Vandy or UVA

<p>These are two of my top schools. I plan to study engineering. I have visited both and loved them. They seem similar other than that Vanderbilt is private and UVA is public. Since UVA is sort of a smaller sized public, they had a similar feel. I know they both have sort of a rich-kid reputation but feel confident I will find my niche in either school. Can anyone discuss the positives and negatives of both? If it means anything, I also plan to use a Navy ROTC scholarship at whichever school I attend.</p>

<p>2009Grad; my son is also looking at those schools (although leaning more towards Vanderbilt) and plans to use Navy ROTC. Have you received your ROTC scholarship already? Trying to get a feel of the process. Any insight would be beneficial. thanks</p>

<p>My son is an engineering major at Vandy and had the same choice to make between UVa and Vandy. My impression of the difference is that he felt that Vandy had all kids just like him were UVa had to let in less intelligent people because they are a public school. Which isnt a bad thing just not what he was looking for. He also felt like Vandy was a more diverse school from the aspect of everyone being from across the country where the most of the people were from Virginia. Again they have just as many out of state kids but the majority of the kids are from Va. Again not bad. Vandy also has smaller class sizes than UVa. The professors are very friendly and he went to lunch with everyone of his profs his first semester for an one on one. He also made a prosthetic arm for a patient his first semester and actually worked with the patient and his parents. Cool. Last Vandy does a great job of getting their freshman together for activities and involved with the campus and school. He felt at UVa, he would just be a number.</p>

<p>Mits,</p>

<p>Yes, just before Thanksgiving, I was notified that I got the scholarship. I submitted the application, did the interview, and received the teacher recommendations in late September. I'm not sure what more you'd like to know but I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have. Good luck to your son!</p>

<p>2009grad; thanks for responding back so quick. First of all let me say congrats on getting the Navy scholarship..awesome job! </p>

<p>Here are my list of questions: I know that per the scholarship application you have to list in order your school choices. Did that make a difference?</p>

<p>I know you got the notice before Thanksgiving but when did you apply?</p>

<p>Did you contact the Dets at those schools? Do you think it made a difference in receiving the scholarships?</p>

<p>Lastly, I'm curious to know what your stats are, i.e. GPA, school size, etc.
Just to get a feel of what my son needs to strive for..</p>

<p>Thanks in advance</p>

<p>Mits,</p>

<p>I sent you a PM.</p>