<p>Okay. So I am having trouble choosing between three schools: Northwestern, Vanderbilt, and Washington and Lee. I'm thinking about a double major in political science and philosophy with a minor in visual arts.</p>
<p>As of right now, I really have no clue.</p>
<p>I visited the Washington and Lee campus and I loved it. It is the only LAC I'm looking at. The individualized attention that I would get there is great. I hear their political science program is really good and they have this really nice center for the arts. The campus is great. Professor accessibility, students, all great. My only main concern is the size of Lexington, VA...about 7k. That is a big problem for me and seems to be the only one I can't get past. There are 3 big cities about 45 min - 1 hr away in three different directions. But still. It's not quite the same. They did offer me full scholarship though.</p>
<p>Vanderbilt is another really good school. The campus is gorgeous and of course the academics are spot on. My sister goes there already so I'm pretty familiar with the area. Not to mention the fact that I live only 30 minutes away >_<. I visited the campus one weekend and like it a lot. And the students and faculty seem really nice. Nashville is a great city too. They also gave me stellar financial aid. But still...it's so close to home.</p>
<p>Last but not least...Northwestern. It's the only three of these that I haven't visited. I may be visiting later in April, I'm not sure yet. It's a nice campus, from what I've seen in pictures. And it's pretty close to Chicago, which is a big plus. Of course the academics are legit and all that jazz. I do know less about Northwestern than the other two though. The aid they gave me can't top Vandy's or W&L's, but it's definitely do-able. One big plus? It's NOT close to home or in a SMALL area.</p>
<p>I really haven't a clue what to do. Input?</p>
<p>Congratulations on three great choices in such a tough admissions year! Our D is also admitted at Vandy and still considering a couple of other spots.</p>
<p>She wouldn’t apply to Northwestern because of location. Can’t take the cold. How do you feel about that? Have you ever been to Chicago? None of our kids really care for it, even though (or maybe because) we have family there! Our D had a close friend that attended and loved it. I think Northwestern has a lot in common with Vanderbilt as far as academics and overall feel of the place. (Good social opportunities.)</p>
<p>We have been through Lexington a couple of times, but did not do an official tour at W&L. The combo of isolated/small was a ‘no’ for our Ds. Maybe the boys will see things differently. Also, the frat presence is such a defining characteristic. How do you feel about that? Congrats on the Johnson! Are uniformly small classes a big deal for you? Our D is also considering a small lac as one of her final three, but it is part of a consortium. I have heard that campuses tend to feel smaller over time, although there is the option of study abroad. If you can’t get past the size/isolation thing, then it may not be the best spot for you. Listen to your gut…especially since Vandy is also a good financial option.</p>
<p>Then again, maybe W&L’s location is preferable to being close to home? I tend to think that with a school the size of Vandy, with people attending from all over and located in Nashville will feel very different from home, even if it is physically close. You don’t have a family that will drop by every five minutes, do you? If not, you should be able to have a very independent 4 years there.</p>
<p>How much more will NW cost you and is it worth it? Is grad school in your future? I would be careful about incurring debt if you have other good options. And I think it is important to try and pick a place where you can be happy and grow over four years. If you have real reservations now…will you be looking to transfer a year down the road?</p>
<p>I think most of us could use a crystal ball about now! Good luck and let us know what you decide.</p>