<p>I completely agree with the post from collcounselor. As a current undergraduate, I regret having my parents pay a large sum for the program. Although the academics are hard, there are no immediate repercussions for not doing well on tests. I struggled because I didn’t get to take trig until my senior year and the counselors are current Vandy students that are alums of the program. Counselors may not be majoring in math/science, mine was a liberal arts major and had some issues teaching during our afternoon sessions. </p>
<p>I also felt a little misled because the brochure marketed it as more of a general science program than engineering. Back then, I was interested in biochemistry and the like. I did not realize the coursework would have to do with computer programming until it was too late. I also had friends who did the program with the hopes of gaining better chances of admission to Vanderbilt. They also did not realize the program’s engineering tilt until it was too late and struggled. In regards to the final, it is a cumulative binder with all of your work. I have only used it for reference once and it was a bit of information I could have easily gleaned from the Internet. This binder did prove useful for one of my friends who is now an engineering major, so take what you will. </p>
<p>Some of my floormates who were more on the adventurous side disappeared for days at a time, even if it meant missing class. They didn’t get reprimanded at all. There was also one instance where someone used the basement practice rooms intended for music practice to party. There were no repercussions for the students and instead a carpet cleaner was summoned. I only met my RA twice and had more contact with my Vandy PAVE counselors, but I did not live on a floor with one. </p>
<p>My parents still sometimes get letters in the mail asking for donations to the program. The only reasons why I don’t completely regret going are because I was able to prove to my parents I could go to school far away from home (allowing me to apply to colleges further away) and because I got a taste of living away from my family for an extended period of time (along with its ups and downs). I also did get life skills from the PAVE that you can only get from living on your own. However, you may be able to learn these skills from a different, less costly program.</p>