"However my major concern is the Greek life thing. I stayed for an overnight on a Friday and the excessive drunkenness and the “party hard” of some frat boys I saw raises a red flag for me. "
Haha that reminds me of the first time I visited Vandy. I was walking by Greek row (right next to Barnes and Noble), and I saw a bunch of ~frat stars~ playing really loud music in the middle of the day, holding beer cans as they sat outside their house. The only exposure I had had to Greek life was Hollywood, and they were pretty much confirming the stereotypes, so I know how you’re viewing Greek life. However, as I came to Vandy and got to actually experience its community, I found that Greek life at Vandy has many levels. There are stereotypical frat guys (who are just as accomplished as any other student, but you know what I mean!), and then there are students who are involved in Greek life, but are far more moderate (BYX doesn’t even serve alcohol). Many students have an identity beyond their Greek letters. For me, there doesn’t seem to be a major divide between Greek and non-Greek Vandy students. The only time you may experience it is during rush or formals. But apart from that, we’re all Vandy students with many common interests, classes, and student organizations. Greek life is a social outlet, just like multicultural organizations and living learning communities, and most Vandy students are a part of more than one social circle.
“Also the “Southern” vibe and the rich preppy stereotype bother me.”
That’s not so true in 2016. We have a very diverse set of students from different backgrounds, and I really wouldn’t characterize Vandy as a completely preppy school today. You may find some elements of it, but nothing too overwhelming.
“Another concern here is also the hate or negative comments I’ve seen on Vandy’s forum.”
Ahem, some posters on Vanderbilt’s forum don’t even go to Vandy. As for those who have negative things to say about it, I agree that no college is perfect and Vandy can improve in certain aspects, but rather than cribbing about something on an anonymous forum, there are many ways to find your niche and social life here. If you make an effort to get to know people and stop reducing them to stereotypes only, you WILL find your home at Vandy, whether it’s in a frat house, in a living-learning community, a theater group, or in the science labs of Stevenson. And you can be a part of more than one social scene easily.
Good luck to you! You have amazing choices in front of you, but I would encourage you to make the most out of your visit to Vanderbilt!