CampusQuest

discrete · 03-29-2013, 10:05 AM

I am a Minnesota high school student that has participated in a dual-enrollment program at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

I should have completed roughly half of the Computer Science degree I would receive at the University, but I have also received an acceptance to Vanderbilt University.

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has a higher ranked Computer Science program than Vanderbilt, costs way less (in-state tuition), and I already have half of my degree. However... Vanderbilt is a much more prestigious school than the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, and there is some hope that I can transfer my credits over to Vanderbilt.

Should I go for the prestige and adventure of going to a relatively elite school out-of-state, or stay at home at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?

EDIT: Money is not a problem in this decision... My family has been saving in anticipation of an out-of-state school.

barrk123 · 03-29-2013, 10:20 AM

If you can afford it without any financial burden and the credits ALL transfer you can look at Vandy.

If not 100% go with Minnesota

discrete · 03-29-2013, 10:23 AM

Ah yes, as I have added above, I do not have any financial concerns in this decision. My family can easily afford Vanderbilt... but of course the University of Minnesota will save us a lot of money.

I don't know how many of the credits will transfer, but assuming they do, what else should I consider in my decision?

happymomof1 · 03-29-2013, 10:25 AM

How, exactly, do you come by the notion that Vanderbilt is more "prestigious" than U MN-TC? Because it is private? Because it isn't in Minnesota?

If you intend to complete a degree in Comp Sci, then stay where you are. Save the money for a semester abroad or to support yourself during a nifty under-paid internship, or for grad school down the line.

If you are tired of Comp Sci and your new major is stronger at Vanderbilt and the aid package there makes it affordable, then go there.

goldenboy8784 · 03-29-2013, 10:28 AM

Vanderbilt if you can afford it which you clearly can; its a very undergraduate focused school and college is the perfect time to broaden your horizons. Congratulations!

discrete · 03-29-2013, 10:29 AM

To happymomof1:

Vanderbilt has a higher generic US news ranking, a more selective admissions admission process, and the average Vanderbilt student has higher statistics than the average UMN-TC student.

The material I can find suggests that Vanderbilt is often considered to be a superior school, but UMN-TC seems to have a superior Computer Science department...

Finally, I will never tire of Computer Science... I have been programming since the third grade.

Thank you for your advice, though... it sounds like there are a lot of reasons to stay at UMN-TC

To goldenboy:

Can you tell me more about why I should go to Vanderbilt? I would love to hear your input.

goldenboy8784 · 03-29-2013, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by discrete

Can you tell me more about why I should go to Vanderbilt? I would love to hear your input.

You should go to Vanderbilt because like you said, your peers will be much stronger academically and the school has much more resources at its disposal for undergraduates specifically since its a wealthier university. I think advising for graduate school will be better since Vandy doesn't have all the red tape and bureaucracy to deal with that a state school like Minnesota will.

I think the reputation of a school in a particular program like Computer Science is overrated as well for the undergraduate level since the curriculum for undergrads is pretty standardized across all research universities. Employers won't really differentiate between a Minnesota and a Vandy degree for Computer Science since the major is so lucrative anyway.

Attending Vanderbilt can be a potentially transformative experience for you; going to Minnesota won't be.

wayneandgarth · 03-29-2013, 05:17 PM

Let's see - higher ranked department, costs less, get degree sooner (more options then for graduate school, employment sooner). I think you know the answer.

Also, even if Vanderbilt had a better program and your parents can afford it; would you possibly want to use that saved $ for grad school, down payment on a home, a car. Ask them if those are options for saved $.

noimagination · 03-29-2013, 06:37 PM

The only way I would choose Vanderbilt in this situation is if you are certain you want to live in the South. Otherwise, Minnesota has the stronger CS program and your advanced standing makes you well-positioned to take advantage of that. I think the difference in 'name' prestige is small overall and may actually favor Minnesota in the Midwest.

discrete · 03-29-2013, 06:54 PM

Thanks guys! I was already strongly leaning towards the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities... but I was just afraid that declining Vanderbilt would be throwing away an opportunity to attend an "elite" school.

