<p>Hey yall,</p>
<p>I'm a transfer student pursuing a BA in spanish with a minor in portuguese. I'm also considering a BBA in International Business as well and right now I'm leaning towards Vandy because of the many many benefits of being a private school but I'm also very apprehensive at the same time since I am a minority, very progressive/liberal, atheist, and slightly confused when it comes to sexuality. Don't get me wrong, I'm from the south so I'm used to conservatism, but I'm just scared that I would be out of place at a school where greek life dominates the social scene. </p>
<p>Vandy
+private school: more personal attention, stronger financial aid
+study abroad is something I really really want to do and it will be extremely affordable through Vandys amazing fin aid program
+rigorous but rewarding academics
+more opportunities
-GREEKS
-GREEKS
-GREEKS
-far from home</p>
<p>UT Austin
+solid academics and easier workload
+Austin is the liberal bastion of Texas
+amazing arts scene (something that I'm very interested in)
+close to home
-public school=less attention
-limited financial aid but I don't think I will have to take out loans
-study abroad would be very expensive</p>
<p>Honestly, I feel like I would thrive and become a superior human being at Vanderbilt because I would probably receive a lot more personal attention and I've also read about the McGill dorm which would be good for me socially. At UT I'm really scared that I'm going to get distracted, party to much, and not achieve my full potential.</p>
<p>Comments???</p>
<p>Seems like the only big point against Vandy is the Greeks… what’s wrong with the Greeks?</p>
<p>Vanderbilt sounds like the superior option here, and it seems like you are leaning towards it anyway?</p>
<p>talk.collegeconfidential.com/vanderbilt-university/1322023-vandy-washu-texas.html</p>
<p>Might be a little helpful.</p>
<p>It might be easier to find your niche at UT, considering there are so many students and a bit less “like-mindedness.” Everyone certainly finds there niche at Vanderbilt though (McGill is a great example). Over half the school is independent and many of them don’t care for the Greek scene at all (but still have Greek friends). Vanderbilt’s freshman retention rate is something like 96%–stands as a testament to people finding where they belong here and wanting to come back.</p>
<p>@pancaked
Yeah I don’t hate Greeks, i just will find it weird to go to a school that is completely dominated by it. But yeah I guess I shouldnt be too worried, im generally a social person so Im glad I’ll be able to find a niche. Thanks for all the comments so far.</p>
<p>How much more expensive is Vandy for you?</p>
<p>But if there really isn’t a big cost difference, I would highly recommend Vandy. I am also very like you, and I will be attending Vandy in the fall next year. Vandy isn’t as large as UT, but you’re going to be able to find your niche here, I swear.</p>
<p>Also isn’t UT very greek as well?</p>
<p>UT has a decent Greek scene but it’s not dominant like it is at Vandy because of the sheer size of the school.</p>
<p>@chaos</p>
<p>At the end, Vanderbilt will definitely be the cheaper option. Like pancaked stated, UT is so large that it is impossible for greek life to dominate it. Yeah though I am leaning towards Vanderbilt, I am just worried about being so far away from home. It kind of scares me.</p>
<p>congrats on your acceptance to Vanderbilt, philopower. I think Pancaked is correct to point out to you that the retention rate at Vanderbilt is testimony to the fact that admissions knows what they are doing. Vanderbilt is hard work for all. Vanderbilt will mean getting used to being sometimes on your own or alone for spells…for most students but that is part of any new life. You will be AOK there. If you can afford to go to Vanderbilt for the same or less than UT, come on. There is plenty of support for however you figure things out for yourself. McGill is indeed a very accepting place to live but there are other ways to find a comfort zone for yourself with time there. Yes, the Greek scene is quite visible and even historically visible on campus…just as it is on many campuses in the USA…but there are plenty of kids who create their own weekends and evening plans and learn not to rank themselves on the same terms as Greek belonging or not belonging. It is really best to be very open to Greek students even if you are not a participant because you will find how many of them are going to be great adults and that many of them are interesting and talented people who like group activities socially. And you are right. Going abroad can be a wonderful way to be yourself and make new friends. Many independent and Greek students sign up for Alternative Spring Break and usually they don’t know anyone at all on their teams. Our son has done that every spring and always considered himself richer by 10 friends on his return. He makes his way as an independent. Nashville is a very amiable host town, and classroom sizes are quite excellent at Vandy. Sometimes you feel you are attending a liberal arts college without the sometimes stiflingly small size…you can be anonymous or well-known depending on your mood or needs in each class. Our son was from a smaller community and in some ways I think he found Vanderbilt’s more expansive size to be a break from never having privacy in high school in his town without having to attend a college that has tons of huge classes.<br>
I vote for your return to wonderful Austin…another good “third coast” city…for grad school when in state rates will mean so much to you. There are many grad school paths that do not provide much except big fat loans for financial aid. I wish you well no matter what you choose.</p>
<p>I’m from Texas as well and never lived away from home. All I can say is Vanderbilt now IS my home. I hate being away from it and never want to leave. Sounds ridiculous but I mean it 100%.</p>
<p>If Vandy is really cheaper, I think you should take advantage of that. </p>
<p>Also, I don’t think you should be afraid of moving out. All it takes is what, a plane ride? And you have to ship your stuff? I would be jealous of people being able to move out, except that I’m going to Vandy, which is just 30 minutes away from my house. I don’t think being out or not makes much of a difference either way other than shipping stuff though, so don’t be afraid to take the risk.</p>