<p>Hey,</p>
<p>Actually out of high school I chose Columbia over Northwestern, attended Columbia and then transferred into Dartmouth. As a transfer I was also accepted to Brown, Duke and Waitlisted at Harvard. </p>
<p>My choice really came down to Dartmouth’s undergrad focus, its tight-knit community, and the D-plan (with sophomore summer, study abroad, etc). Dartmouth was personally one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Socially there’s almost a familial sense about the place. Over 75% of my class showed up at the five year reunion. I think this speaks volumes.</p>
<p>Academically I got grants (10K for my thesis research), lived abroad with other Dartmouth students twice (D is different in that it runs its own Dartmouth exclusive study abroad programs) and had TWO thesis advisors work with me on a one-one basis. I cannot imagine a better academic experience.</p>
<p>All in all Dartmouth a very special place, unique even among the Ivies. </p>
<p>As for Vandy, I personally think Dartmouth is the easy choice. Outside of the weather, IMO it wins in almost every other category.</p>