A lot of my friends and family are the type that make a big deal out of "elite" schools... and I've had the pressure to try and get into one.

Amidst my sea of rejection letters, I got into Vanderbilt... so it would be my only shot at an "elite' school... but it looks like staying at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is the best option.

I appreciate all of your input in helping me make my decision!

Pizzagirl · 03-31-2013, 09:40 AM

I completely disagree that there is a "minor" prestige difference between Vandy and U of Minnesota. U of Minnesota isn't even a top school among large Midwestern state universities, and Vandy is a top 20 school with national reach, easily comparable to any other top 20 school. Whoever said it's only good for staying in the south is delusional. I recognize that there are a few pockets in this country where Vandy isn't as well known, but it's easily as prestigious as any other top 20 for people who are in the know and well-traveled.

The OP's decision may still be Minnesota, but come on. Comparing Vandy to U Minn is like comparing Brown to Penn State. One is clearly at a different level from the other.

noimagination · 03-31-2013, 01:06 PM

Quote:

I completely disagree that there is a "minor" prestige difference between Vandy and U of Minnesota. U of Minnesota isn't even a top school among large Midwestern state universities, and Vandy is a top 20 school with national reach, easily comparable to any other top 20 school. Whoever said it's only good for staying in the south is delusional. I recognize that there are a few pockets in this country where Vandy isn't as well known, but it's easily as prestigious as any other top 20 for people who are in the know and well-traveled.

The OP's decision may still be Minnesota, but come on. Comparing Vandy to U Minn is like comparing Brown to Penn State. One is clearly at a different level from the other.

I did not claim - or, at least, it was not my intent to claim - that Vanderbilt is "only good for staying in the south." I do claim that Vanderbilt's edge in national prestige is enough to outweigh the advantages of Minnesota for this student if and only if s/he intends to live in the South, where Vandy experiences an additional edge in regional prestige. UMN gets a similar prestige boost within its region; we can probably quibble all day over how far that geographic pull extends from the Twin Cities. More importantly, the relative strength of Minnesota in computer science must be accounted for in the prestige equation when we think about the people OP is most likely to want to impress.

Under other circumstances, the smaller and more undergrad-focused atmosphere at Vandy might be very advantageous for the right kind of student. But here, OP has already completed most of the big lower-division courses for his/her degree at UMN and has expressed no preference for Vandy other than a perceived difference in prestige drawn from USNews rankings and admissions selectivity statistics.

You've written some excellent posts on the topic of "prestige," but frankly I have never understood the supposed distinction between "top 20" schools and all others. It might be helpful for the many prospective students here if you could just list the "top 20" schools and the specific qualities that clearly place them "at a different level." You could create a new thread on that topic so as to ensure that everyone on CC will see your new and improved method for stratifying schools.

discrete · 03-31-2013, 04:31 PM

I have not confirmed my enrollment yet anywhere, so I am still interested in the question.

The biggest factor in my decision is, "How much is prestige worth?"

I agree that Vanderbilt is far more of a name-brand than UMN-TC (that is why I applied), but to what extent does prestige matter?

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has a higher ranking CS department at roughly 1/3 of the cost. Furthermore, the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area has far more CS jobs and internships than Nashville. Looking at any job site will confirm this.

Nevertheless, I knew Vanderbilt's reputation as a top 20 school... and I applied. However, how many of Vanderbilt's flaws can be swept under the rug in the name of prestige? What sort of benefits do I get from going to a higher-ranked school, despite through a lower-ranked department?

(I am not putting Vanderbilt down here--I am genuinely asking the question if the prestige is worth it.)

barrons · 03-31-2013, 05:03 PM

You would learn what preppy pretentious rich kids can be like 24/7. Otherwise, not much.

