<p>It would seem like a tough decision at first (both southern schools in major cities, ranked 17th and 19th, roughly the same number of undergrads, etc), but after visiting both I have to say Vanderbilt would be my choice (and, as it so happens, actually is my choice).</p>
<p>First, the money: $10,000 is never anything to sneeze at (unless you're Donald Trump of course).</p>
<p>Both Emory and Vanderbilt have great pre-med programs, with the benefit of major research hospitals nearby. You can go to a top-notch med school no matter which one you choose (assuming you do well, and assuming you can afford it, which is where the $10,000 comes in).</p>
<p>To me, Nashville just seems more appealing than Atlanta. It's somewhat smaller, but has all the same attractions (sports teams, clubs, internships, big-name musical acts), without the same reputation for crime. Plus, Vanderbilt is actually IN Nashville, whereas Emory is a twenty-minute bus ride from downtown, and has no off-campus attractions except Everybody's Pizza (which is, by the way, excellent).</p>
<p>I guess Emory's Italianate architecture is more visually appealing than Vanderbilt's brick buildings, but Vandy has more trees and green space, and is proud of its 3:1 squirrel-to-student ratio (no kidding!). Plus, Vandy's class of 2012 gets brand new dorms!</p>
<p>And last but not least, you'd be going to school with me and some other pretty awesome people. And, as has been noted, Vandy's girls kick the crap out of Emory's!</p>
<p>(My friend has to make the same choice, and he's visiting both for overnight stays. I'm using the same arguments on him as well ;). If you're still torn between the two, definitely visit both, if you haven't already.)</p>