<p>At my NYC public magnet, Vanderbilt was considered an elite school for those who want a more social atmosphere(Greek and otherwise) in a southern locale. All going there would mean is that someone wanted an elite school experience in the south…much like going to UVA, College of William and Mary, UNC-Chapel Hill, Rice, etc. </p>
<p>Duke is one exception for 2 reasons:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>In the early-mid '90s, Duke vaulted up to the top 5 in USNWR rankings so plenty of folks who were admitted to HYPSMC schools were flat out rejected by Duke. </p></li>
<li><p>Nearly everyone who attended Duke or who’s from the area remarked it’s a “Northern elite school located in North Carolina”.</p></li>
</ol>