<p>My son visited both Vanderbilt and Emory, and chose Vanderbilt because he felt most comfortable there. Visting is essential. He is now a freshman at Vanderbilt. He is very happy with both his premed courses, and his social life. He loves the Commons, and the fact that all of the freshman are together there. His RA is very involved in school activities and encourages his freshmen to do the same. Even though his strengths are math and science, he thoroughly enjoys his freshman writing seminar which has 15 students and a very engaging professor. His math and science courses are challenging, even though he, like many of his fellow students, had AP credit in the same courses. He says that there are so many things to do on campus and in Nashville, he can barely make a dent in them. Lectures, music performances, political debates, football games, intramural volleyball, trips to museums…are just a few of the activities he has participated in. He hopes to pledge a fraternity, which only 30% of the men choose to do. However, he is very close to the 15 guys on his hall and feels that he will remain friends with them regardless of whether they pledge or not. Since the top 6 leaders are the only members of a fraternity or sorority to live in the house, people are not limited by their decision to join. Half of the women choose to pledge a sorority and half choose not to. The Greek system is an opportunity that a freshman can choose to participate in or pass on. Of the 1600 freshmen, 640 are Greek and 960 are not.</p>