<p>So I just went to a VANDY Black and Gold session and fell head over heels in love with the place. It was my first college tour and I honestly feel like I could call it home. Then I get home to find that UChicago has sent me a t-shirt and it reignites my interest. I really feel like (from what I've read), that Id fit right in there. I go to a school where you get a good vibe that sports is more important than academics, and I don't want that in colleges. I did not get that vibe at VANDY, though they have great teams. Anyways, I'm tired of feeling like I'm different because I really love school and learning in general. I have so many dreams and passions in life, and want a college that can really help me pursue all of them (and where actually doing this weekend's hw is not defined as being an "overachiever"). I've heard that UChicago students are very creative, and I'm a writer at heart, so I love the topics of their essay questions. My question is, what is the general vibe on their campus? Are the students the type that truly enjoy learning? What is the socioeconomic and ethnic diversity like? VANDY students and faculty are incredibly friendly and down-to-earth, so I want to look at other top colleges like that, in case I don't get in. I'm also looking at WUSTL, btw. </p>
<p>Remember that all three of those schools have admit rates of well under 20%. Yes, you should apply because you like them so much, but do not necessarily plan on getting accepted to all three (or even one). They are extremely competitive admissions.</p>
<p>Having said that, I think WUSTL might be the best fit of these three. The students are among the happiest and friendliest to be found at the “elite” universities. I personally like both Vanderbilt and Chicago. In fact, I often think that I should have gone to Vanderbilt (my grandfather did). It is a fine school but is not as serious as WUSTL and Chicago. On the other hand, Chicago has a reputation as the school “where fun goes to die.” So, almost too serious. WUSTL seems to have the best balance.</p>
<p>Also consider small liberal arts colleges. Among my favorites are two that stand out. Centre College in Kentucky is probably the best school that almost nobody knows about. Students are creative, but friendly and courteous. Wofford College in South Carolina is a fine small small college too. Very charming little school, with great school spirit. Very southern, culturally speaking. Both Centre and Wofford are strong but also take almost every good student who applies.</p>
<p>I can’t believe “where fun goes to die.” is still being used to label Chicago, it is no longer a stigma for the school. </p>
<p>Or maybe it is just a badge of honor, or somebody’s idea of a joke. In any event, I am glad to hear that it is not true. The OP might want to read this blog from five years ago:
<a href=“https://blogs.uchicago.edu/collegeadmissions/2009/01/the_f_word.html”>https://blogs.uchicago.edu/collegeadmissions/2009/01/the_f_word.html</a></p>
<p>Also, for what it is worth, Vanderbilt remains a somewhat southern school. More so than Duke which is far more national now. Vandy draws nationally too, but still has a southern flavor.</p>
<p>My biggest message remains the same: have a great backup plan, also known as “Plan B.” Many a high aspiring student has been stranded after applying only to elite universities. You absolutely must apply to at least one or two schools which are certain that you will get accepted into, AND that you will like.</p>
<p>Thanks! I’m definitely looking at schools with higher acceptance rates, as well as Christian colleges… Not sure what I’d like more though, but am considering it a lot!</p>
<p>One Christian college you might consider is Hope College in Michigan. It looks really great, with excellent (and happy) students.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.hope.edu/”>http://www.hope.edu/</a></p>
<p>Check it out.</p>