SoCalDad2 · 03-31-2013, 05:09 PM

When you are in high school, your classmates will be impressed that you are going to Vanderbilt. Once you are at Vanderbilt, however, no one will be impressed because they are there, too! And after you graduate the topic of your undergrad school will almost never come up in conversation.

If you can stand the Minnesota weather, the choice seems like a no-brainer.

discrete · 03-31-2013, 09:58 PM

Yup, I feel fairly confident in the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

I applied to Vanderbilt and other top-20 schools because my social circle gives a lot of pressure to attend a top school...

However, after looking at the facts, it seems pretty clear that UMN-TC is the superior choice for me--perhaps not for someone else, but definitely for me.

MomofWildChild · 03-31-2013, 10:21 PM

To me it's a no-brainer in favor of Vanderbilt! My God, get away from home and experience life in one of the most fun cities on a gorgeous campus with students from all over the place. Barron's head is far up somewhere dark- so don't put any stock in his post.
Broaden your horizons, unless none of the credits will transfer. The students at Vanderbilt (many of whom have lots of financial aid) are, for the most part, polite and nice. And they aren't buried in snow 6 months a year.

Pizzagirl · 04-01-2013, 06:22 AM

What a weird comment about Vandy, Barrons.

BigBadDad · 04-01-2013, 11:23 AM

I'd have to say stay at UMinn. You are not being gauged against the overall student body, but those who are in your major. UMinn has a better program, more competitive student body in the major. Why flush money just so you can assuage your feelings about a brand of University. You're not competing with all of the gen-ed CLA students, your competing with those within your particular college - edge to Minn.

rjkofnovi · 04-01-2013, 12:20 PM

I agree with BigBadDad.

Hanna · 04-01-2013, 12:33 PM

If you had said, "I'm dying to stretch my wings and see what it's like to be on a residential campus away from home," I'd say go for Vandy. But if the point would be prestige...no. You have a good deal where you are. I would definitely suggest that you try living in the dorms rather than at home for at least a year to get that experience.

barrons · 04-01-2013, 12:53 PM

PG, I spent a week at Vandy on a research project and worked in Atlanta where I dated one and met many of her Vandy friends. Pretty much all rich southern preps. UMinn is way more diverse.

timetodecide12 · 04-01-2013, 01:15 PM

Barrons, the majority of Vanderbilt students are not from the south. Also, 60% of the undergrads are on financial aid. Your perspective of the school is very outdated.
Vanderbilt also has one of the friendliest campuses in the nation.

timetodecide12 · 04-01-2013, 01:25 PM

Quote:

UMinn is way more diverse.

It really isn't.

-

Minnesota Diversity (for Fall 2012):
White – 73%
Black – 4.5%
Latino – 2.6%
Asian – 10%
Out of State – 36%
Diversity at the University of Minnesota

--
Vanderbilt Diversity (for Fall 2012):
White – 70%
Black – 7.9%
Latino – 7.6%
Asian – 9.2%
Out of State – 81%
The Vanderbilt Profile*|*Undergraduate Admissions*|*Vanderbilt University

Undergraduate Enrollment Map:
http://admissions.vanderbilt.edu/ima...t_Map_2012.JPG

Pizzagirl · 04-01-2013, 01:47 PM

Quote:

PG, I spent a week at Vandy on a research project and worked in Atlanta where I dated one and met many of her Vandy friends. Pretty much all rich southern preps. UMinn is way more diverse.

