DD24 deciding between Vanderbilt and Tulane (with $$)… she is extremely fortunate to have this “problem”… it feels like she is leaning Tulane due to admitted students day experience at both schools. She is artsy, introverted and not likely to rush a sorority… the decision is hers (although the $$ does help) but we have thoughts that lean the other way… Trying not to get caught up in ranking, admission rate(!) and prestige, but this is tough… we have ‘people’ in both cities and they both offer great cultural opportunities just off campus and are equally easy to get to for us… Thoughts on managing the next few days (and beyond)?
My daughter gave up on a “prestigious” school. We ultimately figured out what she really wanted to work towards career-wise and academically, and she chose the school that would best help her achieve those goals. Now looking at her final decision and what she has mapped out for her future, I think she made the right choice. So maybe you can approach it from that angle. What is your daughter’s ultimate goal and which school will help her best achieve that and be happy? Sometimes, even the environment or these other intangibles that our kids pick up on can impact their performance and motivation.
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Tulane is more Greek than Vandy…but I am sure she will find her people at both.
What major and career goals? Is Vandy affordable (defined as not requiring parent loans)?
I also would expect that if left up to her (and there are no debt concerns) that she will make the ‘correct’ decision.
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Likely double major with studio art and HOD at VU (which is a great, very practical major with internship experience built in to put that studio art to work and figure out how to make an impact with that WHILE still in college) and likely Psychology or Cognitive Studies at Tulane… also a chance at pre-law course work, as well… does not have a specific career goal just yet. We won’t be taking out loans but OUCH.
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I’m sure she’ll make the best decision for her and she really can’t go wrong. My son had a wonderful experience at Vandy (graduated in May) and we loved visiting! He has many friends who were HOD majors are are doing a variety of interesting things post graduation. I think she’ll find much to get involved with outside the Greek system. Some of my son’s closest friends were from his business fraternity (co-ed). Good luck!
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Sounds to me like she felt more at home at Tulane than Vanderbilt. As far as prestige and rankings, my oldest chose the least prestigious school of all her options because it’s the one she liked the most. She’s finishing up her sophomore year and has no regrets. I think you do your best where you feel most comfortable and happy. That being said, my youngest is headed to Vandy in the Fall as an HOD major. She’s an extrovert, very social and interested in sorority life. Vanderbilt remained her favorite throughout her college search. Best of luck as your daughter decidess- two great options!
Both are great options. Please let your daughter choose! It’s sometimes hard to remember that we parents aren’t the ones who will be going to the chosen college!
My D loved her time at Vandy. She is not particularly outgoing and wasn’t interested in sorority life or big parties. She found like minded friends, and she enjoyed what Nashville had to offer (particularly the indie music scene).
I have a sophomore daughter at Tulane. She is not in a sorority but a bunch of her friends are and it seems to make no difference if you are or not. She still attends greek events, because her friends involve her. I find greek life very low key (at least in her friend group) She is having a great experience so far, has met a wonderful down to earth group of girls and is taking advantage of the many opportunities the school offers. If you have any questions about Tulane, ask away.
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She has 2 great options and if she feels her vibes are more at Tulane, it’s time to buy the sweatshirt and celebrate!
Also, it’s amazing what a new environment does for kids of all dispositions. My introvert can’t walk to class without saying hi to many friends along the way—she’s a sophomore and has learned she’s quite a bit more extroverted than she previously imagined, now that she’s in a place that immediately felt great to her when she was deciding where to go.
Best wishes to you all!
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Son is finishing up Freshman year at Tulane. I can echo/affirm what’s been said above about that option. I can’t compare it to Vandy since that wasn’t a school we explored. If your kid is undecided in their potential program Tulane offers substantial flexibility on that front (everyone is admitted as undeclared and expected to specify a program by end of second year. They also allow for easy double majoring across schools.
The tug of Vanderbilt-like prestige can by mighty, but I think that Tulane offers enough quality to overcome that when it checks the “cost” and “fit” boxes.
Under such circumstances, I’d be just fine with choosing Tulane.
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