<p>I am an aspiring neuroscience major and I already know that the programs at both schools are about equal. I visited vandy and liked it and I am currently at UVA, although it's too early to say how I feel about it.</p>
<p>I'm hoping for more of a direct compare and contrast between the two schools socially, so if students could weigh in, that'd be awesome. Both schools have strong Greek systems, although neither school is overpowered by them. They both also have gorgeous campuses. It's no coincidence that my college search has settled upon two schools that are so similar.</p>
<p>I was debating between these two schools last summer, but ultimately went ED to Vandy.
One of the major differences between the two schools is the surrounding area. In UVA they have Charlottesville which caters to the students in every way possible and has a community that backs the school 100%. At Vanderbilt you have Nashville which doesn’t have as much of that community feeling, but has tons of great restaurants, concert venues, parks, “city type stuff.”
Another major factor for me when deciding was the size of the school. Vanderbilt is about 7,000 undergrads whereas UVA more than 14,000, and because of this at UVA there are more lecture style courses (some are 400-500 students) during your first years. On the other hand, more students make for awesome football games. The size of UVA’s football stadium is much larger than Vandy’s and with the support of the community there, thats a lot of Wahoos.
Vanderbilt also has the Commons, and although UVA also has some programs for first years, it doesn’t match the support Vanderbilt gives to its freshman. The dorms are also much nicer.
For me it really came down to where I could see myself for four years more than anything else. I loved both schools, but to me Vanderbilt was a clear choice.</p>
<p>Here in Virginia, lots of universities are experiencing budget cuts. UVA is in that group. People here believe that UVA isn’t as strong in the sciences/engineering as Va Tech. Budget cuts have put many TA’s in classrooms and have reduced class availability. Sometimes it’s tough to get a schedule that works for you. I’ve heard that the science facilities/labs aren’t as nice as those at some kids’ high schools. However, the cost is a plus.</p>
<p>Vanderbilt has NO TA’s teaching classes. Yes, TA’s do labs and discussion/review sessions, but professors are teaching ALL classes. The facilities at Vanderbilt are amazing and they don’t seem to operate under such stringent budget constraints that state schools do. However, cost here is a minus!</p>
<p>Bottom line, you get what you pay for. You just have to figure out what type of financial situation you are comfortable with in 4 years. Graduate school? If so, maybe go state school.</p>