So I have been fortunate enough to have been accepted to these three schools. However, I am really torn. I have little to no clue which I should choose, I was hoping for some insight.
Academically, I think I would be fine with going to any of them. I’m undecided on my major, but probably something liberal arts (history/politics of some sort possibly?). Since I have researched academics pretty well for them, my main concern is in the details, especially social life and feel. I wouldn’t consider myself very intellectually-oriented, at least with who I associate myself with.
Vanderbilt- my brother is a senior so I have visited a bunch. Beautiful campus, a lot to do in Nashville, just not sure how much of the southern vibe I would be okay with. I hate country music (although I know Nashville has all kinds of music). Although, I feel like there would be more kids I connect with- I don’t really enjoy being around extremely intellectual kids, and am a sports fan. I just think there would be more relatable kids.
Dartmouth- Gorgeous campus, Hanover is cool although a little small. I honestly can’t say whether I mind its isolation or not, I feel like I could only say once I go there. I feel like it would be one of the more relaxed, less intellectual ivies. I think I would like the frat scene, I’m just concerned if there’s really anything else to do socially. I had a bad experience on the overnight, as my host was very odd and antisocial. I did meet some kids I liked though, although there were obviously a fair amount of intellectual kids I didn’t really connect with.
Tufts- honestly, I haven’t researched it or considered it as much as the others. I have done a campus visit but haven’t seen much of the student body.
BTW Financial aid is not an issue.
In essence, I’m trying to determine where I would fit in better and be happier. Anyone have any thoughts on the experiences these schools provide?
I know this is a bit rambling, it’s just pretty hard to accurately describe my thoughts, hope you guys can provide some insight!
First, Dartmouth is not less intellectual, it is less pretentious though.
Second, Hanover is not as “isolated” as you think. As you get to know the area you will see. The corridor from Woodstock Vermont to Hanover is certainly not urban but remote it is not.
Thank you, I know that in the end I will have to make the decision. I’m simply asking for opinions on my thoughts and if anyone had their own advice to share. @njfisherman
Sorry, I meant in the sense that there are more students who don’t completely ooze the pretentious-intellect vibes that I’ve seen at other Ivies. And thats good to hear! I observed that it’s not exactly in the middle of nowhere, I was just thinking how it still is pretty small and obviously not Nashville. @OnTheBubble
“Middle of nowhere” can be a signal, not, as you have noted, for the Dartmouth reality that it doesn’t particularly describe, but with respect to what it might reveal about your deep-seated preferences. My personal (and strong) preference among these three would be in favor of Dartmouth, but that’s at least in part because of what I would see as an opportunity to spend time in a location that might not necessarily be available during other times in life. Should this not resonate with you at least somewhat, then ideally you will develop (quickly) a similarly strong preference for one of your other options.
Vanderbilt is a tricky decision, especially with the intense greek life, southern lifestyle, and sports scene. I would rule that one out.
The only thing you have to decide between Tufts and Dartmouth (great schools btw) is if you want a friendlier liberal arts experience in a big city or a more intellectual, recognized ivy league in a more rural part of the country.
If you might want to work on Wall Street, Dartmouth is the call. Dartmouth also has the Ivy League rep bump – right or not. Dartmouth academics at the undergrad level are outstanding. This is obviously the most rural campus and has good access to outdoor activities.
If you prefer a suburban feel and would like to be in the Boston area, Tufts has the edge. It, like Dartmouth, is a university with some of the pluses of a LAC. Tufts’ rep is rising. Academics are strong. And you are fairly close to the charms of Boston.
Vanderbilt does have frats, but there’s plenty else to do on campus and in Nashville. The winters will be milder and Nashville has a great music scene and other cultural assets. Vandy’s academics are also outstanding.
In terms of rep, it’s (currently):
Dartmouth > Vanderbilt > Tufts
But Tufts is rising up the rankings and Vandy has been right in the mid-teens for a while now, so they are solidifying their name too.
I think you should decide based on fit, of course – not rep.
I’d choose between Dartmouth and Vanderbilt (you visited Tufts and did not have much to say about it). Given that you see the frats at Dartmouth as okay and even a net plus, and also given that your brother is at Vandy and the southern vibe wasn’t doing it for you, Dartmouth would seem to be a good fit. Vanderbilt is a great place and not especially Southern and Nashville also is an outstanding city. Can’t go wrong with any of these, though.
@prezbucky Those are also my assessments. I guess the problem now is exactly which school I should decide on based on fit, because I can’t tell where I would fit in best and be happiest.
Ok – the social atmosphere at Dartmouth and Vanderbilt is centered around (so I have read…) Greek life. Not that you can’t do your own thing, but many of the best parties will be at Greek houses. That appeals to some people, not to others. Would the large Greek presence – and generally a party atmosphere – bother you, be a plus, or not matter?
I think the biggest differences are (apologies for repeating myself):
Tufts is suburban, Dartmouth is rural, and Vanderbilt is urban. Do you want the city feel of Vandy, the suburban feel of Tufts, or the rural setting of Dartmouth?
Bigger Greek life at Vandy and Dartmouth than at Tufts.
Greater access to outdoor activities at Dartmouth.
Greater access to culture/museums/art/music at Vanderbilt and Tufts (though perhaps a bit of a drive or ride to get to Boston)
Dartmouth is on the quarter system, while Tufts and Vandy have semesters.
Dartmouth likely has the prettiest fall but the coldest winter. Though Boston and Nashville aren’t a picnic in the winter either.
Each school is really good. Try to read as much as possible to decide which would feel most like home to you. You’d likely be fine at any of them, IMO.