LOL! Not in the least. I am quite familiar with Vandy, do a lot of hiring from there, and spent inauguration weekend in DC with a bunch of Vandy grads now working in DC. They were from all over, had all different types of socioeconomic backgrounds, all different races / origins, and so forth. Plenty diverse. I think you just saw what you wanted to see. That was true 30 years ago, but not true today.

noimagination · 04-01-2013, 06:54 PM

Here's the percent of undergrads receiving Pell Grants at both schools:
Minnesota - 24%
Vanderbilt - 15%

(For the record, I don't agree with any characterization of Vandy as uniformly preppy and rich. Which is irrelevant in this situation anyway, b/c OP didn't mention it and we don't know what s/he might prefer.)

barrk123 · 04-01-2013, 07:41 PM

Obviously: Duke, Vandy, W&L, Dartmouth, and Amherst's student bodies are just made up of preppy rich white kids.

barrons · 04-01-2013, 07:44 PM

They certainly dominate the culture at all of those. Diverse is more than race. Richy preppy AA kids are not adding much real diversity. Many kids above middle income get fin aid at private schools. Read about it. Just good old tuition discounting.

Pizzagirl · 04-01-2013, 09:33 PM

Aren't you the one who is a fan of Liberty University, barrons? Anyway, I still think you're profoundly mistaken about Vanderbilt, but hey, feel free to believe the stereotype of 30 years ago if it makes you feel better.

MomofWildChild · 04-01-2013, 11:10 PM

Barrons- You are simply wrong. Yes, there are plenty of rich, preppy kids. There are plenty of those at most universities! Your perspective is very outdated. Mine is quite current. I'm on campus a lot, my son in law is a doctor there and my daughter got her Master's there.
Liberty- oh God. (And I was born in Lynchburg, so I must know all about Liberty, right?)

Illinoise · 04-03-2013, 02:34 PM

While Vanderbilt may be more prestigious, Twin Cities does have the better computer science program. Normally, I'd go with prestige, but, since computer science jobs are growing so rapidly, I would stick with Twin Cities. After all, following your first job, the college you attended matters much less than your skills. In your scenario, I do not think prestige matters much, the better education should be favored. Given all of your credentials, I think Twin Cities is the right choice.

discrete · 04-03-2013, 03:18 PM

Illinoise:

Quote:

While Vanderbilt may be more prestigious, Twin Cities does have the better computer science program. Normally, I'd go with prestige, but, since computer science jobs are growing so rapidly, I would stick with Twin Cities. After all, following your first job, the college you attended matters much less than your skills. In your scenario, I do not think prestige matters much, the better education should be favored. Given all of your credentials, I think Twin Cities is the right choice.

I fully agree with you! I am leaning strongly towards the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. I have a lot of internships and undergraduate research (as a high school student) that strengthen my resume besides my school.

MomofWildChild

Quote:

To me it's a no-brainer in favor of Vanderbilt! My God, get away from home and experience life in one of the most fun cities on a gorgeous campus with students from all over the place. Barron's head is far up somewhere dark- so don't put any stock in his post.
Broaden your horizons, unless none of the credits will transfer. The students at Vanderbilt (many of whom have lots of financial aid) are, for the most part, polite and nice. And they aren't buried in snow 6 months a year.

I am all for broadening my horizons, but at what cost? My family is too wealthy for any type of financial aid, so the cost of Vanderbilt could be as high as a quarter-million dollars ($60,000 year x 4 years).

I have calculated that I can graduate at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities as early as 2015. With early graduation, in-state tuition, and a small academic scholarship, the cost of attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities could be as low as $40,000 ($20,000 x 2 years).

I have trouble believing that the Vanderbilt experience justifies the cost... especially when their Computer Science department is inferior to what is at home.

Some of the credits might transfer, but looking at Vanderbilt's major requirements... it would still take at least three years to graduate. And finally, as a Minnesota native, I am not opposed to being buried in snow.

To everybody else:
I do not care whether or not Vanderbilt has rich kids, or its diversity (perceived or actual). Race and social class are not affecting my college decisions. It is all about the quality of the school, the quality of the department, and the cost of attending.

barrons · 04-03-2013, 04:06 PM

I am not a "fan of LU". I am a fan of LU's economic impact on the Lynchburg area which has been outstandingly positive. Big difference. Given my interactions with Vandy folks during the NCAA basketball game and this from a Vandy student on another major college selection advice site I think the leopard has not changed its spots much. Few places really do.

