<p>I know this is a strange comparison, but the schools are actually similar, in my opinion. I am going to apply to one of these places early decision. I want to major in economics, statistics, or something like that. I am currently in Florida, so maybe my idea of Vanderbilt is influenced by being in the South, but the the numbers don't lie. </p>
<p>My main goal is to get good grades and get into a great grad school. </p>
<p>I love Vanderbilt for the weather, well-balanced atmosphere, and great academics. I like Penn for the academics, Ivy atmosphere, more renowned grad school, and campus. </p>
<p>Does Vanderbilt carry equal reputation to that of Penn?</p>
<p>Please help me decide which one to pick! </p>
<p>PS-If you know, please tell me Penn's ED acceptance rate and Vandy's.</p>
<p>I think you are right and there are similarities. My oldest was accepted to both schools in engineering and chose Vanderbilt. He much preferred the feel of Vanderbilt. We are from a northeast city and he did not look favorably on Philly or the surounding neighborhood. However, Penn definatly has a better academic reputation and will carry more weight because of that (wether deserved or not). The caliber of students is bound to be great at both schools and as you are talking about 4 years of your life, you should visit both and go were you think you will have the best expierience. A degree from either institution will serve you well. Best of luck.</p>
<p>Mom of Wild Child moved to Nashville a few years ago and has a D who is a grad student at Vanderbilt; her S is at Penn. She would be a great source of info for you.</p>
<p>How does the ease of travel to Nashville and Philadelphia compare from your hometown? If you can get to either one directly without having to connect flights, it will make your travel to and from school less stressful.</p>
<p>Funny, One of my daughter is going to Upenn law over UT law and Georgetown law. She went to adm student weekend in Pilly. She loves Upenn . You can not go wrong with ether school. My other daughter is still in Vandy ,she loves Vandy.</p>
<p>I know, but Duke is a northern school in a southern place. Its actually very diverse–minorities make around half the population.</p>
<p>@vandyclassof2013: That post has nothing to do with the situation at hand, and its a legitimate question. I’ve been interested in ASU as its close by and I got full scholarship. But some myths about it go around in school, and I wasn’t quite sure about it–my counselor advised me against it.
You seem to lack basic courtesy. Are all Vanderbilt students like you? I’m glad I’m not going there.</p>
<p>If I had the choice between the south and NE, I’d pick NE unless I had a good reason to stay south (eg: Rice Baylor or Duke, excellent job opportuities, etc).</p>
<p>Its a personal thing I suppose, but I know a lot of my friends feel that way too.</p>
<p>The South is both a good thing and a bad thing depending on the person. The South tends to be more religious (Christian) and more homogeneous–and in general, a little less accepting than people on the west coast or in New England. I actually have a bit of culture shock every time I return home to Nashville, and I also miss Nashville when I’m gone.</p>