<p>They sent me a DVD a while back and I was very impressed. After some research I decided to apply there, but after talking to my counselor, I changed my mind. She told me that the students there REALLY care about the way they look/dress and that they are all Republicans and Bush supporters. This was a big turn off for me.
I don't like Bush.
I don't like ditsy, shallow girls.
I don't usually enjoy die-hard Christians. </p>
<p>I was really disappointed and I don't want to believe half the stuff she said, but I've heard that this is what it's like in the South. </p>
<p>Soooooooooo....what do you guys think about Vanderbilt?</p>
<p>you'll find that your counselor doesn't really know what she's talking about.</p>
<p>yes, vanderbilt is in nashville - but many kids come from the northeast.
if by "ditsy and shallow" you mean girls who were smart enough to get into vanderbilt and are for the most part very very pretty, then yes, they are "ditsy and shallow."
vanderbilt is a pretty good party school, and i think the die-hard chirstian thing is completely over embelished by most people. if by die-hard christians you mean that some students might go to church on sundays, then yes, there very well be die hard christians at vandy. but i'd bet you find most people arn't waking up on sunday morning to go after the first month.</p>
<p>I wish I had that option. I'm from Hawaii and the closest I've been to Vanderbilt was when I made a flight change at an airport in Atlanta. If I am accepted, I am sure my parents will fly me over to visit...but until then I will have to rely on the advice of other people.</p>
<p>Even here in Arkansas, an appreciable amount of people are not avid republicans nor die-hard Christians/conservatives. If you're in a large city environment in the south (for example, Nashville <em>hint</em> <em>hint</em>) you can find a mix of people. Especially in a college, and especially in a good one.</p>
<p>S was accepted at Vandy. Went to accepted students day and loved it. Talked to a lot of students. Definitely a Greek scene. Definitely pretty girls. Definitely like to dress up especially for parties and football games - strapless gowns....Hmmm...interesting in a football stadium. Georgeous campus. Big enough, but yet intimate. The dean was very charming and did a great job selling the parents. </p>
<p>Not a lot of school spirit evident. Schools is becoming "less South" and more international and cosmopolitan with a more diverse student body, but still retains some of that "Southern Gentry feel". Definite strategy from President Gee. Average kid comes from a pretty well to do background. Students either loved it or hated it. Not a lot of mediocre comments.</p>
<p>S ultimately chose Michigan. More school spirit, decided on engineering and in-state cost of $20k vs. $50k. Vandy is really a great place, but it is expensive.</p>
<p>Your counsel is generalizing, which is not unexpected. You need better information so try the Vanderbilt post in CC [Colleges]. Also, ask the Admissions Office to have a undergraduate student to give you a call. Sure, a current student volunteering for the AO might be inclined to show bias, but many such students will be candid.</p>
<p>One more thing; be prepared to broaden your horizons in college. At a place like Vandy you may gain a lot from inter-acting with people with whom you have little in comon.</p>
<p>Have you considered an overnight visit? From what I've read on these forums, overnight visits can really show a side of college life that DVDs, student guides and counselors cannot offer. Son did it at several colleges he applied to; I think it makes a difference.</p>