"While Vanderbilt has a lot of positive qualities, it isn’t the best choice for everyone. Choosing Vanderbilt means choosing to be in a situation where name-brand clothes and high-end cars have a certain amount of importance. Most students come from white upper-class families, and while they may not all fit the stereotype of wealthy snobs, money is in abundance for most on campus. More than anything, however, choosing Vanderbilt means choosing an extremely difficult and intense academic institution. You will pull your share of all-nighters, sit through any number of obvious “weed-out courses,” stress out over harsh grading curve, and panic when professors refuse to move deadlines despite countless other exams and papers. But thankfully, Vanderbilt embodies a work-hard, play-hard lifestyle. The second you make it through the more hellacious periods of school, there will be countless opportunities to throw all cares aside and enjoy your time at Vanderbilt."

Read more: http://**************.com/vanderbilt...#ixzz2PQt4KBHC

03-29-2013, 10:05 AM	#1
discrete New Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 15	Vanderbilt versus University of Minnesota-Twin Cities I am a Minnesota high school student that has participated in a dual-enrollment program at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. I should have completed roughly half of the Computer Science degree I would receive at the University, but I have also received an acceptance to Vanderbilt University. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has a higher ranked Computer Science program than Vanderbilt, costs way less (in-state tuition), and I already have half of my degree. However... Vanderbilt is a much more prestigious school than the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, and there is some hope that I can transfer my credits over to Vanderbilt. Should I go for the prestige and adventure of going to a relatively elite school out-of-state, or stay at home at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities? EDIT: Money is not a problem in this decision... My family has been saving in anticipation of an out-of-state school. Last edited by discrete; 03-29-2013 at 10:22 AM. Reason: Added money edit
	Reply

03-29-2013, 10:20 AM	#2
barrk123 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Rice University Posts: 2,960	If you can afford it without any financial burden and the credits ALL transfer you can look at Vandy. If not 100% go with Minnesota
	Reply

03-29-2013, 10:23 AM	#3
discrete New Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 15	Ah yes, as I have added above, I do not have any financial concerns in this decision. My family can easily afford Vanderbilt... but of course the University of Minnesota will save us a lot of money. I don't know how many of the credits will transfer, but assuming they do, what else should I consider in my decision?
	Reply

03-29-2013, 10:25 AM	#4
happymomof1 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 16,391	How, exactly, do you come by the notion that Vanderbilt is more "prestigious" than U MN-TC? Because it is private? Because it isn't in Minnesota? If you intend to complete a degree in Comp Sci, then stay where you are. Save the money for a semester abroad or to support yourself during a nifty under-paid internship, or for grad school down the line. If you are tired of Comp Sci and your new major is stronger at Vanderbilt and the aid package there makes it affordable, then go there.
	Reply

03-29-2013, 10:28 AM	#5
goldenboy8784 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Washington DC Posts: 1,645	Vanderbilt if you can afford it which you clearly can; its a very undergraduate focused school and college is the perfect time to broaden your horizons. Congratulations!
	Reply

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Wednesday, October 2, 2013

University of Minnesota Twin Cities Vs Vanderbilt Computer Science

Vanderbilt University | Overall Rankings | Best College | US News

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03-29-2013, 10:29 AM	#6
discrete New Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 15	To happymomof1: Vanderbilt has a higher generic US news ranking, a more selective admissions admission process, and the average Vanderbilt student has higher statistics than the average UMN-TC student. The material I can find suggests that Vanderbilt is often considered to be a superior school, but UMN-TC seems to have a superior Computer Science department... Finally, I will never tire of Computer Science... I have been programming since the third grade. Thank you for your advice, though... it sounds like there are a lot of reasons to stay at UMN-TC To goldenboy: Can you tell me more about why I should go to Vanderbilt? I would love to hear your input. Last edited by discrete; 03-29-2013 at 10:30 AM. Reason: Did not finish my post originally...
	Reply

