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<p>For clarification, are you a first year at UVA who’s considering transferring, or are you at UVA now simply visiting? Have you already been accepted to both schools? Assuming you are a current hs senior, I’ll share my thoughts seeing as how my D is pre-med and looked carefully at both:</p>
<p>First, these two schools are EXTREMELY similar, IMO, both academically and socially. If UVA was private, I’d venture to say these two would have more cross applicants than just about any of the others. Socially, both schools have a southern, preppy vibe. Because geographically UVa is so close to the beltway, it’s going to feel a bit less southern and a tad more cosmopolitan. </p>
<p>You will notice a strong Greek life at both schools. I’ve heard 1/3 of UVa’s student body is in a frat/srat; I don’t know the percentage at Vandy, but I would think it’s higher. UVa students seem more relaxed when it comes to the Greek scene. If you choose to join, great…if not, no big deal. When we visited Vandy (several times), it seemed to us that Greek life was the be all/end all. My D wanted (is) to be part of a sorority, so she liked this social aspect; however, she enjoys the fact that at UVa it doesn’t define you. </p>
<p>Both schools offer diverse student bodies; however, because 2/3 of the students at UVa are from VA, you’ll have more geographic diversity at Vandy. I will say that over the past few years, Vandy has been fighting tooth and nail to dispel their image as a rich, southern, white school. Their admissions department has recently tended to favor those living north of the MDL and URMs. As hard as they’ve tried to change their image, many Americans will always perceive it as a school for the blue blood, white, southern, prep schooler. </p>
<p>Both campuses are absolutely gorgeous. Vandy is nestled in an arboretum, and its buildings are uniform. UVa also has that uniform architecture (something my D found appealing), but it’s nestled in the Shenendoahs. Both campuses embody the stereotypical picture of what a campus should look like. UVa does have, however, the rich history behind it that Vandy does not. I heard the rotunda is the only building on any American campus that was selected as part of some world landmark registry.</p>
<p>Vandy is in an urban setting that is very vibrant. Nashville is a great place, and there are a lot if things to do. UVa sits more in your quaint and charming college town. You’ve got restaurants galore in CVille, and you’re just a couple of hours from the beach and DC if you find that appealing. Our D has never felt that Charlottesville was too small/closed-in, but then again as a science major, she rarely has the time.</p>
<p>Vandy requires all students to live on campus all four years – UVa only requires it the first year. This can be good or bad according to your perception. </p>
<p>Vandy can’t compare to UVa, IMO, when it comes to school spirit, tradition, and pride. We’re OOS, and I had no idea how intensely loyal UVa kids/alums are to their school until I went to the first football game. The streets upon streets of tailgaters and rowdy fans could even rival some of the schools down here in TX! (If you’ve ever been to a UT game, you’d know that’s no easy feat!) The students at UVa support ALL sports which I find charming. And because of the history of being the first public school in the US, the tradition UVa offers is unlike no other. (You’ll learn all about them should you decide to matriculate.)</p>
<p>Academically, both schools are comparable. They’re both going to be very challenging. I would not presume for one second one will be easier than the other. When our D entered UVa last fall, her grades/# of APs and scores/SATs, etc. put her toward the very top at both. She came prepared, but she must study a lot to maintain her desired GPA for her intended degrees. They both have highly ranked med schools/hospitals on the main campus, so internships, shadowing, volunteering, etc. can be attained at both. I feel academically, these two are perceived by most to be comparable institutions. </p>
<p>In the end, they’re both FABULOUS schools, and you can’t go wrong with either. I’d select the one that “feels” right and the one that’s the best value. (Vandy is not worth an extra $20K and vice versa especially if med school is on your horizon.) Good luck to you!</p>