Please share "Campus Vibes" for Brown, Davidson, Duke, Vandy, Wake, Yale and/or GW

[123Mom123]

@elena13

Of the schools on that list, my S19 applied to Yale, Vanderbilt and Brown and we had not visited any of those prior to applying. He was deferred and then rejected by Yale and accepted to Vanderbilt and Brown among others. He chose Vandy and has been very happy. I think it has a reputation as a southern Greek wealthy student body, and that is true to some extent. However, the students are quite diverse and come from many different backgrounds and parts of the country. Of my son’s initial close friend group of 10 guys, only he and his roommate (chosen randomly) were the only ones from the southeast (and roommate’s parents are not from the U.S.). Vandy is also known for having very happy and friendly student with a good quality of life. I observed this to be true when visiting - everyone was quite friendly and seemed happy. Of course Nashville has much to offer. I don’t think there is a type of student that wouldn’t like Vanderbilt - maybe super intellectual - but it seems there is something for everyone there. S19 is involved in a fraternity, a club sport, multiple clubs and leadership positions. Some students and parents complain about the food and some dorm issues in the older dorms, but most seem thrilled to be involved with the university. I’ve also been very impressed with how they have handled issues related to the pandemic.

@elena13 - Thank you for so much for sharing about your S19’s Vandy experience. Every detail you provided helps us form a better sense of the campus and students. I so wish we could have already visited. (Had to cancel reservations twice - once in Jan, another for March!) I like hearing that the kids are very happy and friendly. Any more thoughts about Greek life would be helpful. Should I assume that it is likely an imp piece to have S consider pursing? (I was in a sorority in college and adored it for the two years I was active before transferring to another school.) Does your S plan to stay on campus all 4 years? (I believe my S recalls hearing that from a rep who came to his high school a couple years ago). Did your S visit before accepting? Does he have any f/b on the Career counseling services? (for job placement and/or internships and/or post graduate school plans?)