<p>If you could help me out, that would be awesome since decisions are due in 2 days. I'm having way too much trouble choosing a school. I visited each. Is the climate at Northwestern tolerable? Also, I've heard that Vanderbilt is more of an elitist school for white, preppy kids. I'm looking for a more cosmopolitan school with a strong psychology department. I would like to attend a more liberal school. I've heard that students at Vanderbilt develop more narrow world views and are more materialistic while Northwestern students are more worldly and down to earth. Any truth to these stereotypes? My guidance counselor also asserts that Northwestern and Vanderbilt are of a higher caliber than UVA. Are they considered more prestigious or academically superior?</p>
<p>There are no clear answers. Is there much of a difference in cost? NU is best overall academic school but the other are too close for that to be the deciding issue. The schools are very different so it’s too bad you didn’t visit them before deciding. To help you we need more information.</p>
<p>Is cost an issue? They are all three great schools and I congratulate you for having such great choices. We know a number of kids who were torn between Vandy and NW. It came down to the atmosphere of the school. I would prefer NW, I think. My sons UVA. So it really is a personal preference thing.</p>
<p>Assuming there isn’t a financial imperative – go with your gut. All are excellent choices.</p>
<p>All schools gave me great financial aid, especially Vanderbilt. Decisions are due tomorrow and I’m stressing myself out because I feel obligated to attend Northwestern since it is academically superior. I never visited UVA while I briefly visited Northwestern and Vanderbilt. I prefer the liberal, intellectual, laid back atmosphere of Northwestern while I could see myself having more fun with the kids at Vanderbilt, but perhaps that’s only because I connected with some awesome Vandy kids during my brief visit. Weather is definitely a factor and I want to maintain a great social life while in college which is why Vanderbilt definitely appeals to me.</p>
<p>Any further advice would be so awesome! I’m so stressed out</p>
<p>Also, does anyone know if Vanderbilt is too homogeneously preppy and rich? From what I saw during my visit many kids seemed to be white and wear khakis and sundresses. Is Northwestern too nerdy or does it have a good balance? Would anyone consider UVA a good median between these two schools?</p>
<p>Can’t believe I waited until the last minute to make a decision…</p>