<p>I am transferring from an Ivy to one of these two schools likely, and I just want the god's honest truth about which one y'all think is best. NOTE: Money is not an issue, per say, but the 14K less a year at UVA is appealing. </p>
<p>Considering their similar atmospheres, student life is not very much a deciding factor for me as they both cater to what I want -- vibrant, spirited, sports, etc. I want to do greek life, and will Fall rush at either one as a transfer. </p>
<p>I am more curious as to which school would be best for a politically minded student like myself. At UVA I would apply for the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, or would study Poli Sci with an Econ minor. At Vandy I would study Poli Sci and Econ as well. </p>
<p>Which is best for this? I hope to work in DC after graduation, hopefully in governmental consulting, on the Hill for a Congressman, at a Think tank, or for a lobbying firm. Please, don't mince words, just give me the straight dope! </p>
<p>Are you saying you have already been accepted to both, and the net price with financial aid or in-state tuition is 14K less a year at UVa.???</p>
<p>Batten is a major plus for UVa. It has a strong interciplinary emphasis. It has plentiful resources and smaller class sizes and a much easier time registering for the classes you want than the Politics dept. Many profs have been hired in recent years - which has been an excellent time to be hiring tenure track profs because many universities have not been hiring many of them in the social sciences. Therefore, it has been easier to hire the cream of the crop.</p>
<p>@Charliesch I’m saying that I did not apply for financial aid for the coming year (it can affect acceptance more for transfer students than for regular applicants) so the difference in total costs of the schools is 14 K a year. But yes, I have been accepted to both schools. </p>
<p>Thank you for that insight. From a student standpoint, do you think there are better DC job opportunites for UVA grads?</p>
<p>I would say UVA has a better “in” with the DC job market. (Proximity in and of itself helps out considerably.) D is a 4th year and several of her Pol Honors and Batten friends who are graduating have jobs lined up in DC. I certainly wouldn’t spend an additional $14K/yr for two schools that in my opinion are more or less lateral. That money could be invested in law school later down the road. </p>
<p>Gosh, tough choice. Isn’t Vanderbilt more “Ivey” like? By that I mean doesn’t it have the network to help graduates with the jobs they want? I would think that you would be more on your own at UVa. </p>
<p>UVa has a larger alumni base that most private schools, and they are particularly prominent in the DC area. UVa also has extremely loyal alums. However, any alumni network might only be valuable to help you get an internship, an interview, or a tip about an opening. You still need to sink or swim on your own. .</p>