<p>So, after getting off the wait list at Vandy, I need to decide: ND or Vandy. I already committed to ND, and absolutely loved it. I loved the whole "family" thing that is so strong there. I have to admit, as someone who has been extremely involved in music throughout HS, Vandy's music program is very enticing. I'm not planning on majoring, but it would still be cool to be around such talent. I'm stuck. Any thoughts regarding each school? I was planning on PreMed in the fall, but may switch to International Econ or International Affairs, after having a slight change of heart. But as of now, I would say I'm relatively undecided major-wise. Any thoughts would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!</p>
<p>Where do you live? Are there financial concerns that factor in?</p>
<p>I’m near D.C, so both schools are well-known. Financial aid is not a factor for either school, fortunately, although that would make the decision easy!</p>
<p>One of the reasons my son selected Vanderbilt was the music program. He loves music, but is pursuing an engineering degree. He will be part of the Spirit of Gold marching band. We meet with the band director in April and it appears to be a great program for getting involved and developing leadership skills. S also is looking to minor in music. We discussed with both the Asst. Dean of Blair (Band Director) and an assistant dean in engineering and they were both supportive and encouraging S to pursue the minor if he wanted to.</p>
<p>Two good choices - either one will be great.</p>
<p>Both schools are similar in terms of academics, reputation, and opportunities. Both are “hot” universities on the upswing. A few areas of difference.
- Nashville>>>South Bend as a place for young adults to spend 4 years.
- Quality of Life Scores from Princeton Review look at student surveys in 10 areas outside the classroom. Vanderbilt score was 98 (one of the highest in the US) ND was 81.
- ND is more Catholic
- ND has Everet Golson
- Vandy has Greek life and ND has residential housing life.
You can’t go wrong with either university.</p>
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<p>luckster - just to be clear there really is no such thing as a “pre-med” major. Notre Dame has something fairly unique called “Pre-professional Studies in Science”, but I don’t really see that as any more of a pre-med track than any other major. Pre-med only requires that you take 4 semesters of chemistry (freshman, organic) with labs, biology with lab, physics, and an English course or similar course that involves expository writing. Many like to see Calculus as well, one or two semesters. And of course you have to take the MCAT. So you can be a history major, Econ major, or ballet major and still be pre-med.</p>
<p>That all being said, I agree with bud123 that Nashville is much better than South Bend if climate and city life is important to you. Some people prefer the college town atmosphere and the highly charged sports vibe that Notre Dame offers. Only you know which you like better. But since you are so into music, it would seem to me that Vandy is a kind of obvious choice.</p>
<p>Great choices both. My D never applied to ND because the weather in South Bend can be pretty harsh in the winter, and she wasn’t interested in that. Nashville’s weather is pretty perfect–you get a change of seasons, maybe a bit of snow, but not months of freezing termperatures and deep snow. Given your interest in music, I think you would love Vandy.</p>
<p>Vanderbilt and Notre Dame are my top two undergraduate colleges too, if I get in once I apply. I think either school is wonderful, but Vanderbilt is higher than Notre Dame for me. I love ND’s family aspect, but Nashville is home to me and I am not Catholic. Go with what your heart tells you. xox.</p>