UT Austin vs Vanderbilt vs University of Michigan for Engineering and Pre-Med

College Search & Selection
1

Hi everyone I seem to be at a loss with deciding on which college I want to go to. I am an OOS that got into UT, Vandy, and UMich for Biomedical Engineering, and I would really appreciate any feed about any of these schools or just general advice!

Along with BME I want to do the pre-med track and have accesibility to shadow, research, and intern at the school I pick. In addition this, I do want to go to a school with school spirit and pride (football games, traditions, etc) , and that has the “work hard, play hard” mentality. I value schools that have a good mix of modern and traditional architecture (I wasn’t able to visit any of the schools due to Corona). Also diversity is very important for me!

I have listed some pros and cons for the schools (please correct me if I am wrong about some of them or if you have any :smiley: ) Thank you!!

UT Austin
Pros

  • Good at engineering 12th ranked
  • In Austin (favorite city)
  • Great school spirit
  • Hour away from brother

Cons

  • Out of three lowest overall ranking (don’t know how well its reputation is in the country)
  • Far from home

Vanderbilt
Pros

  • Is the most prestigious
  • In Nashville
  • Known for happiest students
  • Great for pre-med

Cons

  • Not that well known for engineering
  • Stereotype of rich, conservative, kids with Vineyard Vines (is this true?)

Michigan
Pros

  • Best for engineering 6th ranked
  • Great school spirit
  • 4 hour drive from home
  • Great student life

Cons

  • Cold weather
  • Not in a huge city (don’t know much about Ann Arbor)
2

You have some great options. Congrats! What are the cost differences and are you factoring that into your decision? Have you checked out the virtual tour on Vanderbilt’s admissions website? My son was a very happy freshman at Vandy before he had to leave campus and it seemed like so many other students were happy and friendly when we went to visit. I asked him about your stereotype and he said only about 5% of kids fit that description. It’s a quite diverse place. Good luck!