<p>Would enjoy general comparisons, but specifically concerned about the fit for D, who is a fun & very social non-drinker. How significantly (if at all) might this impact her college experience, at these schools in particular? Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>Hi, @mamator!</p>
<p>Both Vanderbilt and Wake have a significant Greek presence and many people who go to Wake also looked at Vanderbilt. I also applied to Vanderbilt & was waitlisted. Although I don’t remember too much about it, I know that it is certainly larger and is allegedly more Greek-centric than Wake is. </p>
<p>Good luck with the decision!</p>
<p>I would say vandy</p>
<p>Mamator,</p>
<p>A couple of thoughts because I just toured both:</p>
<p>Vandy seems more diverse to me. It is such a tough school to get accepted to that it clearly has ALL KINDS of students. Plus it’s in Nashville which has some 18-year old bars that don’t serve alcohol. There are lots of sporting events, lots of clubs, lots of kids. The kids seem to have a lot going on around campus and off campus. It only Greek officer houses, which is nice because Greek life didn’t feel exclusive. I don’t know if there is that “close-knit” community. </p>
<p>The really cool thing about WF is that students live on campus for 3 years so there must be a very close-knit community but I’m not sure. Can anyone at WF answer about the spirit of the school? Is it a community? </p>
<p>Both seem very academically elite and have that “air” about them but Vandy seems a bit high pressure. But Wake Forest has the reputation of Work Forest – which I think the students are proud of, right? Again, I think if both schools are highly selective, there must be lots of kids are there for a traditional college experience that includes dorm life, dining halls, late night studying in the library.</p>
<p>Last comment… I don’t being Greek has to by synonymous with drinking.</p>
<p>Vanderbilt has much better academics. It is a much better school than Wake in my opinion. Due to the larger size at Vanderbilt, the campus has better offerings socially and academically to keep students busy.</p>
<p>Studybuddy1 is pretty far off in his/her assertion. By no means does Vanderbilt have ‘much better academics.’ Wake’s undergraduate academics are on par with any school’s. It’s undergraduate teaching and rigor are exceptional and rival Vandy without the slightest doubt. Yes, in terms of rankings and possibly prestige, Vandy may be given the slight edge. However, Wake’s rankings speak for themselves, whether it be overall or something like it’s strong business school ranking. Oh, and if you haven’t looked, google Wake’s new business school, and let me know if that may not give Wake a bit of a ‘boost’ in that ranking.</p>
<p>thanks for your thoughtful replies, everyone! it was a tough decision, but my D chose vanderbilt. the thought was that there is just so much more to do on & off campus that, as a non-drinker, she won’t ever feel like Cinderella, sitting at home while everyone else is at the ball! if wake had been in Nashville or its equivalent, I think she would have chosen wake, but the combination of smaller school & winston-salem just added up to too few extracurricular options for her. we did really love wake, though & it will always hold a special place in our hearts.</p>
<p>@mamator: I’m sad that your daughter did not pick Wake, but it sounds like Vanderbilt was the choice for her. Honestly, both are great schools, and a lot of people have that very same decision. Best of luck with everything! Congratulations</p>