<p>I know these threads are obnoxious, but I am in a serious dilemma. I put my deposit into wash u, but was accepted off the waitlist by UVa and Vandy. I love all three schools, but only took a strong second look at Wash U because it was the only one of the three to which I had been accepted. I really liked the school when I visited, but it's hard to close the door on these other two great schools that I like as well. Does anyone have any advice?</p>
<p>I picked Echols@UVa over Vandy. I was waitlisted at WashU, but I prob wouldve picked UVa over them regardless.</p>
<p>I think UVa has the best balance in terms of academics and social life. Im not too familiar with Vandy, but Ive heard similar sentiments. Also Vandy and WashU have larger amounts of grade deflation compared to UVa, while still remaining on the same level of academic prestige.</p>
<p>I’m no expert, but just my two cents.</p>
<p>wow,bman…wouldn’t want my kid to be in your shoes…um, maybe tell us a little more about yourself so we can help…I love all three of these, so may need a little more info to help you…</p>
<p>If you choose UVA or Vandy off the waitlist, all you lose is your deposit at WashU. My D was accepted to all 3-UVA Echols out of state,WashU and Vandy and decided to stay close to home and attend Vandy. She has been very happy living 15 minutes from home and really acted like she lived far away-no coming home on weekends to do laundry,etc.</p>
<p>i had the same dilemma: UVA echols, washu, or vandy, (plus davidson) and im heading to vandy next year. Washu just didnt seem “alive” enough to me, and when i visited UVA i learned, despite the fact that its a midsize school, how big it really is. I felt like id only be a number at UVA, where at vandy id have an identity, and an easier time making a name for myself. Washu seemed to be filled with people like me, UVA had fantastic campus, spirit, and history, and vandy had southern charm and undergraduate focus. I love all three schools, and would be happy attending any of them, but in the end vandy just had the winning combination, and i feel like id be happier there. just my thoughts.</p>
<p>St. Louis is a miserable town…
If you want a city feel with an intimate college, pick Vandy.
If you want a college town feel, pick UVa.
Otherwise they’re pretty similar, though I guess it also depends on you.</p>
<p>Why is STL a miserable town?
The reason I’m tempted to stay with my choice of Wash U is that I feel like Vandy and UVa are completely dominated by the Greek system. I know Vandy is that way considering my brother, dad, and mom went there. </p>
<p>I felt like Wash U was more diverse all around (types of people, ethnically, academically).
Why did Wash U not feel “alive” compared to Vandy or UVa?</p>
<p>o and it should be noted that vandy gave me 14k more in aid than wash u. im still able to afford wash u, but that ability to afford it isn’t comfortable.</p>
<p>I think that Vandy is only dominated by the Greeks if you allow it to be that way. My D just spent 4 years there and didn’t once regret remaining a GDI and had no lack of a social life.</p>
<p>We looked at WashU with our D and S and in neither case did it feel as welcoming or lively as Vandy. Obviously I’m biased but with good reason. I thought the park across from WashU was a very nice feature as were the pro sports but other than that Nashville and it’s proximity to Vandy’s campus were a major plus as well.</p>
<p>at wash u, i know there is a greek presence, but also a party scene/strong social scene through other venues like KWUR(the radio station which im tentatively signed up for a pre-o program). At vandy, it seems like the other presences on campus simply arent as strong. ofcourse this is all impressions from when i visited (several times for family weekends, etc) and stories of my bro/ parents.</p>
<p>I’m not suggesting that there isn’t a vibrant greek scene but some would suggest that if you aren’t greek there is no hope for a social life and I have to humbly disagree. I can’t speak to UVA at all but my personal opinion, and that’s all it is, is that Vandy eats WashU’s lunch when taken in its entirety. Opinions will vary however.</p>
<p>Wash U, UVa and Vanderbilt are all great schools; most accepted students would be happy at all of them, because they wouldn’t have been accepted if they weren’t bright, and involved in their high school communities. One of these universities is not better than the other; however one might be a better fit for a particular individual. Go with your gut…and congratulations on whichever school you choose.</p>