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Hi! I was applying to Vanderbilt because I knew that it was a good school ,and because it offered everything that I wanted a school to have. I have done a little more research on the school and have not found anything particularly exciting about the school. Could any alumni fill me in on what I am missing.

By Frizzbug (Frizzbug) on Wednesday, December 31, 2003 - 09:05 am: Edit

bump

By Interesteddad (Interesteddad) on Wednesday, December 31, 2003 - 01:23 pm: Edit

The most exciting thing to me would be Vandy's location. It is located in a vibrant part of a really interesting city. Tons and tons of stuff to do within walking distance of campus, particularly in the musical vein.

Yet, the campus is still largely self-contained and doesn't have the feel of an "urban" campus like a Boston U or an NYU.

My daughter had a considerable amount of communication from Vanderbilt. I would rank them in the top 3 as far as friendliness in their communications (Emory and Davidson being the others).

By Frizzbug (Frizzbug) on Thursday, January 01, 2004 - 12:24 am: Edit

thanks

By Bananabean (Bananabean) on Saturday, January 03, 2004 - 04:02 pm: Edit

I live in the area and have been a student at Vandy's Blair School of Music for a long, long time. I'm not actually an undergrad at Vandy, but I was able to take some courses there through my high school last semester.

Vandy has a gorgeous campus and there is lots of money around (however, their football team is pretty bad haha).

All of my friends at Vandy love the place--however, just from my classes there, I'd have to say that it is NOT the place for everyone. Many Vandy students (not all) are extremely well-off financially and come from private high schools, so sometimes there's a bit of tension.

Unlike NYC or Boston, Nashville does not have a subway system (there is a bus system...but not many people use it). Many students choose to bring cars after their freshman year. The campus is huge compared to, say, most Northeastern colleges.

The area in which Vandy is located is great. It is about 10 minutes from everything in the city (if you have access to a car). Anyway, I'd suggest a visit before applying.

By Meredith (Meredith) on Monday, January 05, 2004 - 04:37 pm: Edit

I know three guys and one girl that love Vanderbilt and two girls that hate it and are in the process of transfering. The biggest criticism I have heard is that it is "too southern." The girls that are transfering are edgy, liberal Northeasterners, not sorority, preppy party types. Anyone have any thoughts on this criticism?

By Interesteddad (Interesteddad) on Monday, January 05, 2004 - 11:18 pm: Edit

As a general observation, "edgy, liberal Northeasterners" look down their noses at anything south of Philadelphia or west of Albany.

By Mnm86 (Mnm86) on Tuesday, January 06, 2004 - 10:43 pm: Edit

though some may be condescending...as a northeastern liberal, i'd say that most (myself included) misunderstand southern culture. i'd imagine it's quite a culture shock compared to the northeast, and that some may not feel capable of adapting. don't jump to the conclusion that these girls necessarily look down on southern culture.