<p>I've received admission to both schools. I live in the Northeast and I haven't been able to schedule visits to either school yet, though I have researched both extensively and read up a lot on both schools. They seem similar in a lot of aspects--the Southern culture, the academic level, the [not that it matters, but for superficial purposes] perceived prestige, etc. I don't know which one to pick, as of now. Planning to visit both but narrowing it down would be helpful.</p>
<p>ABOUT ME:
LOCATION: Northeast, both schools are far.
PROFILE: Asian--fitting in is a concern at Vanderbilt more so than it is at Emory, especially if there's any sort of self-segregation of the student body. Is the low percentage of Asian students something to be concerned about?
ACADEMIC INTERESTS: Looking to major in Economics and potentially complete a minor in either Political Science or International Studies, something along those lines. Also want to be a pre-med student with an eventual aim of applying to medical school. How do these particular programs and departments compare?
EXTRACURRICULAR INTERESTS: Interested in writing for a political journal or something of the sort (personally, I'm a liberal). Additionally seeking to get involved in political activism or student volunteerism in general.
ADDITIONAL 'WANTS' IN A SCHOOL (BESIDES STATED ABOVE):
1. A "work hard, play hard" mentality, as in a school that is laid-back and not as cutthroat but still has an academically motivated student body.
2. Opportunties for civic engagement, volunteerism, and medical-related extracurriculars.
3. Easy access to internships and research opportunities. As I have yet to visit Nashville or Atlanta, some comparison of the cities and the opportunities available there would be helpful.
4. A lot of school spirit.
5. A decent social scene, but NOT one where social life is entirely determined by one's involvement with the Greek system.
6. Good student advising and career services and the like.
7. ***Eventually, anything that will give me a good place to learn and expand my horizons academically as much as possible, and to position myself well to get into medical school by the end of the process. This is obviously job 1, in the end. So a school that is recognized for a strong curriculum, has a good recognition among med school admit boards and employers, and a school that has a curriculum that can allow me to prepare well for the MCAT.</p>
<p>Any help, or input on this decision? I understand that a message board is a foolish way to pick a college, but I am very split on this right now and some comments from others would be great.</p>
<p>I think Vanderbilt is a more all around go place to go. Emory gets lots more northeast (read Jewish) kids interested in med school and the like. Vandy gets a mix of southern aristocrats, smart kids and some northeast kids (mostly Protestant).</p>
<p>If school spirit is that important Vanderbilt is definitely more of your place. It is also much more relaxed than Emory while still being equally if not more academically rigorous.</p>
<p>I will say this right of the bat, from what I hear, Vandy’s school spirit is stronger than Emory’s… However, for premed Emory can only be beaten by a handful of schools and I personally don’t think Vandy is one of them. Also, Emory is like 30-35% asian. You will have no problems fitting in. From what I hear, if you want, you can self-segregate but if you don’t, you will get alone with everyone just fine. Vandy is more of a party school whereas Emory may have more of an intellectual atmosphere. I also think Emory’s location hand down beats Vanderbilt’s.</p>
<p>How is the pre-medical track at Vanderbilt though? I mean I’ve heard and read a lot about Emory Economics and Pre-Medicine, but haven’t really gotten as much information about how Vandy compares in that aspect. Academics is the #1 factor for me.</p>
<p>Vandy is in a very nice part of Nashville and Nashville has plenty going on. I think Vandy has more to do on campus too. Better social and sports scene.</p>
<p>I’d say Vandy in nearly every regard, though Emory’s med connections are a plus. Vandy has a top medical center / school so I’d assume they’d be a great pre-med choice too. Emory is not culturally “Southern,” nor is it actually “in” Atlanta. It’s 10 miles out in the suburbs with an Atlanta address.</p>
<p>^Yeah, the culture of Emory is much less linked with the Southern identity than Vandy, which embraces its Southern roots. Nashville’s a pretty cool place too with a burgeoning music scene. Something to think about.</p>
<p>I know several of you have said Vanderbilt is “active” and “happening”–or words along those lines–but does that imply that Emory lacks these traits altogether, or only that it is not as active of a social scene as Vanderbilt? I mean, I’ve heard of Emory described by people as having a party school reputation of its own; does that characterization hold water, at all?</p>
<p>“I know several of you have said Vanderbilt is “active” and “happening”–or words along those lines–but does that imply that Emory lacks these traits altogether, or only that it is not as active of a social scene as Vanderbilt? I mean, I’ve heard of Emory described by people as having a party school reputation of its own; does that characterization hold water, at all?”</p>
<p>However, the choice is easy. Emory U all the way. Emory U is next to Center of Disease and has very large Asian students population (25% to 30%). Atlanta is a lot more international than Nashville with a lot more diversity Most students are either majored pre medical or pre business school. Atlanta has also large Korean and Chinese American community on the northeast corner of city. Emory U is pretty liberal with a lot of northeast transplants and Jewish population. It located very nice area of city where one of scene from Gone with Winds was filmed. Nashville is very much southern city, the home of country music. It has very few Asians in the area. It is much more conservative city. If you have chance visiting both areas, you will feel the vibe right away. </p>
<p>Also, go check Emory forum, it looks that it is pretty easy to get very good GPA for premedical.</p>