<p>I am going to be a senior next year, and I was planning on applying to Duke ED, but the more I research Vandy the more I like it. I am planning on doing premed and minoring in music. Duke and Vandy seem like very similar schools. Can someone briefly compare the two? I know Vandy has a great music school, what about Duke’s?</p>
<p>Vandy’s music program is better than Duke’s. Duke has some solid musicians, but it’s basically students who see music as a hobby and are more focused on their first major. At Vandy, there’s probably a larger number of individuals who actually want to go into music as a career. But since you said you’re pre-med, that shouldn’t be too grave of a concern and Duke will provide ample opportunities for those musically-inclined. </p>
<p>Overall, the schools are more similar than different, but they have a slightly different feel. While the Greek system is sizable at both schools, at Vandy it’s HUGE and more hierarchical/competitive (especially sororities; not sure if you’re a guy or girl). At Duke, it’s still a decent contingent of individuals but it’s not nearly on the same level as Vandy. Some like the more traditional “southern” Greek system at Vandy, while at Duke it’s more “relaxed,” I’d say (although there are still a few chapters at Duke that are more intense). Speaking of Southern tendencies, most would consider Vanderbilt more southern in flair than Duke, although they’re both national schools that have decent regional diversity. The major diversity difference is the lack of Asians at Vandy - not sure why, but at Duke about 1/4 of the class is Asian. At Vandy, it’s like 10%. So, there 2.5 times more Asians at Duke than Vanderbilt. Both have big time sports cultures (SEC football, although Vanderbilt is traditionally terrible, while Duke basketball is always good) and have a work hard/play hard reputation. On that front, Vandy is probably more known for it’s crazy parties than Duke - I guess this is a byproduct of the intense Greek life at Vanderbilt. Note that these are simplifications of actuality and most people would be perfectly happy and find like-minded individuals at either institution.</p>
<p>Nashville is a great town with a vibrant music and food scene. Durham is better than most people give it credit for (decent shops, restaurants, culture, things nearby), but it’s still not at Nashville’s level of interest and culture. On the academic front, Duke has a bit more prestige and is a little bit more selective, but Vanderbilt is no slouch and either should prepare you well for medicine. Having the medical center adjacent to the main campus at Duke, though, is a great advantage when it comes to doing undergraduate research. I’m not sure the setup at Vanderbilt, but that’s something I would inquire about since the prevalence of undergrad research is certainly a huge plus at Duke for getting into good med schools.</p>
<p>I’d recommend visiting both and seeing the vibe of the universities and where you think you’d enjoy more. Good luck!</p>
<p>From what I know, Vandy is great with the sciences (not to say Duke isn’t but thats what Vandy is known for). Vandy and Duke are known for great academics and sports, so thats a similarity. Duke is more competitive at BBall though, and Vandy’s football isn’t great and Bball is pretty good. Nashville is a bit nicer than Durham too. Vandy has music and sciences, duke is a bit more respected in the finance world, but you can’t go wrong with either. Visit both schools, and then if one sticks out a lot, apply ED (Vandy has two round of ED btw). If one doesn’t stick out, maybe RD is the best option.</p>