<p>Posted this in another thread about the same topic, started by the OP. Thought I'd repost here wahere others are also ponerign this issue:</p>
<p>There are plusses and minuses to both. For us, while I would perhaps have preferred, all things being completely equal (which, unlike ERPMom, they are not-- congrats to her child!) that s picked Vandy over Tulane, it is for silly reasons:
1) Vandy is closer to home for us-- just a few hours driving distance. Easier to get to and from.
2) I think there are more off-campus stores, restaurants, bars etc. within walking distance to Vandy than to Tulane.
3) I think Vandy is a slightly prettier campus than Tulane, and I think it is safer to walk around off campus in some of the area immediately surrounding Vandy than Tulane.
4) The brand spanking new freshman residence college at Vandy sounds wonderful. The freshman dorms at Tulane are a bit, shall we say, underwhelming. The main dining hall also seemed nicer at Vandy than Tulane. There were other dining options at both, but comparing the main ones to each other, Vandy's was newer and "prettier", if that matters.
5) I agree, Vandy is probably more "prestigious" than Tulane, but I was pleasantly surprised by the faculty, undergrad and grad students that I met at Tulane. I truly believe serious student will make it fine, and seek out what they want, almost anywhere they go.
6) Though both schools are Div I schools, sports are bigger at Vandy than Tulane.</p>
<p>OK - as for Tulane:
1) While Tulane has a greek life (30% of students are greek at Tulane), it is less omnipresent than at Vandy. Tulane seems more laid back than Vandy-- less social "pressure" . My s plans to enjoy the frat parties, but may not pursue the greek life. This seems more do-able at Tulane (JMO)
2) Personally, I prefer jazz to country music, so if I had to choose with respect to off campus/city resources, give me jazz over country music (sorry mowc!)
3) For us, and my s, the required community service at Tulane is a draw. He is very involved in Community Service here and plans to continue it in NOLA. The fact that every student is expected (aka required) to participate in Community Service brings a sense of community to the school, and just feels right. You don't have to "seek out" opportunities. The community service programs are very well established at Tulane.
4) The way the campus is laid out at Tulane, there is a main "drag" (McAllister) where the students walk/bike from dorms/dining hall to many classes or the bookstore or to the new (beautiful) exercise facility, etc. It is a "natural" emmersion of the students. While there are classrooms and facilities elsewhere, it is less "spread out". The way it is set up, students will naturally run into each other a lot more often with the design of Tulane than at Vandy, where the dorms are more spread out, the freshman campus is several minutes awey, etc. At one point, walking up McAllister to the academic quad was like walking on the streets of NYC. Very vibrant- some hustle bustle, some laid back, some on bikes, some walking, but the momentary "congestion" between classes was actually enjoyable. That was something my s talked about wanting to experience-- frequently running into people he knew while walking around.
5) Tulane,while suffering some of the academic/staff losses after Katrina in 2005, is certainly bouncing back, and the sense of community is very strong. Even though after next year (graduating class of 2009), none of the students on campus will have been there at the time of Katrina, there is a clear, stronger sense of community. It isn't a sports team kind of community, it is a "we've been through a lot" kind of community, if that makes sense.
6) NOLA is clearly a quirky city. Interesting people, food, culture, language, etc. Quite unique. When we were there, there wa as HUGE funeral going on for the founder of Popeye's chicken/Copelands/Cheesecake Bistro who had unfortunately just passed away. The funeral was at a Church that was part of Loyola (just next to Tulane) and it was quite a spectacle. There had also just been a Tennesse Williams Festival in the French Quarter, with lots of characters yelling "Stellaaaa!" in all sorts of garbs and get-ups. Just a hoot. From what I understand, with the exception of Mardi Gras (for which the University actually closes for 2 days and encourages the students to experience) , Tulane students don't spend much time down in the French quarter. Its touristy and expensive. That said, with the trolleys runing again (they are so cute and always full) transportation is easy with little need for a car.</p>
<p>There is probably more, but these are the first that come to mind. Hope this helps!</p>