<p>Hello all, </p>
<p>I've been admitted to Notre Dame and recently UNC-Chapel Hill (in-state). I'm nervously awaiting a decision from Vanderbilt, and I just wanted to give the community an opportunity a share any insights about which of the three might be the wisest choice, assuming (perhaps too boldly) that Vanderbilt turns out for the best.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>PS- Ive never used cc before so apologies if I posted this in the wrong place or did something stupid.</p>
<p>Hmm, well I don’t know a lot about ND, but it seems pretty different from UNC and Vandy. However, UNC and Vanderbilt, imo, are really similar. I’m also an in-state UNC admit, so I’m in a somewhat similar situation. One thing is location, comparing Nashville and Chapel Hill might help you narrow it down quite a bit, as Nashville is much larger than Chapel Hill. They both have similar cultures, though, within the schools. If money is a consideration, I’d definitely choose UNC, though.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input! Just to add some extra detail btw, Im planning on majoring in education and feel like the Edu School at Vandy is pretty well regarded.</p>
<p>It is very well regarded, but as someone who is working in education, I can tell you that you certainly don’t want to start out in this profession with debt. Both are fine schools, so I would go with whatever leaves you in the best situation financially, especially considering that you will have to go to grad school.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. Assuming that financial aid is roughly the same, do you think that either one might be a better “launch pad” to EdD programs and the like?</p>
<p>If the money is the same, you should pick your social/emotional fit. There is something in the water or is it the air that makes Chapel Hill one of the Magical College campuses in America. ie have you ever met a Chapel Hill grad that doesn’t get a little misty-eyed about their four years there? Networking can help if you want to teach in the South or in North Carolina.<br>
Re level of difficulty…if you can get admitted to Vandy where there is no (IMHO) bottom quartile, they think you can do the work and make good grades. Vanderbilt is a tough school with everyone in it strong academically. Vanderbilt is markedly more of a national/international student body since UNC has by law an 18% cap on OOS students. If you want to attend a college with a national footprint, then definitely come to Accepted Student days at Vandy and give it a look over. You would be getting what others pay over 50 grand a year for at a bargain price if the cost of attendance is similar. Vanderbilt is in a city not just a college town. Vanderbilt has a long history of good clinical placements for student teaching in Nashville. But I agree with Moonmaid. Do not take on debt for Vandy as a future teacher. Instead distinguish yourself at Chapel Hill if there is a serious cost differential.<br>
ND is a great experience I am sure if it is a fit for you on an emotional level.<br>
Good luck with the “problem” you may face should you have these three options…all good. I know someone waitlisted at Chapel Hill instate so be pleased that you have the choice of attending one of America’s great publics regardless.</p>
<p>I really appreciate the advice. If I get into Vandy, I’ll definately visit and give it a fair chance. Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>If Vandy is not in the cards for you for any reason, consider Peabody for your grad degree! Named number one for its wonderful graduate programs in education in the USA again this year. I have a friend who just finished her PhD there in an Education Policy degree. best wishes</p>
<p>Notre Dame is an amazing place - but you have to visit to get an accurate feel for it. we went and are not Catholic, but were totally blown away by the facilities and feeling that campus has. ND grad’s are also those who get misty-eyed when discussing their 4 years. I bet almost all ND grads still wear the stuff and follow the teams. Any ND grad would have people to network with in all fields. Didn’t their business school just get ranked #1 by Business Week for the second year in a row? Serious academics, but serious fun, too. No Greek system, but kids live in the same dorm for 4 years (can change, if necessary). Each dorm is like a fraternity or sorority and has all the same parties, projects, etc. ND has the best intramural sports program in the country and is the only school to have intramural full-contact, full-pads football. How fun is that???</p>
<p>South Bend is not too great, Chapel Hill is great, Nashville is amazing. I have 2 kids who went to Vanderbilt and had 4 great years with kids from all over the country and all over the world. One was in Peabody - she loved it. I would highly recommend the experience to anyone who can foot the bill. However, my 3rd kid absolutely LOVED ND - can’t say enough…go visit!</p>