HELP! Umich vs Vanderbilt

College Search & Lists
1

I’m a California student who was happily committed to the University of Michigan. I’m currently in LSA planning to study Cognitive Science on the Computation and Cognition track (possible double major in international studies/minor in CS).

BUT, I was just offered admission at Vanderbilt University off the waitlist, and now have no idea what to do with 72 hours to respond. I was admitted to the Communication of Science and Tech major and would look into double majoring in Cog Sci in the Peabody School.

Both schools have big pros and cons for me personally, looking out now to see any other perspectives/comparisons others might have.

Thank you!!

2

First of all, congratulations on your acceptance to both universities! Both are excellent schools, so what may be a pro for one person may be a con for another. Have you been able to visit both?

Here are some points of interest and possible differences:

  1. Cost What is the bottom line cost of attendance for you at each institution? As they are both top notch, I think I would have to go with the least expensive option, especially since you wish to double major.
  2. Location (weather, activities) UMich: (cold, brutal winters) but pleasant fall and late spring. This could be quite an adjustment from you coming from California. Detroit isn't too far for some fun things to do. Chicago would be about a 4 hr drive but totally doable for a weekend trip. Vanderbilt in Nashville, TN : very hot summers, but great fall and spring, winters are variable from mild to moderate. The campus is literally downtown. Nashville is a thriving city with a lot to do. Largest cities within 2-4 hrs are Memphis and Atlanta.
  3. Enrollment UMich: 30,000 undergrads Vanderbilt: 7,000 undergrads
  4. Athletics/student life UMich: big athletic scene, tons of school spirit Vanderbilt: scarce attendance and enthusiasm from students and community

Hard to say that you could go wrong with either choice. Good luck with your decision!

3

Computation, CS, International relations all would favor UM, if you’re in a tie.

4

My kid is attending UMich and we’re from the SF Bay Area. Having looked at the weather app on my phone most days during the academic calendar, I’d say the weather is like Lake Tahoe without as much sun, 20’s at night and 30’s during the day.

For humorous purposes, I send screen shots on our weather here in our locale and also A2 and the temp can be very similar some winter mornings.

But don’t get me wrong, a couple years ago, my kid”s freshman year, A2 was in the Polar Vortex and the temp got down -11, but the OSU-UMich b-ball game was sold out. So students and residents just deal with it.

School spirit is off the chart at UMich. There are a ton of UMich alums and their kids here in the Bay Area. Wear some UM paraphernalia when running or out and about and you’ll hear “Go Blue” a lot.

5

I’d consider them academic peers. I’d certainly consider affordability and after that go to the college you prefer.