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MIT is an excellent university, and if you are interested in being surrounded by science students, there is no better place. Vanderbilt is also a very fine university, however, and if you like it better, it is a perfectly good choice. You would hardly be “wasting” your opportunity by turning one good university down for another that you like better. </p>
<p>Many posters on this site, especially high schoolers, are easily dazzled by big name universities. The reality is that any of the top universities can get you anywhere you want to go, especially to medical school. If Vanderbilt is your dream school, and if you are sure it’s a better fit for you than MIT, go for it.</p>
<p>That said, this choice is currently a bit premature. After all, since you presumably applied to Vanderbilt RD, you may not be admitted or get enough financial aid to make it affordable. Once you have an acceptance letter and financial aid letter from both universities in hand, you can make an informed decision. It would be prudent to visit both if you have not yet done so, preferably an overnight visit with a current student.</p>