<p>I've been accepted to both these schools, but am having trouble deciding which to go to. Based on academic excellence/prestige/reputation/selectivity alone, which does everyone consider to be the better school? Thanks</p>
<p>Academic excellence is too debatable.</p>
<p>Prestige...Vandy is private and is seen as having all the "rich" connections if you take that as prestige</p>
<p>Reputation...goes to Michigan because it's huge, does great research, has nearly all top programs, and has kick-butt sports.</p>
<p>Selectivity...according to USNews, Michigan ranks a few places higher than Vandy for selectivity (they factor in SAT scores, percentage of students in top 10% of high school class, and to a very small degree the admissions rate). Vandy is more selective solely in terms of admissions rate I believe (you can verify that on collegeboard.com because I'm not certain).</p>
<p>The better school---The one you want to go to. These schools are very close overall so it's not like you're turning down Harvard to go to Community College either way. If you want a large public school with a nice mix of people and a lot of big deal atheletics, go to Michigan. If you want a medium sized private with nicer weather in Nashville and arguable the best looking students, go to Vanderbilt.</p>
<p>Oh, by the way, you may need to consider specific majors. It won't matter in most cases, but there are certain strengths at each (go to Michigan if you want to be an engineer, for example).</p>
<p>I'm unsure as to how you have already been accepted to two schools this early. I know that UMich has rolling admissions, but, if you've been accepted to Vandy, you must've been accepted through the ED policy seeing as how RD decisions won't be mailed until April. If you have been accepted ED, this thread is a little bit pointless.</p>
<p>To my knowledge, Michigan has hands down the better alumni network. In terms of prestige and reputation, right now, I'd give the nod to Michigan. Both are elite institutions, but not many people outside of the Southeast have heard of Vanderbilt. Of course, employers and grad schools selections committees will look very favorably on BOTH schools. Despite this, I, personally, choose Vanderbilt. I think it embodies the perfect example of what the college experience should be like. It's in an urban setting, but at the same time, it has a 'small school' feel. It's a large research university in terms of the opportunities it has to offer, but at Vandy, you never lose that sense of community, hence it's nickname "Vanderbubble." I have visited once, and loved it. I am flying up to Vanderbilt again towards the end of the month. </p>
<p>Plus, the weather in Nashville beats the weather in Ann Arbor by a mile :]</p>
<p>I actually have been accepted to Vanderbilt ED. This thread was more or less for a 'peace of mind' to ensure that I made the right decision. Technically, I believe because Mich is more affordable, I can opt out of ED, but I highly doubt I'm going to do that. So yeah..to the poster above, this thread was more or less for peace of mind. Thanks for the input guys, and any further input is well-appreciated.</p>
<p>The weather in Tennessee is awful, it gets ridiculously hot during the summer. 95 degree days with near 100% humidity are common. Yes, i have lived in near both schools and Michigan's weather is infinitely better than Vanderbilt's.</p>
<p>Well, to be fair, Valawe, I'm sure snatchpatch isn't going to be staying on campus during the dead heat months of summer. Fall, Winter, and Spring in Nashville are to die for. If you've lived near both schools, I'm sure you'd agree that Michigan winters are awfully cold, with wind chill and temperature dipping below freezing for most of the season.</p>
<p>Snatchpatch, are you a Michigan resident? Because if you're not, UMich OOS tuition is actually around the same as Vanderbilt.</p>
<p>I think it comes down to whether you want a big or small school, but it looks like you're pretty much locked into Vanderbilt. You cannot go wrong with either school. They're both great institutions.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Oh, by the way, you may need to consider specific majors. It won't matter in most cases, but there are certain strengths at each (go to Michigan if you want to be an engineer, for example).
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Very good advice.</p>
<p>Avant-garde...nice spelling of the OP's name. LOL</p>
<p>Only you would notice TG! Hehe!!!</p>
<p><spits out="" coffee="" all="" over="" keyboard=""> Friday Funny.</spits></p>
<p>I think Vandy is the better choice.</p>