<p>Currently I'm torn between my two options: Uchicago (10 k/yr merit aid) vs Vanderbilt (full scholarship). My intended major right now is English, although it is subject to change...I'm an asian international student, and my parents have the capabilities to pay for Uchicago but it is still a very big financial commitment. As for future career paths, I am considering law school, but I'm not sure at all (Vandy would probably be the better choice if I were dead set on going onto law school.) As for fit, I think I would fit more at Uchicago in terms of how diverse the student body is, and the idea of the "life of the mind".....Vanderbilt, definitely a great school, seems to have a big greek and drinking scene, which I don't see myself being a part of. Also, in terms of location, I prefer a more urban environment like Chicago. If it was just between the two schools without financial concerns, I would choose chicago, but I would be paying A LOT more to go there if I had turned down the full scholarship from Vandy. Any advice appreciated...</p>
<p>Full aid to Vandy, which is an amazing university in its own right is not something to pass up lightly. I believe you got the scholarship they give 1% of the people they accept, meaning that they truly see something special in you. I’d advise Vandy based off the fact over the course of 4 years its 200k to go to chicago vs 0 for vandy, but I’d strongly advise you follow your heart and what you think is best, you have two amazing choices in any case.</p>
<p>Vandy 10char</p>
<p>Also, in terms of location, I prefer a more urban environment like Chicago.</p>
<p>???</p>
<p>Do you realize that Vandy is also in an urban enviroment? </p>
<p>Vandy for sure.</p>
<p>Dudette, seriously. Vandy.</p>
<p>Vandy for sure…apply the savings towards grad school - it frankly is a more prestigious choice in many ways</p>
<p>good luck!</p>
<p>Vandy hands down. Have you visited? My son feel in love with the school when we visited and didn’t like U of C. You need to visit both and decide what is best for you.</p>
<p>Congratulations on such great options!</p>
<p>Nashville is amazing! Vanderbilt most def.</p>
<p>Definitely Vanderbilt…much nicer weather too.</p>
<p>Jasmine138</p>
<p>I sent you a PM.</p>
<p>You are the reason why Chicago loses candidates and has such a low yield.</p>
<p>Vandy, by all means.</p>
<p>Vanderbilt!!!</p>
<p>I’ll join the chorus advisng Vanderbilt. My d is a 2009 alum and had an exceptional experience there. You’re right that there is a big Greek and drinking scene. If you choose this very enviable opportunity, you’ll be able to find your niche, though you may have to decide you’ll look hard for it. Or you may find that the Greek scene is not really all that off-putting. </p>
<p>Nashville is not as large as Chicago, but it’s a vibrant city with a terrific arts scene. The music is amazing, and it’s not all country, either. Have you visited Vandy yet? It’s hard to resist, if you do.</p>
<p>Save your parents’ money for law school - you’ll be very glad you did, and, if you do well enough at Vanderbilt, you may find yourself at Chicago for law.</p>
<p>Thanks guys. I don’t want to come off as underestimating the opportunity that Vandy is offering me, but I just want to make sure I’m making the right choice for me. Please keep in mind that I come from a strictly Asian background, and
I’m a bit concerned about Asians being a real minority at Vandy. It’s not so much the number I’m concerned about, but I heard that
Vanderbilt does have quite a divided student body. I don’t want to go to a school that I would come to transfer out of…also, I’ve never been to the south (I’ve only visited the US a few times in highly Asian populated areas) so
I don’t know what it’s like there. I’m not trying to protect myself in the Asian bubble…it’s really just that I don’t want to go to a school where I won’t be able to join community, enjoy, and thrive. Also, as for Chicago being more urban, I meant to say that it’s a bigger and more international city…I just want to emphasize again that I do known that Vandy is offering an amazing deal, and I will probably go, but I just want to make sure I won’t be miserable there. Thanks!</p>
<p>Check out the link below - I would reach out to some of the Chinese students about your concerns</p>
<p><a href=“http://studentorgs.vanderbilt.edu/vuca/index.php[/url]”>http://studentorgs.vanderbilt.edu/vuca/index.php</a></p>
<p>As for cities, UChicago is in Hyde Park which is somewhat of a dangerous area. Vanderbilt is in a wealthy/nice part of Nashville.</p>
<p>University of Chicago.</p>
<p>Vandy undergrad, earn a bunch of A’s, and Chicago for law school. Problem solved! </p>
<p>LS is $70k year, btw, and little financial aid is available.</p>
<p>I’m a bit concerned about Asians being a real minority at Vandy. It’s not so much the number I’m concerned about, but I heard that
Vanderbilt does have quite a divided student body. I don’t want to go to a school that I would come to transfer out of…also, I’ve never been to the south (I’ve only visited the US a few times in highly Asian populated areas) so</p>
<p>News flash…nearly all the campuses in the US have somewhat divided student bodies…but not completely…it’s your choice. It’s not because of racism, because this exists all over. Kids tend to like to group by ethnic group. However, thankfully, many kids also like to “expand their comfort zones” and have close friends with all ethnic groups. It’s up to you.</p>
<p>When we visited campuses for undergrad and grad school, we’d see Muslim kids sitting together, black kids sitting together, Asian kids, etc. But, then we’d see groups that were happily mixed up.</p>
<p>What bluebayou said. You need lots of money for law school.</p>
<p>Just a warning, if you are still reading, Nashville in general has turned less racially sensitive compared to 5 years ago. TN is worse.</p>
<p>Be careful. </p>
<p>You’ll find that in the American South, especially in non-major cities, a lot of people will judge you from 20 feet away just by the color of your skin. Its surmountable but how much effort do you want to put in just to be integrated? Hence, the balkanization that one observes in Vandy - Asians are trying to protect themselves from a hostile state, and city.</p>