<p>my son is also in a Mayfield Lodge and could not be busier or happier. He already has a very good summer internship lined up in a big city and we are kind of surprised with the level of faculty support he has already received as a sophomore. The Greek party scene is a dissonant scene for his personality although he has escorted a girl or two to parties if asked to do so. He attends many parties that are related to the two or three things he is most interested in on campus and he has a hard time saying “no” to the many social options he is invited to weekly. </p>
<p>whether or not 60 grand in more cash or loans registers with your family as a sacrifice is a personal matter but I agree that it is too much for a student to shoulder for an undergrad degree unless your family will take it on as a shared burden/decision. The student body at Vanderbilt is 60% independent and most independents are self directed people who create their own social lives very ably. </p>
<p>Duke has a great biomedical engineering track and also has a pretty prominent Greek scene, at least those who are Greek feel it is very prominent, and I am talking about my eldest son’s rather skewed perspective as a Greek Duke grad. I am pretty sure that the independents at Duke don’t see things through his eyes. Durham is not half as fun as Nashville for an independent student IMHO. </p>
<p>Congrats on your offers and good luck with your final decision. Be happy!
oh yeah. and thanks to midmo for posting about the Mayfield Lodges a few seasons ago…turned out to be a great choice for our son</p>