<p>congrats on your acceptance to Vanderbilt, philopower. I think Pancaked is correct to point out to you that the retention rate at Vanderbilt is testimony to the fact that admissions knows what they are doing. Vanderbilt is hard work for all. Vanderbilt will mean getting used to being sometimes on your own or alone for spells…for most students but that is part of any new life. You will be AOK there. If you can afford to go to Vanderbilt for the same or less than UT, come on. There is plenty of support for however you figure things out for yourself. McGill is indeed a very accepting place to live but there are other ways to find a comfort zone for yourself with time there. Yes, the Greek scene is quite visible and even historically visible on campus…just as it is on many campuses in the USA…but there are plenty of kids who create their own weekends and evening plans and learn not to rank themselves on the same terms as Greek belonging or not belonging. It is really best to be very open to Greek students even if you are not a participant because you will find how many of them are going to be great adults and that many of them are interesting and talented people who like group activities socially. And you are right. Going abroad can be a wonderful way to be yourself and make new friends. Many independent and Greek students sign up for Alternative Spring Break and usually they don’t know anyone at all on their teams. Our son has done that every spring and always considered himself richer by 10 friends on his return. He makes his way as an independent. Nashville is a very amiable host town, and classroom sizes are quite excellent at Vandy. Sometimes you feel you are attending a liberal arts college without the sometimes stiflingly small size…you can be anonymous or well-known depending on your mood or needs in each class. Our son was from a smaller community and in some ways I think he found Vanderbilt’s more expansive size to be a break from never having privacy in high school in his town without having to attend a college that has tons of huge classes.<br>
I vote for your return to wonderful Austin…another good “third coast” city…for grad school when in state rates will mean so much to you. There are many grad school paths that do not provide much except big fat loans for financial aid. I wish you well no matter what you choose.</p>