<p>I can’t speak for Vanderbilt, but in terms of Syracuse, avoid it. </p>
<p>I was recently accepted into the Television, Radio, and Film master’s program at Syracuse University, and boy was I ecstatic. I mean its not everyday someone gets accepted into arguably the best Communication’s school’s in the United States (although I feel nowadays, institutions will accept anyone into their grad programs, as long as they’re willing to dish out the money). After I was accepted, I immediately locked myself in for one of the two open house dates they were having at Newhouse. One thing I immediately noticed about the area, was that it wasn’t all that nice. The university is essentially spread out, but nestled on top of a hill overlooking the city of Syracuse. The university itself has some beautiful architecture, and the Newhouse buildings (Newhouse 1, 2, and 3) are all very nice, especially Newhouse 3. After having met with my department heads, and some professors, one of the first things I took away was their snooty attitude; feeling and acting as if they were on top of the world. I was immediately drawn away from this. Secondly, you come to realize that Syracuse is a private university, and tuition, whether for graduate or undergrad, is very, very expensive. Since its a private institution, scholarships, grants, etc. are very hard to come by, because they are soo limited, and are usually minority based. The last thing I hated was how much the cost of living is in New York. Paying thousands of dollars to go to school, and then having to pay a minimum of around $640 a month for an apartment is insane (this was my case, although on campus housing is still very expensive as well). Basically, the money, parking, and severe attitudes I felt from professors, were my driving factors in staying away from here. </p>
<p>Yes its a great Communications school, and you’ll come to realize that the Newhouse network of people is immense. There are respectable Newhouse grad’s everywhere, and they will push this notion down your throat. If you can get past the money, and you decide you like the professors, then sure, it would be amazing. However, its all in what you make it, and first impressions are key. </p>
<p>Needless to say, I turned down the offer, and chose to go to the University Of Utah, to pursue a masters in electronic arts, and engineering (basically game design), because its a fast growing industry.</p>
<p>Good Luck, and I hope I can be of some help to you.</p>