<p>I was accepted to WashU, Rice, and Vanderbilt and am unsure where to go. I am from the Northeast, so they are all a good distance away. I am not sure what I want to major in, but possibly economics, political science, or international relations. I have yet to visit any of the three schools. Which one should I pick? I would appreciate input into both social and academic factors.</p>
<p>I can’t speak for the other two schools, but I have loved my experience as a political science major at Vanderbilt. The professors are accessible, active, and, if you are interested in research, offer plenty of opportunities. We receive regular emails about internships in Nashville and around the country.</p>
<p>We do not have an “international relations” major, but you could choose to concentrate your political science study in international relations or even create your own major.</p>
<p>Socially? I’ve had more fun the last 4 years than I thought possible. Nashville is a great town for young people (and if you would enjoy Greek life, you’ll enjoy Vandy).</p>
<p>bump…</p>
<p>ruchir12,</p>
<p>I recommend that you visit the schools. </p>
<p>You might consider investigating the differences in availability and type of housing offered after the freshman year. This is not a subject that a lot of prospective freshmen think about, but in the end it can be a significant factor in the undergraduate experience.</p>
<p>I don’t know much about Rice with regard to housing, but I believe Wash U does not guarantee or even encourage students to remain in on-campus housing after sophomore year. The last few years have seen a pretty serious housing crunch for students after freshman year. Vanderbilt wants to require all undergraduates to live on campus for all four years, but it fell a bit short for next year and some seniors will be living off campus. There is a variety of housing types on campus for soph/juniors/seniors. </p>
<p>The freshman housing arrangement differs for those three schools, also. Vanderbilt’s freshman housing is brand new, and the residential college approach for freshman is also brand new for them.</p>
<p>If you visit, ask questions about what comes after freshman year. Ask those questions at the housing office, not just the student tour guides.</p>
<p>I’m plugging for Rice!</p>
<p>thanks for the replies. any other thoughts?</p>
<p>Housing is a very big part of the Rice experience, due to the residential college system. Rice has no Greek system, as the colleges kind of take its place. All students are guaranteed housing for at least three years, but you may be forced to move off campus your sophomore or junior year. I love it, but if you’re considering Rice, you need to know that the college system is what you want.</p>
<p>bump…</p>
<p>I love both Vandy and Rice and am quite familiar with both. I am less familiar with WashU. Vandy and Rice are very similar academically- edge to Rice slightly in most areas. My daughter loved Houston, but edge to Nashville in my opinion. Both campuses are great. Vandy has a huge frat scene- Rice has none. Vandy has great SEC sports and it is a big part of the culture. Rice has a good baseball team but sports are not a big part of the Rice experience.</p>
<p>bumppppppppppppp</p>
<p>Go to either Rice or Vanderbilt. My non-Jewish friends at WashU do not like the school. Rice tends to better for introverts, Vandy for extroverts (although both could be happy at either).</p>
<p>bumpppppppppppp</p>
<p>bumpppppppppppppp</p>
<p>bumppppppppppppppppppppppp</p>
<p>“Rice tends to better for introverts, Vandy for extroverts (although both could be happy at either).”</p>
<p>I’m sorry but that’s laughably incorrect. Vandy may be great for extroverts, but I would NEVER say that introverts thrive more at Rice than extroverts.</p>
<p>bumppppppppppppp</p>
<p>Can you visit?</p>
<p>ruchir12</p>
<p>Can you tell us more about what you’re like? What you’re looking for (outside of academics) in a school?</p>
<p>I can visit, and am definitely planning to- I just wanted to get a general idea beforehand. </p>
<p>Outside of academics, I’m looking for a strong social life- but not so much drinking and partying and stuff. Any more thoughts?</p>
<p>ruchir,
“Strong social life” may mean different things to different people. Can you elaborate? Also, there was another thread that discussed some of the considerations for a strong social life and how they stack up at some top colleges. Maybe you’ll get something out of that discussion.</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/348753-ranking-social-life-usnwr-top-20-a.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/348753-ranking-social-life-usnwr-top-20-a.html</a></p>