been kicked out of school for bad grades - too much partying - and then reinstated. Not the kind of person you want leading a tour of impressionable freshmen wannabees and their parents!).</p>
<p>Nashville is a great city and the area around Vanderbilt has so much to do. If that is important to you, then Nashville definitely trumps South Bend in that category. </p>
<p>My son has a friend who is a freshman there, and she is not happy - feels like the people are not very friendly. But that is just one person's opinion.</p>
<p>It wouldn't hurt you to call ND's Financial Aid Office and mention your dilemma. $30,000 from one school and nothing from another is a huge difference. You never know what they will say.</p>
<p>Good luck with your decision!</p>
<p>If you look strictly at financial offerings, your choice is clearly Vandy.</p>
<p>The sorority/fraternity atmosphere at Vandy is still strong, however its influence is declining. You'll find that you have many friends both in and out of the sorority scene.</p>
<p>That said, there is tremendous pressure to look good at Vandy. And there are plenty of truly good looking people. And wealthy. And smart. It is quite an atmosphere to be in but can be uncomfortable at times.</p>
<p>Both schools are tremendous opportunities and congratulations at having such a hard decision to make.</p>
<p>Vandy has offered you a $120,000 total scholarship - Congratulations! That is a lot of money that you could use to invest or buy 3 Lexuses-wow.
Please do not assume that you are sacrificing your college experience just because you are settling for Vanderbilt. Vandy has one of the largest endowments of any college, and it has decided to pass that money on to you. Kudos for them to not just use alumni gifts for let's say, new bleachers.
I have a son at Vanderbilt who is very happy at the balance of strong academics in the social and laid back atmosphere at Vanderbilt. Students are extremely friendly, willing to help each other with no cut throat competition. His professors have been amazing, even proof reading his papers before they are due. Chancellor Gee is wonderful and is building a new college life residential area just for freshmen, which although it won't affect you, will be a top notch facility. Everything at Vanderbilt is done with class and yet due to it's smallish size of 6,000 students, still feels intimate. The dorms are fantastic -all air conditioned, carpeted and of the 22 colleges that I have visited (including Notre Dame) are the second nicest I have seen (Haverfords were the best).
I have visited Notre Dame and yes, it is a wonderful school too. His sister applied to ND and his repsonse was, "Do you really want to spend 4 years in South Bend?" Nashville is a great outlet for the kids who want to go out, hear live music, or even find an awesome church like my son has.
You are in an enviable position to be deciding between 2 schools tied for #18 by the US News. Good luck in your decision. You can PM me if you have any specific questions about Vanderbilt.</p>
<p>P.S. Vanderbilt has a Medical School and hospital right on campus.</p>
<p>There is no question that you are lucky kid who has 2 great schools to select from. Vanderbilt is a fantastic school in a great town. Unless you filed for financial aid from Notre Dame, you will not be given any money. It is a needs based school. The deadline is past for the forms. My child was given money at many schools based on merit but zero from Notre Dame. He is at Vandy and is very happy. I would agree, give Vandy a shot, I know you will love it.</p>
<p>I did not apply for financial aid because I know I don't qualify for any. My parents are able and willing to pay for Notre Dame if that's what I choose, but with two other younger children's college educations and the rising costs of medical school, they will not contribute as much to medical school later down the road. </p>
<p>Thanks for the responses so far everyone!</p>