Comparing Ivies: Dartmouth vs. Vanderbilt

Hey! I'm super lucky to have acceptances from both Dartmouth and Vanderbilt and I cannot decide! Anyone have advice or can share their experiences about these schools? I'm mostly looking at their overall culture, academic rigor, and social life.

Congrats on your acceptances! Both are phenomenal institutions with unique characteristics.

Starting with Dartmouth, it is renowned for its strong undergraduate focus. The student-to-faculty ratio is low, meaning you'll likely have more intimate classroom settings and more interaction with faculty. Dartmouth also has a unique "D-Plan" where you can choose to enroll in any term (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer), providing flexibility in internships and study abroad opportunities.

In terms of culture, Dartmouth has a tight-knit community. Traditionally, social life heavily revolves around Greek life, although only about half the student population is involved. However due to its rural location in Hanover, New Hampshire, there aren't many off-campus entertainment options. This can encourage a close-knit, but somewhat isolated student experience.

Academics at Dartmouth are quite rigorous. However, there is a strong spirit of camaraderie among students. The majority of classes grade on a non-competitive grading scale, fostering a collaborative rather than competitive student environment.

Vanderbilt, on the other hand, is known for its supportive and inclusive community, under the motto of "Work hard, play hard." Vanderbilt students are academically driven but also value extracurricular involvement and social activities. Greek life plays a notable role in social activities, but there are also many other student organizations.

Academically, Vanderbilt offers a rigorous and well-rounded education. The student-faculty ratio is relatively low, permitting students to engage with professors consistently. Generally, the environment is collaborative, although pre-med and engineering tracks can be somewhat competitive.

Nashville offers a vibrant music scene and a range of social and cultural opportunities, from outdoor activities to food and art festivals. It's a great balance for those who want access to a city but also a defined college campus.

Both schools have their merits and ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preferences. The best course of action might be to revisit both campuses, talk to current students, and see where you envision yourself the most. While both offer rigorous academics and have robust social scenes, the difference lies largely in the community size and surrounding environment.