Vandy vs WashU

[BucsFan813]

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Hypothetically speaking of course.

If you had full-tuition scholarships to both aforementioned schools, where would you go?

 

[Wooly Bugger]

Vanderbilt

 

[Julius Erving]

Vanderbilt

👍

 

[deuce]

why ?

 

[MadHopsMD]

Hypothetically speaking of course.

If you had full-tuition scholarships to both aforementioned schools, where would you go?

wash u, its in the top 3

 

[Towelie]

WashU. It's far better, if the cost is the same, for research and residency placement. Especially for research. And the WashU hospitals are considered to be some of the best in the country, while those of Vandy are not.

 

[Dookter]

WashU. The hospital system is amazing, their rank is higher, and the student facilities rock.

EDIT: And I got into WashU but not Vandy, so I am biased.

 

[boo-yeh]

Wash U. Both elite schools, but WU is better and Vandy needs to get over itself.

 

[p9142]

I don't think this is really a fair comparison. Vandy isn't even close to the same level as WashU.

 

[biggoron42]

i wonder how many of the respondents on this thread have actually interviewed at both schools 🙄

 

[p9142]

i wonder how many of the respondents on this thread have actually interviewed at both schools 🙄

I have, and IMHO Vandy doesn't hold a candle to WashU. Unfortunately I am accepted to Vandy and I've heard nada from WashU since my intervew.

 

[Towelie]

i wonder how many of the respondents on this thread have actually interviewed at both schools 🙄

I did. Don't get me wrong, Vandy has a very nice hospital, and seems to give students a lot of money. But I was absolutely blown away by the facilities at WashU, as well as the scholarship/financial aid packages that they offer. And it helps that their match list is second only to a few schools, that they get more NIH dollars than almost anyone, and that they have better research fellowships for students than any other school I have seen.

 

[biggoron42]

im not calling out anyone in particular, i just think to really make the judgment you have to have visited the schools, talked with admins and students (in addition to all the hard facts you can find on the net). i got no quibble with people's opinions after that...i didnt even apply to washu.

 

[Dr Durden]

Both schools take a lot of vague flak on this forum from naive premeds. However, I don't think you could go wrong with either school.

Both school's children hospitals are equally impressive, but WashU has much more phenomenal facilities. Sure Vandy is slowly, but surely renovating. For instance, there's a new tower being built on top of the ER as well as some new auditoriums. Still, the adult hospital and lecture halls are a bit antiquated. At WashU, every facility feels brand new, especially the teaching facility. A trite summary is this: Vandy has underground tunnels to connect everything; WashU has skywalks.

Vandy has a much more cooperative and collegial feel, while WashU feels more academic. Our class will be the first to test Vandy's new curriculum, while WashU's is very established. If you care about USN&WR, WashU is higher, but more importantly (IMHO) is their astounding ranking as fourth in the nation for NIH funding. If you have a research bent, WashU is obviously a better place to go. WashU also is more respected by residency directors, but again, both are still elite.

While I've interviewed at both, if I was fortunate enough to have twin full-rides, I'd choose WashU.

 

[QuantumMechanic]

both schools are excellent schools, and I'd have to say that WashU is regarded as better school, but not greatly better.

maybe we could have nd2005 (i think thats his sn) chime in, he chose vandy over washu after he got into vandy off of the waitlist...I'll PM him.

a few bad apples that I met from WashU Med really rubbed me the wrong way (i.e. they came off as snobby and arrogant, although they were friendly once I got to know them)...I had heard similar things about the WashU students from others as well. Although that is a completely unfair way to judge the student body at WashU, I decided not to apply there despite the school's proximity to me, its research power (I like research), and its prestige. Vandy on the other hand, seemed more relaxed and likeable. Since both schools are regarded as upper tier schools, I see the difference in "prestige" as being much more superficial than actually meaning anything. Even for the research focused med student, NIH funding dollars might not make a big difference, what makes a difference is access to faculty who share the student's research interests, which is not necessarily dependent on school ranking.

If you get into both and financial aid is equal, then I would truthfully choose off the vibe you get from the school and whether you like St. Louis or Nashville more. You really can't go wrong with either school.

 

[-Goose-]

maybe we could have nd2005 (i think thats his sn) chime in, he chose vandy over washu after he got into vandy off of the waitlist...I'll PM him.

.

Keg will hopefully post here soon. He chose WashU over Vandy (both with full rides, if I remember right).

