<p>wanderers, agree…Cringe worthy post re UPenn, Cornell and JHU being much better schools. oy.
Good luck getting in to Vanderbilt. Good luck getting into the Ivies. Vanderbilt has more merit scholarships than the Ivies and Hopkins and I wish you the best of luck with your merit essays. Vanderbilt has fantastic need aid, as do all the Ivies.</p>
<p>I notice you made the state symphony orchestra and as the parent of two classical musicians, I know that is a significant achievement. I hope you are getting clear on your future plans re maintaining on your instrument. You have to audition for the Vanderbilt Orchestra after you move into the dorms if you are not a Blair student. Sounds like you could earn a chair and that might be great fun for you. Because Vandy and Hopkins and Rice have conservatories, the orchestra is selective and has high standards for practice hours.</p>