<p>I have been set on Tulane for a while now and I really love it but I recently received my package from Vanderbilt. It was a good package that actually made Vandy cheaper than Tulane. I really love the New Orleans culture and Tulane's whole attitude overall, but I was wondering if it is a bad choice to turn down such a big name like Vanderbilt. Do you think the rankings and things like that really matter in the end? I'd be thankful for any opinions or insight. :)</p>
<p>LavaCreature - One of the things that often gets said on here is that you should go where you feel most comfortable, and that is certainly true. A lot of people will take pot shots at me for this next statement, but I don’t think there is really that much difference between Vandy and Tulane. Yes, I know people can quote the statistics like average SAT scores, although I think Tulane is going to go up quite a bit again this year. But in general they are pretty similar as I discussed at length in another thread.</p>
<p>The other thing I always ask of a student is: How likely is it that you will go on to graduate school, med school, or law school? If it is highly likely, then it makes less difference where you go undergrad, especially between 2 schools like Tulane and Vandy. They will look at your overall grades and course loads and of course the standardized test appropriate for your area, along with your essays etc. That will be what determines if they take you or not, as opposed to whether you went to Vandy or Tulane. But if this is your terminal degree most likely, then you might want to weigh the nameplate a bit more, although in the end it makes little difference a couple of years out. You will get a great education and be with great peers either place.</p>
<p>Lastly, you might try calling Tulane financial aid and telling them in a very positive way that you have been accepted to Vandy and what their offer was, and would be thrilled if they could at least match it since Tulane is really your first choice. Be prepared to offer to send them a scanned copy of Vandy’s offer or fax it to them. I would have to think Tulane would love to snatch a kid away from Vandy. Good luck!!</p>
<p>Very good point! My son is a freshman at Tulane. Although he is very happy where he is, I would think Vandy is considered more prestigious from where I live (and I would think probably so from the rest of the country). If Vandy gives you more money, most of the people would choose Vandy. However, if Tulane at least matches Vandy’s offer, then go where your heart leads. Good luck! You can’t go wrong with either choice.</p>
<p>I appreciate your responses. I think I’m going up to Vanderbilt one more time for an open house session to have both colleges fresh in my mind for the decision.(I recently attended the March Tulane Honors Weekend) It’s a tough choice but I’m sure you’re right Stonebridge, I think I will love either of them. Thanks!</p>