<p>I am thinking about applying to vanderbilt but I have heard that it is a really big party school. I am relatively social and would love to join a sorority, but I am worried that I wouldn't fit in with any of the sororities because I do care about school a lot and won't want to party all the time. Are there sororities at Vanderbilt where I would fit in? I don't think I would want to be independent but at the same time I want to make sure I am hanging out with down to earth people who are studious but like to do things on weekends!</p>
<p>Vanderbilt is academic first and social second. There’s a huge party scene but it’s a work hard play hard culture- we ALL care about school a lot. GPA is actually really important to sororities, both when you are rushing and after joining- some sororities even have required study hours for members who are below a certain GPA.</p>
<p>You certainly will not be out of place if you focus on school and only want to go out on weekends.</p>
<p>Vanderbilt is a social school in the sense that if you are the type of person that NEVER goes out and studies 7 days a week you will definitely be left out. I would say this type of person is about 10-15% of the people here. Everyone else on the spectrum (Going out 1x a week to going out 5-7x a week) is welcome and can gain a lot from coming to Vandy.</p>
<p>You sound like most students at Vandy. Academics come first and students work hard. Most will do fun things on weekends…after they finish their school work. As for the party scene, it’s more than other top 20 schools but nothing compared to many state flagships.</p>
<p>esiwell1222</p>
<p>im in the same boat as you!!
I love vanderbilt but im a little hesitant that its too much of a party school- can someone elaborate on the balance between work and school, and if it has a negative party school vibe?</p>
<p>also is it possible to join a sorority and be on the pre-med track at vandy?</p>
<p>^ i meant to say reputation instead of vibe***</p>
<p>You can easily be any major and be in a sorority. Sororities aren’t a huge time commitment. You can choose to be more/less involved in your sorority as it fits your schedule.</p>
<p>The balance between work and school is absolutely whatever you make it. Everyone finds their own balance, whether that means going out once a week or going out 4 times a week. No matter what night it is, whether you decide to go to frat row or go to the library, you certainly will not be alone in your decision.</p>
<p>I don’t know what a “negative party school reputation” – Vanderbilt is known for incredible academics and is also a fantastic party school, so I guess that answers that.</p>
<p>Have to agree with Pancaked…my sophomore pre-med engineer Greek daughter is very involved with other on campus activities, but truthfully she studies her a** off and has the grades to show for it. The sororities all come 2nd to academics (all of her suite/roommates are in different houses and it’s pretty much the same across the board.) </p>
<p>The only thing she really couldn’t find a way to do is continue as a varsity athlete–which was fine, we were paying her full-way anyway and she appreciates the extra sleep (at least, that’s what she tells me…as far as having fun–pretty sure she’s got that covered too.)</p>
<p>It’s all about balance. Once you figure it out, you’ll be fine.</p>
<p>thanks so much everybody, all of these posts were extremely helpful! Any other answers are welcomed!</p>
<p>I was worried about the exact same thing. If you want a short answer, yes a nerd or anyone else who is intelligent and ambitious could fit in at Vanderbilt. However, it depends upon what exactly you mean by “fit in”. If you want to have a large social network and a place with plenty of “nerd culture” you won’t find this. The campus is not especially friendly to this “nerd culture” and if you want this you probably should avoid coming here.</p>
<p>However, if by nerd you mean someone who does not party and stays in the library five hours a day, you will be fine. There are plenty of people who don’t get drunk and would rather not go to the frats and such. I have not been to a frat party or bar at Vandy and really have no desire to. However, I have four or five close friends and lots of other acquaintances who I have regular pleasant conversations with. You don’t have to “go out” to bars, you can go to one of the five nearby sushi places, pizza, fro yo, a concert, a museum, a theater, or many other different things.</p>
<p>So, in conclusion, if you want a place where “nerd culture” is the norm don’t come here, you won’t like it. However, if you don’t mind being a unique part of a multifaceted student body you should definitely consider Vanderbilt. You certainly won’t be devoid of friends just because you don’t like traditional parties.</p>