 

[dr_90210]

i wonder how many of the respondents on this thread have actually interviewed at both schools 🙄

hey biggoron, it seems like YOU have not interviewed at washu

p.s. great job showing the adcom ur passion for ur ECs

 

[njcaldwell]

I havetn been to Washu, didnt apply b/c I heard rumors of student atmospere ultra competative and pompous. I loved vandy.

 

[HumbleMD]

i wonder how many of the respondents on this thread have actually interviewed at both schools 🙄

:scoff: some of us knew better to even bother with Vandy.

 

[Mr. Tee]

Washington University 100%.

 

[Dookter]

Keg will hopefully post here soon. He chose WashU over Vandy (both with full rides, if I remember right).

I don't think he had a full ride at WashU. I think he had a great package, but I think his packages at other schools were much better [UChicago and Vandy if I remember correctly]. It's on his MdApps. I actually ate lunch with him. Nice guy.

 

[Hednej]

:scoff: some of us knew better to even bother with Vandy.

Wow, you're either very sarcastic or not very humble. I interviewed at both places and I have to say that I would be happy ot go to either one. I think each school has something going for it.

WashU is a great research powerhouse and has some of the best residency placements, but remember that average MCAT of 38 means some stiff competition.

Vandy seemed way more relaxed and at a much nicer place. I liked Nashville better than St. Louis. And don't forget the Vandy Girls

 

[Dookter]

I know the original post said if you have a full ride to both, but cost is a consideration. Vandy has not been known to have as good of financial aid as WashU. So in reality, a middle/working class person without a full ride will probably be able to go to WashU for less $$, which is something to consider.

 

[QuantumMechanic]

Wow, you're either very sarcastic or not very humble. I interviewed at both places and I have to say that I would be happy ot go to either one. I think each school has something going for it.

WashU is a great research powerhouse and has some of the best residency placements, but remember that average MCAT of 38 means some stiff competition.

Vandy seemed way more relaxed and at a much nicer place. I liked Nashville better than St. Louis. And don't forget the Vandy Girls

I've heard this myth about vandy girls being hot, but the girls I saw at Vandy didn't seem different from girls at other schools I've visited...

 

[bretticus]

I've heard this myth about vandy girls being hot, but the girls I saw at Vandy didn't seem different from girls at other schools I've visited...

You have to remember that VandyGirl(tm) is different from just "girls at Vandy." Still though, I have seen very few girls there that I would consider below average of the general population. Not everyone is smoking, but there's definitely quite a bit of eye candy. I consider my gf to be "normal" i.e., not a VandyGirl, and she's still way hotter than I deserve 😉

 

[ggman]

I've heard this myth about vandy girls being hot, but the girls I saw at Vandy didn't seem different from girls at other schools I've visited...

Well, I didn't see too many hot med students at my interview either, but believe me undergraduate Vandy girls are HOT. They are definitely above average and they take care of themselves very well. Now, whether you want to mess around with undergrad girls is another question...

 

[Dr Durden]

Vandy seemed way more relaxed and at a much nicer place. I liked Nashville better than St. Louis. And don't forget the Vandy Girls

Vandy Girls are definitely an undergraduate phenomena, not so much at the medical school. But just strut around the parklike ugrad campus (it's connected to the med center!) in your scrubs or workout at the rec center in them, and you're sure to snag some, uh, attention.

I think some of their mystique though is sheer wealth. Roughly 60% of the people here can afford the ~$50k annually. 🙂eek🙂 Yet don't get me wrong, there's still plenty of eye candy to admire on the way to class. 😍

 

[Hednej]

Now, whether you want to mess around with undergrad girls is another question...

True, but at least I would like to have the option, specially on drunken friday nights 😎

 

[Hednej]

I guess it's all irrelevant now, I just got my waitlist letter from Vandy and hence won't be given this option 🙁

 

[ggman]

I guess it's all irrelevant now, I just got my waitlist letter from Vandy and hence won't be given this option 🙁

sorry to hear that mate. it's early in the process, so you may well get off that waitlist 👍

 

[LolaGene]

Well, I didn't see too many hot med students at my interview either, but believe me undergraduate Vandy girls are HOT. They are definitely above average and they take care of themselves very well. Now, whether you want to mess around with undergrad girls is another question...

👍 I have some high school friends that go to vandy and I would have to agree from what I have seen when I visited. 😉

 

[HumbleMD]

Wow, you're either very sarcastic or not very humble. I interviewed at both places and I have to say that I would be happy ot go to either one. I think each school has something going for it.

WashU is a great research powerhouse and has some of the best residency placements, but remember that average MCAT of 38 means some stiff competition.

