<p>My son is going to Vanderbilt and a large part of the attraction for him was the school’s balance of excellent academics and strong, vibrant social life.<br>
Other schools that he visited and considered most strongly due to their academic/social balance were the University of Virginia, Princeton, and Dartmouth. The kids at all of these schools are very bright and many of them like to have a very, very good time as well. </p>
<p>I couldn’t agree more with the other posters who promote the high, positive value of a social experience while in college. College is about a lot more than the classroom and your college friends will likely be your friends for the rest of your life. You will have the rest of your life to work, but you only go to college once. As for the future work front, I guarantee you that the vast majority of employers want employees who are smart and socially well adjusted. </p>
<p>And I couldn’t disagree more with the characterizations of some in this thread that academics and social life can’t successfully co-exist. My college roommate had a 4.0, was head of the Honor Committee, participated on a varsity athletic team and NEVER missed a party at the fraternity house. If you are disciplined and manage your time well, you can definitely do both.</p>