<p>Hello! I've basically narrowed down my choices to UofC and Vandy, but now I cannot decide between the two. I'm interested in Political Science and Spanish. I definitely want to study abroad in Latin America, and from what I understand, Vanderbilt has many more opportunities in Latin America study-abroad and research-wise. However, I am not sure that I will get the intellectual experience I've always hoped for at vandy. I've found UofC and Vanderbilt students both to be incredibly smart, but in different ways. I just want to get some opinions before I make my final decision, which I must do soon! I'm from just outside of Chicago and I never thought that I would want to go to school anywhere near home, but I really loved UChicago the few times I've visited. I visited Vanderbilt this weekend and also felt that it was a great fit. I feel like I'm comparing apples & oranges because the two schools are so different and I'm very conflicted. Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>If you thought vanderbilt was a ‘great fit’ then pick definitely pick vanderbilt, with no doubt.</p>
<p>Shen505512–why? The OP said that Vandy was “also” a great fit, thereby implying that the UofC is at least as good of a fit as Vanderbilt. </p>
<p>For me (and this is a personal choice that everyone must make for themselves), the academic climate of the school was far, far more important than opportunities for study abroad. After all, one can always go abroad with a separate program or travel during the summer. Chicago offers FLAGs (Foreign Language Acquisition Grants) for summer language study and research to help offset the costs of international travel. A truly academically enriching college experience cannot be so easily replaced if the hoped-for intellectualism of the student body falls short.</p>
<p>A Vandy senior I know well – and who is quite intellectual – has studied abroad in both Chile and Ecuador through the program. I agree Vandy has a different general culture than U of Chicago, and no core – however, you’ll find plenty of intellectual kids there.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for all of your super-helpful opinions! I’ve decided to commit to Vanderbilt–I love both schools so much, but I think that it’s just the school for me. Thanks again!</p>
<p>Welcome to Tennessee!</p>
<p>good choice</p>