Vandy seemed way more relaxed and at a much nicer place. I liked Nashville better than St. Louis. And don't forget the Vandy Girls

True that Nashville is waaaay better than St Louis (Nashville's one of my favorite places). But, do you really want to go to a school founded by a robber baron?

 

[kirexhana]

i wonder how many of the respondents on this thread have actually interviewed at both schools 🙄

i would have to agree with UTpremed (although i rarely disagree with him, so i dunno how much my opinion matters) washu's med school building is awesome. vandy's is kinda eh, although i really liked their children's hospital...

also, n/o to any vanderbilt students but, on my interview day, they seemed a little repetitive. i mean everyone was going on about how their school seemed to have the happiest students according to ratings, but how would they really be able to compare? they all seemed to say the same thing as well, which was just a little creepy.

the point to be made though, vandy had a lot of students who looked like they were cut out of an abercrombie catalog and i think i left the place drooling, whereas wash u's students made my stomach churn a little (j/k, they weren't that bad)

wow, this post was pretty useless. oh caffiene how i love and hate thee.
i think that in the end, it all depends on the individual and what kind of environment you find to suit you more. you can't rely on a bunch of strangers on an internet forum to tell you which school is best for you. different strokes for different folks.

 

[searun]

there recently. I took a long run around campus and the trees and the girls were very impressive. I have not interviewed at Wash U so I cannot make a comparison...but I have never seen any comments about the Wash U girls making you want to pitch a tent in St. Louis.

Searunb

 

[Anastasis]

While I've interviewed at both, if I was fortunate enough to have twin full-rides, I'd choose WashU.

Or give one to me 😛 (Sorry, couldn't resist)

 

[Mr. Tee]

Or give one to me 😛 (Sorry, couldn't resist)

Anything to convince you to come to WashU 😉

 

[BucsFan813]

Just for clarification.

To the best of my knowledge, there are no FULL rides to med school. There are full-tuition scholarships (some with stipends) which are really helpful, but cost of living for four years could still set you back $60K or more. In theory, you would be incurring those expenses even if you weren't in medical school, so maybe it is a full-ride after all.

Having twin full rides is a blessing but it doesn't make the decision process any easier...

WashU didn't seem to have a diverse student body in my opinion. One of the interviewers even told me that people were really focused on grades... That being said, i thought he was a jerk, so I'm not going to take him too seriously.

Bonus: All WashU students get free MetroRail passes...

 

[Mr. Tee]

Just for clarification.

To the best of my knowledge, there are no FULL rides to med school. There are full-tuition scholarships (some with stipends) which are really helpful, but cost of living for four years could still set you back $60K or more. In theory, you would be incurring those expenses even if you weren't in medical school, so maybe it is a full-ride after all.

Yes there are. It's just that most people don't choose to go the MSTP path.

 

[Hednej]

Just for clarification.

Bonus: All WashU students get free MetroRail passes...

Yeah that really tips the balance in favor of WashU 🙂.

 

[BucsFan813]

Yes there are. It's just that most people don't choose to go the MSTP path.

In that case, it's a full ride to medical and graduate school. I meant a four year MD program.

 

[Keg]

BucsFan,

Just addressing one point in this quoted post, then a question.

Although students at Wash U may be focused on grades, you'll find that at every medical school across the country. The difference is that there is zero competition here. People are constantly sending out review sheets, having study sessions, and baking cookies (OK, so that's only helpful to the stomach during those late-night study sessions!). In any case, Wash U is P/F first year and graded the next three years without a curve - hence, no competition amongst students, though people here do care about passing.

List the top, oh, ten things you're looking for in a med school, and I'll let you know honestly which school wins in each category (check my MDApps - I went to Vandy undergrad, got full tuition at Vandy [maybe the same scholarship as you?], just got need-based at Wash U, and still chose WUSTL). Hopefully that'll help you make your decision. Go to the second look weekends and scholarship weekends, both are done very well and should help your decision, and you shouldn't make a decision until then anyway, but knowing nothing else about you other than what you've posted in this thread, I'd say that you should choose Wash U. We'll see if that changes after I see what your priorities are.

--Keg

Just for clarification.

To the best of my knowledge, there are no FULL rides to med school. There are full-tuition scholarships (some with stipends) which are really helpful, but cost of living for four years could still set you back $60K or more. In theory, you would be incurring those expenses even if you weren't in medical school, so maybe it is a full-ride after all.

Having twin full rides is a blessing but it doesn't make the decision process any easier...

