<p>Hi! I was just admitted to Vandy as a Cornelius Vanderbilt scholar. I would love to hear answers from a variety of current students (or recent alum) on the following questions:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>I wanted to be an international relations major. Unfortunately, Vanderbilt doesn't have this major and either I would either major in Poli Sci or make my own major. Does anyone know about international relations classes at Vanderbilt? How many are there? Is there a good variety? How are the professors? </p></li>
<li><p>I've heard some murmurs of phrases like "grade deflation" at Vanderbilt. As someone who wants to go to grad school, I'd love to hear opinions on this in terms of the international relations/poli sci classes. </p></li>
<li><p>Sororities - there are lots of threads about rankings of sororities and the merits/demerits of the greek life at Vandy. I am a non-partier, non-drinker, sneaker-wearing, pale-as-paper student. Previously, I had exactly zero interest in Greek life. I've gotten the impression that perhaps sororities are important to social life. Any similar students to me at Vanderbilt have opinions on this?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I realize there are a couple threads on these matters, but they are a little old and I would appreciate some newer info! Please, trolls, stay away.</p>
<p>Re: #3. My daughter is a senior who sounds much like you. She still has no interest in greek life. She has managed to enjoy her life at Vandy without it. You might decide you like it … who knows? But do realize that there are a number of students who find other things to do besides party. </p>
<p>Have you visited? You really should!</p>
<p>I just came back from a visit - I was hoping to either hate it or love it but fell somewhere in between. Thank you for the response kelsmom. Does your daughter find her social life through other clubs, or just through classmates in general?</p>
<p>She is active in clubs and activities that she enjoys. She has a radio show. She is active off campus in the music community, and she has had internships at music-related businesses while in school. She attends a lot of inexpensive concerts in the local area.</p>
<p>My D has never been big on having a lot of people around her all the time. She has had the same roommate since sophomore year. She has made friends through various activities, although some have come & gone as she has moved on to other activities through the years. She truly isn’t the kind who likes parties … she is over 21 & enjoys a glass of wine or a margarita (or 2) now, but she doesn’t like to be around a bunch of people who are just sitting around drinking. She goes to concerts and events with her friends, or they watch a movie.</p>
<p>She studied abroad and made some lasting friends at other schools while on her trip. She has friends she made in the community, as well. She has even gotten to know some of her professors pretty well.</p>
<p>For her, the academics are a perfect fit, and she loves the town. She might have had more “fun” at our excellent state flagship where all of her friends went, but she has never regretted being at Vanderbilt.</p>
<p>It is difficult to decide where to go to school, especially if you have certain expectations of how college life should be. The best advice I can give is to weigh the pros & cons of each school and make a decision.</p>