pmrlcomm

I only know about Vandy as my D didn't consider Emory (no engineering program). I can tell you that Vandy is a terrific school, well respected and full of great people. That being said I'm sure the same can be said for Emory (her ex-BF goes to Emory and loves it). The greek scene at Vandy is really overblown. About 50% of the kids are greek but they don't have houses to live in. They stay in standard student housing so you don't get that big greek v. GDI's you get elsewhere. My daughter is not greek but still goes to frat parties on a regular basis. It is very apparent but not divisive.

If all things academic are equal (both have what you want to study) I think you have to visit both schools and decide where you feel most comfortable. 4 years is a long time. Saying any of the top 20 schools is so far above one or the other is almost impossible. The prestige and educational differences are minimal when you boil it down. I would say the same thing if you were debating Duke v. Rice. IMHO it comes down to where do you want to be. Atlanta and Nashville are both first rate cities...albeit Atlanta is much, much larger. Do you prefer a big city or something a little more quaint? If you have any questions please feel free to PM me.