Amherst vs. Vanderbilt vs. Michigan

Alexandre
Sat, 07 Apr 2018 20:03:31 +0000

“Overall Prestige:
Vanderbilt > Amherst > Michigan”

Not really, they are all prestigious in their own way. Overall, I would say they are equally prestigious.

“IB Placement:
Michigan > Amherst > Vanderbilt”

If your son graduates from Ross, yes. Otherwise, they are all about the same when it comes to IB placement.

“Quality of Life/Location:
Vanderbilt > Michigan > Amherst”

I am not sure it is possible to compare those three schools. All of them offer great experiences in their own, very different ways. Which one appeals most to your son?

“Also, he got into Michigan’s undergraduate school of Arts and Sciences, not business. Does this matter? Is this school worst than Mich’s business school for IB placement?”

Yes. IB recruitment at Ross is extremely potent (second to Wharton among undergraduate business programs). LSA would present no advantage over Amherst of Vanderbilt.

“Is Amherst that much more of a target school than Vanderbilt to sacrifice the quality of life?”

I do not think so.

“How overbearing is Greek life at Vandy? My S is unsure about joining a fraternity.”

I will leave that question to a Vandy student/alum.

“Lastly, how do these schools fare in terms of placement into top Graduate Business School (e.g. Wharton)?”

About the same.