<p>I've just been accepted to Vandy, Colgate, Bowdoin, and Midd, and I was wondering how these schools differ both socially and academically. Vanderbilt is my top choice, but my dad seems to think its where "rich white parents send their kids who can't get into Duke" (I'm AA). My main questions are about the level of intellectualism at each school, how dominant frats are at Vandy, and the difference in reputation between these schools when it comes to grad schools/employers</p>
<p>You cant go wrong, all those schools are fantastic. Academic reputation wise (from employers) Forbs ranked them Bowdoin (14), Vandy (33), midd (42), then Colgate (48). So from that you can see Bowdoin is certainly an academic outlier, where as the other schools are much more similar.</p>
<p>Socially, Bowdoin and Midd students are less rambunctious. The D1 athletics at Vandy and Colgate make the party scene much larger by the influx of athletes/ school spirit. To clarify my personal prejudice, i got into both Midd and Colgate, but plan on attending Colgate.</p>
<p>All are great choices. I think Vanderbilt will have more to offer in the end. National school with national reputation. Nashville is a great town and easy to get to.</p>
<p>If you like a larger, southern U, Vandy is your best bet. That said, I took Colgate over Vandy umpteen years ago because I preferred the northeast LAC/small university feel.</p>
<p>I chose Colgate for what were compelling reasons to me:</p>
<p>The LAC curriculum and the Core;
A few frats (now 6- no problem with that);
D1 athletics and school spirit e.g. nationally televised men’s lacrosse game today;
NY-northeast mentality which suits me;
Strong alumni cohort, actively engaged on and off campus; and
That magnificent campus, rural and cohesive feel.</p>
<p>If these attributes are not important to you the others are good choices too.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>