03-29-2013, 05:17 PM	#8
wayneandgarth Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 532	Let's see - higher ranked department, costs less, get degree sooner (more options then for graduate school, employment sooner). I think you know the answer. Also, even if Vanderbilt had a better program and your parents can afford it; would you possibly want to use that saved $ for grad school, down payment on a home, a car. Ask them if those are options for saved $.
	Reply

03-29-2013, 06:37 PM	#9
noimagination Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Here Posts: 5,295	The only way I would choose Vanderbilt in this situation is if you are certain you want to live in the South. Otherwise, Minnesota has the stronger CS program and your advanced standing makes you well-positioned to take advantage of that. I think the difference in 'name' prestige is small overall and may actually favor Minnesota in the Midwest.
	Reply

03-29-2013, 06:54 PM	#10
discrete New Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 15	Thanks guys! I was already strongly leaning towards the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities... but I was just afraid that declining Vanderbilt would be throwing away an opportunity to attend an "elite" school. A lot of my friends and family are the type that make a big deal out of "elite" schools... and I've had the pressure to try and get into one. Amidst my sea of rejection letters, I got into Vanderbilt... so it would be my only shot at an "elite' school... but it looks like staying at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is the best option. I appreciate all of your input in helping me make my decision!
	Reply

03-31-2013, 09:40 AM	#11
Pizzagirl Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 15,242	I completely disagree that there is a "minor" prestige difference between Vandy and U of Minnesota. U of Minnesota isn't even a top school among large Midwestern state universities, and Vandy is a top 20 school with national reach, easily comparable to any other top 20 school. Whoever said it's only good for staying in the south is delusional. I recognize that there are a few pockets in this country where Vandy isn't as well known, but it's easily as prestigious as any other top 20 for people who are in the know and well-traveled. The OP's decision may still be Minnesota, but come on. Comparing Vandy to U Minn is like comparing Brown to Penn State. One is clearly at a different level from the other.
	Reply

03-31-2013, 04:31 PM	#13
discrete New Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 15	I have not confirmed my enrollment yet anywhere, so I am still interested in the question. The biggest factor in my decision is, "How much is prestige worth?" I agree that Vanderbilt is far more of a name-brand than UMN-TC (that is why I applied), but to what extent does prestige matter? The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has a higher ranking CS department at roughly 1/3 of the cost. Furthermore, the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area has far more CS jobs and internships than Nashville. Looking at any job site will confirm this. Nevertheless, I knew Vanderbilt's reputation as a top 20 school... and I applied. However, how many of Vanderbilt's flaws can be swept under the rug in the name of prestige? What sort of benefits do I get from going to a higher-ranked school, despite through a lower-ranked department? (I am not putting Vanderbilt down here--I am genuinely asking the question if the prestige is worth it.)
	Reply

03-31-2013, 05:03 PM	#14
barrons Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Seattle, Lynchburg, VA Posts: 16,446	You would learn what preppy pretentious rich kids can be like 24/7. Otherwise, not much.
	Reply

03-31-2013, 05:09 PM	#15
SoCalDad2 Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: SoCal Posts: 307	When you are in high school, your classmates will be impressed that you are going to Vanderbilt. Once you are at Vanderbilt, however, no one will be impressed because they are there, too! And after you graduate the topic of your undergrad school will almost never come up in conversation. If you can stand the Minnesota weather, the choice seems like a no-brainer.

