<p>From The Princeton Review</p>
<p>Read these reviews and think about where you'd be happier. Good luck with your decision!</p>
<p>Vanderbilt University</p>
<p>Academics:
"The word “balance” pops up a lot in students’ descriptions of Vanderbilt University. Most often it’s used to describe the amalgamation of “high academic standards” and “myriad” “social, service, and leadership opportunities” that characterizes so many students’ experiences here. It is also used to describe the school’s well-balanced mix of academic strengths; no surprise there, as Vandy excels in such diverse areas as premedicine, engineering, mathematics, sociology, psychology, and education. Sometimes the word refers to the balance between the “big city” benefits of Nashville—which include not only a world-class music scene but also “great opportunities for jobs, internships, [and] service”—and Vandy’s “campus feel.” In whatever context, students’ numerous references to balance are a testimony to their comfort and satisfaction with the Vanderbilt experience. Undergrads here report a convivial atmosphere that takes away “a lot of the pressure” created by the “academically rigorous” curriculum. Professors “are generally good teachers who make themselves available through prompt responses to e-mail and through office hours,” while administrators “are very accessible—you can see them in their office or spot them walking through campus.” Fellow students “aren’t competitive and are constantly helping each other.”"</p>
<p>Student Body:
"“Vanderbilt has come a long way from the stereotypical Southern, wealthy, White student,” undergrads here assure us, noting that “there are students from all over the country.” While there is “definitely still a strong presence of Polo-clad fraternity guys and sorority girls, the image of Vanderbilt has become so much more than that and now encompasses students from different ethnicities, religions, and geographical regions.” Today, the glue that binds the student body is that “everyone is involved.” It seems like every student has at least one passion that [he or she] pursue[s] actively on campus or off campus. Everyone is in at least one student organization. No one here is only about academics.” Students also tend to be “religious,” “very approachable, and friendly, [and] passionate about their studies.”"</p>
<p>Campus Life:
"Vanderbilt’s campus life is “stimulating, challenging, [and] fun.” “There is always something going on,” a sophomore reports. Greek life is “a very large part of Vanderbilt’s social scene,” as most “Fraternity parties are open to everyone.” These parties “rival no other,” and they “always have bands or themes or activities, so it’s not just a crowd of people getting drunk.” But there’s more than the just the Greek scene for students to participate in; students tout “clubs for every interest, sports for every level of ability,” and “student theater every night of the week.” Students also tell us that “Christian and other religious organizations are a big part of Vanderbilt campus life” and that “service organizations are really important at Vanderbilt, and the majority of students are involved in volunteer work in the Nashville community.” As for intercollegiate sports, “Attending sporting events is popular, though I wouldn’t go so far as to say everyone is a devoted fan.” Just about everyone has nice things to say about hometown Nashville. One student writes, “Nashville is a great place to live—there is always something going on. Centennial Park is right across the street; it’s a great place to study, walk, or hang out. Downtown has an awesome party scene” that, of course, includes lots of live music. One student adds, “The weather is a pretty nice perk too.”</p>
<p>University Of North Carolina - Chapel Hill</p>
<p>Academics:
"The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill “is so well rounded,” according to students who make their case by pointing to the “very highly recognized academics, sports, and quality students who are here to get a great education and have fun doing it.” With a typically Southern approach, UNC “creates a very balanced atmosphere to live in. The workload isn’t so overwhelming that you can’t go out and do anything. . . . It makes for a good place to live because people aren’t always stressed out.” Undergrads report that “you won’t find a better combination of quality, cost, and environment for any student specifically interested in undergraduate programs in business, journalism, or education,” and that “the humanities and social sciences have a huge presence here” as well. The sciences aren’t too shabby either; in fact, pretty much across the board “The academic life is very rigorous” and professors “are not only educated in their fields but have life experiences that add to the flavor of their courses.” Many students warn that academic advising is a weak point; one student reports, “We have complicated requirements for majors and . . . sometimes students end up taking classes that don’t count toward their major. Or, they end up not realizing they had to take a particular class until senior year.” The constitution of the state of North Carolina keeps UNC’s in-state tuition rates very low; some out-of-state students complain that the cost of this guarantee falls disproportionately to them."</p>
<p>Student Body:
"By state policy, native Tar Heels must make up 82 percent of each incoming undergraduate class at UNC, so “The typical student is a North Carolina resident.” Out-of-state students “blend seamlessly into this mix, and are often the ones to take the helm of leadership opportunities.” Undergraduates here “are very involved, whether it’s in the Greek scene, the religious scene, playing intramural sports, or starting their own club. Philanthropic involvement is also high.” Students typically “are academically oriented but aren’t dominated by it. You can’t ‘feel’ midterms in the air, as you can at other schools.” You’ll “find every stereotype represented here: The J. Crew snob, the polo shirt and sunglass-wearing frat boy, the emo/punk rocker, the Southern belle, etc.” The most apparent stereotypes, though, are “the ones who look like they stepped out of the Carolina catalogue, sporting Carolina-blue laptop bags, polo shirts, and sneakers.” UNC is liberal by Southern standards, although no one would ever confuse a UNC undergrad for a Reed College or Wesleyan University student."</p>
<p>Campus Life:
"“UNC has a great nightlife” with plenty of options. Franklin Street, the main drag of Chapel Hill, runs along one side of the campus and “has tons of restaurants,” “packed bars,” and college-oriented shopping. “Students from Duke and NC State will often come party on Franklin Street” because it’s the most student-friendly stretch in the Triangle. The campus offers “tons of clubs and organizations—more than 600—so there is plenty of stuff to do.” The dorms “are wonderful, and there is always something going on,” although “Dorm parties are hard to pull off on South Campus, where most of the freshmen live. Just about anything goes on North Campus, though.” The active Greek scene also provides plenty of party options; GDIs note that “it’s really easy to have a social life and be an independent.” But what truly binds the campus are the Tar Heel athletic teams, with the men’s basketball team paramount among them. One student reports, “People look forward to basketball season more than anything. The rivalries are intense” and the quality of play is excellent. The Atlantic Coast Conference is arguably the NCAA’s strongest in basketball. Students also enjoy a “beautiful campus” and great weather; one student observes, “One of the most relaxing things to do is to sit outside on the grass in the quad studying in the 70 degree weather and sun in November.”"</p>