<p>It’s a tough decision. I’m going to Vandy, and I’ve met a lot of great students from around the country at three-day programs at Duke and Wash U who are going to Vandy, like me, because of merit money. I did not actually visit or apply to Penn, since my parents went there for grad school and did not enjoy it, on account of the pretty dismal surrounding area. It just so happens that they went to Vandy for undergrad and really had a great time. </p>
<p>Both schools have a similar social atmosphere I think, and though Penn has a higher academic reputation and Ivy league standing, Vanderbilt is definitely coming up (acceptance rate down 10% and applications up 30% from last year). The classes I visited at Vandy were taught by brilliant and engaging professors, with one of the senior faculty teaching a freshman intro course, though this may have just been the luck of the draw.</p>
<p>If it’s still a close call, visit both, if you haven’t already. If one really stands out for you, go there. I can’t help but be biased in favor of Vanderbilt, so consult as many people as possible. Know that wherever you choose, you will be attending school with many unusually smart and talented students, and learning from some of the best minds in the world.</p>