03-31-2013, 09:58 PM	#16
discrete New Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 15	Yup, I feel fairly confident in the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. I applied to Vanderbilt and other top-20 schools because my social circle gives a lot of pressure to attend a top school... However, after looking at the facts, it seems pretty clear that UMN-TC is the superior choice for me--perhaps not for someone else, but definitely for me.
	Reply

03-31-2013, 10:21 PM	#17
MomofWildChild Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: mid South Posts: 7,710	To me it's a no-brainer in favor of Vanderbilt! My God, get away from home and experience life in one of the most fun cities on a gorgeous campus with students from all over the place. Barron's head is far up somewhere dark- so don't put any stock in his post. Broaden your horizons, unless none of the credits will transfer. The students at Vanderbilt (many of whom have lots of financial aid) are, for the most part, polite and nice. And they aren't buried in snow 6 months a year.
	Reply

04-01-2013, 06:22 AM	#18
Pizzagirl Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 15,242	What a weird comment about Vandy, Barrons.
	Reply

04-01-2013, 11:23 AM	#19
BigBadDad Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 92	I'd have to say stay at UMinn. You are not being gauged against the overall student body, but those who are in your major. UMinn has a better program, more competitive student body in the major. Why flush money just so you can assuage your feelings about a brand of University. You're not competing with all of the gen-ed CLA students, your competing with those within your particular college - edge to Minn.
	Reply

04-01-2013, 12:20 PM	#20
rjkofnovi Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 7,899	I agree with BigBadDad.
	Reply

04-01-2013, 12:33 PM	#21
Hanna Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 5,968	If you had said, "I'm dying to stretch my wings and see what it's like to be on a residential campus away from home," I'd say go for Vandy. But if the point would be prestige...no. You have a good deal where you are. I would definitely suggest that you try living in the dorms rather than at home for at least a year to get that experience.
	Reply

04-01-2013, 12:53 PM	#22
barrons Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Seattle, Lynchburg, VA Posts: 16,446	PG, I spent a week at Vandy on a research project and worked in Atlanta where I dated one and met many of her Vandy friends. Pretty much all rich southern preps. UMinn is way more diverse.
	Reply

04-01-2013, 01:15 PM	#23
timetodecide12 Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 465	Barrons, the majority of Vanderbilt students are not from the south. Also, 60% of the undergrads are on financial aid. Your perspective of the school is very outdated. Vanderbilt also has one of the friendliest campuses in the nation.
	Reply

04-01-2013, 06:54 PM	#26
noimagination Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Here Posts: 5,295	Here's the percent of undergrads receiving Pell Grants at both schools: Minnesota - 24% Vanderbilt - 15% (For the record, I don't agree with any characterization of Vandy as uniformly preppy and rich. Which is irrelevant in this situation anyway, b/c OP didn't mention it and we don't know what s/he might prefer.)
	Reply

04-01-2013, 07:41 PM	#27
barrk123 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Rice University Posts: 2,960	Obviously: Duke, Vandy, W&L, Dartmouth, and Amherst's student bodies are just made up of preppy rich white kids.
	Reply

04-01-2013, 07:44 PM	#28
barrons Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Seattle, Lynchburg, VA Posts: 16,446	They certainly dominate the culture at all of those. Diverse is more than race. Richy preppy AA kids are not adding much real diversity. Many kids above middle income get fin aid at private schools. Read about it. Just good old tuition discounting.
	Reply

04-01-2013, 09:33 PM	#29
Pizzagirl Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 15,242	Aren't you the one who is a fan of Liberty University, barrons? Anyway, I still think you're profoundly mistaken about Vanderbilt, but hey, feel free to believe the stereotype of 30 years ago if it makes you feel better.
	Reply

04-01-2013, 11:10 PM	#30
MomofWildChild Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: mid South Posts: 7,710	Barrons- You are simply wrong. Yes, there are plenty of rich, preppy kids. There are plenty of those at most universities! Your perspective is very outdated. Mine is quite current. I'm on campus a lot, my son in law is a doctor there and my daughter got her Master's there. Liberty- oh God. (And I was born in Lynchburg, so I must know all about Liberty, right?)
	Reply