Northwestern vs Vandy

[Anonymous]

We know about academics. Talk to me about social life? Campus culture?

How is sorority rush? Esp at Vandy if not southern and blonde? Is it really socially competitive?

How would you describe the atmosphere at Northwestern for well adjusted social women? Is it a similar competitive vibe?

What do most people do on the weekends at both?

[Anonymous]

The Southern part doesn't matter, nor the blond. The "white" part does.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The Southern part doesn't matter, nor the blond. The "white" part does.

Both Vanderbilt and Northwestern are about 40 percent white.

[Anonymous]

Can only speak to Northwestern. Not socially competitive. Very friendly and social environment. I think there are 5 or 6 sororities, most of which have nice, normal, social kids. About 25-30% of girls in Greek life. Rush is winter quarter, which I think is good since gives them time to get settled in. My DD has friends both in and out of Greek life.
Weekends are a combination of larger fraternity parties, smaller parties and get togethers, dinners out, hanging with friends, and going to Chicago.
Social and smart daughter is very happy there.

[Anonymous]

I can't think of anything academically that Candy does better than NW but it's probably more fun.

[Anonymous]

Mine preferred Northwestern. Likes Chicago more, more down to earth, less showy socially.

[Anonymous]

If you’re looking for good-looking straight males, Northwestern isn’t exactly a target-rich environment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mine preferred Northwestern. Likes Chicago more, more down to earth, less showy socially.

Freezing cold. Brainy women. Less social than Vandy.

[Anonymous]

I loved my time at NU. The typical party stuff does exist if you're interested but there's also a lot of late night board games and study sessions. I also found a lot of opportunities to try things outside of my major like helping out with the theater productions and playing instruments.

[Anonymous]

One has beaches, the other doesn't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you’re looking for good-looking straight males, Northwestern isn’t exactly a target-rich environment.

It used to be!! Have times changed that much?

[Anonymous]

Chicago/Northwestern seems to have a more open vibe socially than Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt is still a wealthy conservative Southern university and Nashville isn’t Atlanta.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Chicago/Northwestern seems to have a more open vibe socially than Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt is still a wealthy conservative Southern university and Nashville isn’t Atlanta.

+1 but I'm southern and love Vandy!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Chicago/Northwestern seems to have a more open vibe socially than Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt is still a wealthy conservative Southern university and Nashville isn’t Atlanta.

Nashville is better than Atlanta. And it's been a very long time since Vanderbilt was a "wealthy conservative Southern university." California, New York, and Illinois are very heavily represented at the school. Most students there are as liberal as at any other school. According to my kid, most students are studying Monday through Thursday, but the weekends are very social. Broadway is nearby. SEC sports are now pretty big at Vanderbilt. There is a Greek scene for those who want it. I think it's about 30 percent now, but it is there. Students at Vandy are pretty extroverted. I don't love the work hard - play hard cliche, but it seems to fit for Vanderbilt. I think most applicants to Vanderbilt and Northwestern will like one or the other more after a visit. For my kid, Vanderbilt has an energy that Northwestern didn't have.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Chicago/Northwestern seems to have a more open vibe socially than Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt is still a wealthy conservative Southern university and Nashville isn’t Atlanta.

Nashville is better than Atlanta. And it's been a very long time since Vanderbilt was a "wealthy conservative Southern university." California, New York, and Illinois are very heavily represented at the school. Most students there are as liberal as at any other school. According to my kid, most students are studying Monday through Thursday, but the weekends are very social. Broadway is nearby. SEC sports are now pretty big at Vanderbilt. There is a Greek scene for those who want it. I think it's about 30 percent now, but it is there. Students at Vandy are pretty extroverted. I don't love the work hard - play hard cliche, but it seems to fit for Vanderbilt. I think most applicants to Vanderbilt and Northwestern will like one or the other more after a visit. For my kid, Vanderbilt has an energy that Northwestern didn't have.

Still a wealthy student vibe there, regardless of their home town/city.