<p>Who’s making the decisions about where you’ll apply/attend? I’m not criticizing, just asking. In some families, the decision may hinge on the parents’ dislike of a particular city - though I don’t really think that should be on a list of “15 most important factors in deciding where to go to school.” Do you think your parents fear that you’ll be too distracted by all that Nashville has to offer? How long did they spend there? Nashville’s got a thriving nightlife and music scene, but there are many other aspects to it - cultural, recreational, historical, etc. They should have visited Bicentennial Park - one of the most amazing public parks I’ve ever seen - for an idea of Nashville’s history, etc. Maybe then they’d have seen that it’s more than a party city.</p>
<p>Not many people would think that Providence offers more as an urban center. It’s hard to get into Brown, but it’s become increasingly hard to get into Vandy. Can you apply to both and decide later? If your parents are concerned about all the partying opportunities at Vanderbilt - they do exist, and some kids definitely get sidetracked by them. Have you discussed that issue openly with them?</p>