<p>I'm going to stand the middle ground between this volley. First I wwant to point out to the OP that this is the Vandy forum and I have noticed that Vandy students are especially loyal to their school, which is certinaly not a bad thing</p>
<p>Vandy is definitely improving very rapidly, but it is still not up to U Penn standards</p>
<p>I think Amwidkkle and the various people I've talked to who have decided on Vandy at least somewhat validate my point that merit money is a very big attraction to vandy right now</p>
<p>Vandy is different from most places and it is for a certain student. Nashville is a very nice city, but it is also a very southern atmosphere. Vandy has a very active Greek scene. These are all things that some people absolutely love, but they also tend to scare others away.
It is my understanding from talking to people at Vandy and admissions people that Vandy is trying to change into a more diverse place where it will bring happiness and success to various people--including people who are not into sororities/frats and Southern culture.</p>
<p>I am seriously considering vandy, and I just visited this past weekend. The campus is indeed gorgeous, but the atmosphere is indeed very southern.</p>
<p>DarkHorse- what did you decide?</p>
<p>
[quote]
PS: the acceptance rate is great - awesome - but it won't mean anything unless the yield is equally as strong (we can blame it on the Common app and a GREAT Vandy admissions office). Sadly, I don't think it will merit the same enthusiasm.
[/quote]
Vanderbilt's had great yield in the past and I don't see how you can judge its yield for this year so far.</p>
<p>From JohnC613:</p>
<p>"I am seriously considering vandy, and I just visited this past weekend. The campus is indeed gorgeous, but the atmosphere is indeed very southern."</p>
<p>You mentioned that Vanderbilt is in the "South" has Southern culture is very southern and all kinds of different ways to charecterize the south. </p>
<p>Let me guess you decided against Vanderbilt. Right? There is nothing wrong with being exposed to southern culture. As if the admissions staff is going to fret about whether or not you "take" to the South. I guarentee that UPenn or Princeton or Harvard could care less if one doesn't "take" to the Northern culture. It is what it is and one has to adapt and get along with all types of people form all types of cultures. The South by the way is just about the coolest place I have ever been and I have been all over this country and in many other countries. So deal with it</p>
<p>I'm from New York and love the traditional feel of the school. People are articulate, well-dressed, and friendly.</p>
<p>I am a huge Vanderbilt fan and my daughter will be starting grad school there in the fall. My son took summer courses at Vanderbilt last year and is a Penn student. His girlfriend transferred from Vandy to Penn after her freshman year (before she met him). He thinks the classes at Penn are harder, although I don't think you can really judge from summer school. However, she had a whole year at Vanderbilt and thinks the Penn classes are a lot harder and the students are a little stronger academically. If it were me, I would weigh a lot of other factors in such as quality of campus life and sports and the nod would go to Vanderbilt. I think the academics are great and the people are nicer!</p>
<p>Hey, MOWC, we'll both have kids in Nashville this fall! My D is transferring to Vandy as a sophomore. She can't wait to start. What will your D be studying in grad school? </p>
<p>I think that those who point out that Vandy is working hard to increase the school's reputation are correct. The school is doing a great job of attracting very strong students from across the country. The southern tradition will still be there, of course, but the variety of students who are coming from other areas will bring a new & different flavor of their own to campus. I think that Vandy is on the verge of becoming a household name across the country (and not just for bowling :)).</p>
<p>jct30, "But for the things that matter the most" ... those things that matter the most to you do not necessarily matter the most to the next guy.</p>
<p>kelsmom- let's meet for coffee or lunch when you come to Nashville!</p>
<p>My daughter is a Postulant for the Episcopal priesthood and will be in Divinity School.</p>
<p>Oh, my, MomofWildChild ... a wild one & an angel!? How cool for your D. I would love to meet up when I come to town. Transfer move-in is August 20th, so look for a pm from me in August.</p>
<p>Awesome. I just got my Vandy basketball season tickets ordered. It was SO much fun last year. D and her almost-H (wedding is in 2 1/2 weeks) get staff/student tickets. He is starting his medical residency at Vanderbilt in a few weeks. We are so excited about it all.</p>