I am trying to decide between these two schools with the intention of going to Wall Street (Investment banking) after college. I am an Echols Scholar at UVA which is given to the top 5% of admitted students and exempts me from the school’s distribution requirements and gives me priority registration for classes. At UVA I would apply to the business school (McIntire school of commerce) during my second year and at Vanderbilt I would major in Economics and minor in finance. Both schools seem very fun to me as I am excited for a big fraternity scene and a work hard, play hard culture, however I would love to hear the differences between the social scenes. I am struggling turning down Vanderbilt due to the overall prestige, but I know that the Echols students are very highly regarded. Price is basically even at both of the schools and is not a factor.
I know both schools really well. My advice – pick the one you want to go to school at. Especially if price is about the same.
Lots of similarities between the two, including the fact that the Peabody Esplanade was modeled after The Lawn at the direction of Peabody’s then president (who had come to Vandy/Peabody from UVA). High academics, Greek life, Southern, big time sports, etc.
I’d focus on smaller vs. bigger, city vs. college town, live in dorms/rez college vs. live in an apartment most likely, and any other stuff you care about.
Vandy wins on overall prestigiosity fwtw. UVA McIntyre would be more of a direct pipeline into NYC IB. But you might not get into McIntyre (you have to apply for junior year). And more importantly, who knows if your current crush on NYC IB will last. After all, most college students change their major three times on average.
If you keep your crush and do well, either school will get you to Wall Street. So pick what you like.