<p>So, I got into UNC EA, and received absolutely nothing else from them. No scholarship and no Honors, which is something I am still somewhat bitter about. I realize it is is kind of stupid to hold a grudge about that, especially after talking to some of my friends that are already in the Honors Program that do not like it because of how limiting the class choices are.
On the other hand, I got 3/4 tuition from Vandy and was accepted into their Honors program.
I have visited both schools, and I liked the feel of UNC better. It is also far away enough from home that my parents cannot come and drop by whenever they want to, which is a definite plus. I also liked the fact that there is so much to do there, even if I don't want to party.
However, the money from Vandy is kind of hard to ignore. The new dorms that they will have are amazing, but I don't like the rumors of the overwhelming Greek life and active party scene. It is also in Nashville, and I have been trying to avoid staying in the deep south, just because I've grown up there.
I'm just trying to get some unbiased opinions from people that do not really know me, to try to get a feel for what decision to make. I guess I am looking for a college experience with great academics and opportunities to enjoy all four years. It looks like Vandy and UNC are my final two. I got into Bama, Florida, Miami, Southern Cal, Emory, Washington in St. Louis, Duke, NYU, UCLA, and UC Berkeley as well, but I don't have too much interest in going to those financially speaking now. Anyway, all advice would be appreciated.</p>
<p>Vanderbilt is stronger academically and offers a better undergraduate experience (small classroom sizes, better resources, professors you can eat lunch with, etc). The money just makes the decision even easier (save the debt for grad school).</p>
<p>what they said
keep in mind though that those "rumors" about overwhelming greek life and big parties are true</p>
<p>yea...these are my top 2 for 09. are their big parties at both? is one more nerdy and studious, or is there a good balance at both?</p>
<p>Both school have good social scenes. Vanderbilt is private and has more of a community feel. I'd rather have the personalized attention and great classroom discussions at Vanderbilt, than be in a lecture hall at a large public university. College is about meeting new people and exchanging ideas. At Vanderbilt, you meet life experiences from all over the country. UNC will have the vast majority of kids coming from one state. Not even a close call, in my opinion.</p>
<p>i am also apprehensive about the greek scene. but just by talking a lot of people and by looking through the facebook posts, i have seen that there is a good 1/3-1/2 people who have no interest in the greek scene. I have also noticed it is rather polarized.</p>
<p>anyhow, I will be visiting soon. I also got nothing from UNC except honors, so I'm not even considering it. My decision is between vandy and emory</p>
<p>I lived in a six person suite in Towers (mixed with Greeks and independents). Its really not a big deal.</p>
<p>UNC/Vandy both have lots of school spirit. But Emory doesn't really have the same school pride/enthusiasm.</p>
<p>Out here on the West Coast, Vanderbilt gets the nod. Definitely better reputation all around. Good luck with your visits.</p>