Last semester, my 3rd at Vandy, was the first time I began to understand This is why I am at Vanderbilt. Never have I been as challenged intellectually. As an education major, it was important for me to see that Vanderbilt's high rankings were more than just for show. My professors were among the best in their field, cited endlessly in notable research, yet they were able to make their knowledge accessible to undergraduate students. Furthermore, most of my major courses averaged 8 people per class, allowing me to develop close relationships with professors and creating much time for discussion of classes or for help and clarification. At Vanderbilt, I'm learning more than remedial tools and knowledge for becoming an educator; I'm learning the importance of using the individual students as the basis for my instruction and taking a research-based approach to implementing practices in the classroom. The course readings were not pages I skimmed as I crammed for tests, only to forget them a short while later. Instead, they are materials that are practical and applicable, that will no doubt aid me in the future as a teacher. Vanderbilt makes sure you're well-rounded and not just focused on your major. Other classes I have taken include American Popular Music, History of Fashion and Costume Design, and Avant Garde Cinema.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
Greek Life is a big part of Vanderbilt social life and being in a sorority has absolutely enhanced my college experience. Not only have I made some of the best friends in my entire life, it has been the best asset in networking with people for jobs and studying for classes. Vanderbilt has a programming board which brings top artists for concerts (such as O.A.R and Jay-Z this year) and has random free events such as Casino Night. When I am not in the Vandy bubble, I am probably using my Vandy Card to go eat at the many restaurants that Vanderbilt allows you to eat at using your student ID! I love that Vanderbilt is in Music City, USA because there are always great concerts in Nashville. My favorite this school year- Regina Spektor! My biggest gripe with the school is that school spirit at sporting events is typically low. Maybe it's due to the fact that most students wear sundresses and khakis to football games? Also, there are sooooo many organizations and intramural sports here, and many students start their own clubs to continue high school interests.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
A top-notch research university
+ a work hard/play hard mentality
+ renowned faculty
+ a great city with lots of cultural avenues
= a great bang for your buck!
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
VISIT! VISIT! VISIT!
To be honest, Vanderbilt looks a lot like any other top university on paper. Coming to this campus sealed my decision. The students were so friendly, and the campus was beautiful. Come to campus, sit in on a class, and ask if you can stay a night in a dorm room, you'll really get a feel for the campus.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
The average Vanderbilt student believes in balance and although they're working hard to have good grades for med school and are president of their favorite volunteer organization (for example), they're not going to miss the opportunity to party most weekends (and weekdays.) The Vanderbilt student is usually highly motivated and outgoing.
WARNING: The average Vanderbilt student does not care about sports. This is not your Big Ten/SEC let's-dress-up-fanatically-in-our-school-colors school. If that is one of your biggest criterion, you will be highly disappointed.
Last semester, my 3rd at Vandy, was the first time I began to understand This is why I am at Vanderbilt. Never have I been as challenged intellectually. As an education major, it was important for me to see that Vanderbilt's high rankings were more than just for show. My professors were among the best in their field, cited endlessly in notable research, yet they were able to make their knowledge accessible to undergraduate students. Furthermore, most of my major courses averaged 8 people per class, allowing me to develop close relationships with professors and creating much time for discussion of classes or for help and clarification. At Vanderbilt, I'm learning more than remedial tools and knowledge for becoming an educator; I'm learning the importance of using the individual students as the basis for my instruction and taking a research-based approach to implementing practices in the classroom. The course readings were not pages I skimmed as I crammed for tests, only to forget them a short while later. Instead, they are materials that are practical and applicable, that will no doubt aid me in the future as a teacher. Vanderbilt makes sure you're well-rounded and not just focused on your major. Other classes I have taken include American Popular Music, History of Fashion and Costume Design, and Avant Garde Cinema.
Greek Life is a big part of Vanderbilt social life and being in a sorority has absolutely enhanced my college experience. Not only have I made some of the best friends in my entire life, it has been the best asset in networking with people for jobs and studying for classes. Vanderbilt has a programming board which brings top artists for concerts (such as O.A.R and Jay-Z this year) and has random free events such as Casino Night. When I am not in the Vandy bubble, I am probably using my Vandy Card to go eat at the many restaurants that Vanderbilt allows you to eat at using your student ID! I love that Vanderbilt is in Music City, USA because there are always great concerts in Nashville. My favorite this school year- Regina Spektor! My biggest gripe with the school is that school spirit at sporting events is typically low. Maybe it's due to the fact that most students wear sundresses and khakis to football games? Also, there are sooooo many organizations and intramural sports here, and many students start their own clubs to continue high school interests.
A top-notch research university + a work hard/play hard mentality + renowned faculty + a great city with lots of cultural avenues = a great bang for your buck!
VISIT! VISIT! VISIT! To be honest, Vanderbilt looks a lot like any other top university on paper. Coming to this campus sealed my decision. The students were so friendly, and the campus was beautiful. Come to campus, sit in on a class, and ask if you can stay a night in a dorm room, you'll really get a feel for the campus.
The average Vanderbilt student believes in balance and although they're working hard to have good grades for med school and are president of their favorite volunteer organization (for example), they're not going to miss the opportunity to party most weekends (and weekdays.) The Vanderbilt student is usually highly motivated and outgoing. WARNING: The average Vanderbilt student does not care about sports. This is not your Big Ten/SEC let's-dress-up-fanatically-in-our-school-colors school. If that is one of your biggest criterion, you will be highly disappointed.