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how is vanderbilt seen in terms of overall reputation amongst its peers (ie. duke, chicago, northwestern etc...)?

By Optimystic (Optimystic) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 10:13 am: Edit

Let me preface this by saying that I am biased toward Vanderbilt.

This is based purely on college selectivity by the rankings a few years ago. My old research indicated (1) Duke, (2) Northwestern (3) Vanderbilt.

IMO, Vanderbilt is by far, most generous of the other two in terms of merit aid as they have a huge endowment. When they say yes, they mean yes to the students they accept.

I have a daughter who is a senior at Vanderbilt. She majors in Cellular and Molecular Biology and is getting an excellent education at Vandy. When she was deciding between Duke, Vanderbilt or Emory, Vanderbilt rolled out the red carpet with the most in merit scholarship. Vanderbilt and Duke share a great mutual respect for each other. I don't really know much about Northwestern except it is a great school. You really can't go wrong with any of these superior schools. I suggest you select a school based upon your field of study probably more than its reputation even though I would have to agree that reputation is very important. Good Luck! Go Vandy!

By Terrapin74 (Terrapin74) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 01:22 pm: Edit

thanks alot optymystic. i actually had a similar situation as your daughter did. I was choosing between Vandy, Cornell, and Duke. I decided on Vandy, at first a bit skeptical. But now I am confident I made the right choice. All three have superior reps, so you're right on the notion that you can't go wrong in choosing. Vandy has a huge advantage in being in Nashville, where students can apply their knowledge and experience gained at Vandy. I know for sure that considering I do well, when I apply for grad school, coming from Vanderbilt will definetley give me an advantage (as woould both other schools), which again aids that you can't go wrong with choosing from any of these top schools.

By Ellesotto (Ellesotto) on Sunday, November 16, 2003 - 02:59 pm: Edit

Vandy is a southern school and it shows in school culture, meaning that it's not as cosmopolitan. It's also quite conservative. If you come from a small/medium sized town in the south with somewhat conservative values you will probably like Vandy. But if you like big cities for college campuses because there are so many opportunities to explore and grow personally as well as academically, you'd be disappointed. So, here I disagree with the previous poster. There is nothing culturally redeeming in Nashville unless you happen to be at Vandy. The campus itself is a park-like setting, located in a safe, convenient part of the town less than 3 miles from the downtown, but public transportation is very limited; everyone drives in Nashville. The campus is trapezoid-like in shape and sits between two very busy highways (21st Avenue is quieter than West End Ave; there is no major foodstore within walking distance but there is a Kinko's and a Blockbuster very close to campus). The campus is pretty large but architecturewise buildings are not all that impressive--you'd definitely expect more; the trees are nice though. The libraries and computing facilities are quite nice. Athletic facilities are also nice, although at a far end of the campus--you'd have to drive. Two-thirds of the campus is occupied by med school buildings and hospitals--it's a med school powerhouse, also a major source of school revenues. Social life revolves around the greek system, so unless you like this system, you'll have a relative hard time to fit in or enjoy your social life. The students are not at all politically active and the student run newspaper really sucks a big time; but MANY students are rich. The best schools at Vandy are the Sch of Education (which has a separate campus--nicer but much smaller than the main campus), med school (pretty reputable nationwide), and law school (which, I guess, has only a regional recognition). Vandy overall has an excellent reputation in Nashville and is highly regarded in the South. So, if you plan to stay in the region after graduation, you can't go wrong with Vandy in most fields. If you strive for a greater national recognition, I think Duke, Chicago and Northwestern would be better choices.

By Macsuile (Macsuile) on Saturday, July 17, 2004 - 01:18 pm: Edit

Why are you guys comparing yourselves to Duke? That school has no traditions and no well-known alumni. Isn't that school less than 100 years old? Virginia or William & Mary would be better benchmarks for Southern schools. I think Duke has someone on the payroll at US News.

By Sokkermom (Sokkermom) on Saturday, July 17, 2004 - 02:09 pm: Edit

I think "Macsuile" was banned from the Duke thread! Just ignore his constant Duke bashing and constant William and Mary trolling. The guy still has an inferiority complex after supposedly graduating quite awhile ago. It is too bad he attended a school that he feels so desperately needs promoting today. (a school with not much recognition outside of the state of Virginia) What a sad life he must have! Who cares if Duke is not 100 years old? That has no significance at all in today's world! Duke is a great school with a great future.
I think Vanderbilt is also a great school with a great future.

By Macsuile (Macsuile) on Saturday, July 17, 2004 - 02:30 pm: Edit

Sokkermom/Sour Grapes:

Never said what school I attended. Sorry if my viewpoint makes you so defensive. Perhaps some of my statements come out a little strong but I truly believe some of these students need to have their opinions challenged. By the way, "methinks thou dost protest too much."

By Theguac (Theguac) on Saturday, July 17, 2004 - 02:32 pm: Edit

You told everyone and their mamas you attended W&M. Practically the entire country knows by now.

By Sokkermom (Sokkermom) on Saturday, July 17, 2004 - 02:38 pm: Edit

"methinks thou dost protest too much."

????

You have indeed stated elsewhere that you attended William&Mary. No one is bashing your alma mater. Why do you feeel so compelled to denegrate other schools?

By Macsuile (Macsuile) on Saturday, July 17, 2004 - 02:44 pm: Edit

As I said to "Thequac" in a related thread, I believe I stated elsewhere that "I would choose W&M" over some other schools. Are you guys the "Duke Police" or something? Why are you guys so touchy?

By Sokkermom (Sokkermom) on Saturday, July 17, 2004 - 03:11 pm: Edit

You may be misrepresenting yourself somewhere. That doesn't bode well for past or future credibility of any of your posts.


By Macsuile (Macsuile) on Friday, July 16, 2004 - 09:56 am: Edit


"...... I graduated years ago from William & Mary ........"