WashU didn't seem to have a diverse student body in my opinion. One of the interviewers even told me that people were really focused on grades... That being said, i thought he was a jerk, so I'm not going to take him too seriously.

Bonus: All WashU students get free MetroRail passes...

 

[JustBreathe]

BucsFan,

Just addressing one point in this quoted post, then a question.

--Keg

Keg, I was going to tell you to check out this thread! But then I forgot about it... 😳 Good thing you're on top of things.

 

[QuantumMechanic]

The difference is that there is zero competition here.
--Keg

Keg, I appreciate your input, but I just don't understand when med students tell us premeds that their particular school is "less" competitive or lacks competition when compared to other schools. After going on interviews to several top schools, I hear this same crap over and over and I'm beginning to think that I'm being led on by zealous med students that love their particular school.

How do you know that there is less competition at WashU then at Harvard or Vandy? What if you aren't studying or interacting very closely with the gunners? P/F or grading with no curve doesn't necessarily mean the environment is going to be noncompetitive. What if students become more "gunnerish" when P/F goes away (even with no curving, some will still attempt to memorize every bit of minutia). What if our class isn't like your class (after all, they never see how "competitive" or gunner-like the premeds are, there is no way to make sure that they aren't accepting such students) and we get stuck with uber-competitive students? Is WashU less competitive than a place like UCLA or Stanford or Yale which don't switch ever away from a P/F curriculum?

I guess I just don't see how you can say that your school is less competitive than every other school in the country when you haven't had first-hand experience with other schools.

 

[Hednej]

Keg, I appreciate your input, but I just don't understand when med students tell us premeds that their particular school is "less" competitive or lacks competition when compared to other schools. After going on interviews to several top schools, I hear this same crap over and over and I'm beginning to think that I'm being led on by zealous med students that love their particular school.

How do you know that there is less competition at WashU then at Harvard or Vandy? What if you aren't studying or interacting very closely with the gunners? P/F or grading with no curve doesn't necessarily mean the environment is going to be noncompetitive. What if students become more "gunnerish" when P/F goes away (even with no curving, some will still attempt to memorize every bit of minutia). What if our class isn't like your class (after all, they never see how "competitive" or gunner-like the premeds are, there is no way to make sure that they aren't accepting such students) and we get stuck with uber-competitive students? Is WashU less competitive than a place like UCLA or Stanford or Yale which don't switch ever away from a P/F curriculum?

I guess I just don't see how you can say that your school is less competitive than every other school in the country when you haven't had first-hand experience with other schools.

I agree. But I think he's assuming that there is competition at other places so he can say that there is none at WahU and thus it's less competitive. I find that hard to believe though. Isn't the MCAT average 38? How can you put so many smart people together and not get any competition? I know I would like to compete for sure, not the gunnerish type but I think the healthy type where I ensure that I do my best because my classmates are so damn smart.

P.S: Nice mdapps profile Keg, quite impressive👍

 

[Keg]

Quantummechanic,

You make a valid point - I've obviously not attended every medical school in the country (in fact, I've only attended one), but I have heard stories from friends who go to graded (or in some cases pass/fail) schools that seem to indicate that there is an inherent competitiveness amongst students there. This has ranged from surprise when telling them that emails are sent out with study guides for exams to being told of people stealing books and notes so that others can't study. But those, too, are limited examples. If there were a good way to prove the point one way or the other, we wouldn't be having this discussion, but where's the fun in that? Let me rephrase what I said earlier - students at Wash U, among my class and the class above mine, are less competitive than the students at any other medical school with which I am familiar, either through personal experience (relative to this thread, including Vandy) or through anecdotes from friends. Hopefully that statement will suit you better.

And while I agree with some of the points in your second paragraph, let me say that a desire to do well (i.e. "some will still attempt to memorize every bit of minutia") does not exist in a causal relationship with chronic gunnerrhea. For example, I plan to try to honor (equivalent of an A) every class next year, which will necessitate lots of studying and memorizing the 'minutiae,' but that doesn't mean that at the end of the day, I won't post my study notes to WUMSWeb for others to use. So don't think that by going to a school populated by over-achievers that competition is automatically present as well (and don't fall into the trap of assuming the opposite... some of the worst stories I've heard regarding the discussion in the first paragraph have been from schools not present in the US News Top 50). Med school classes are small enough that you'll know everyone and will interact with everyone in a meaningful way at some point - you'll be able to pick out everyone's personality and place them. And not to say that there aren't gunners - there are, but sometimes, those are the most helpful people at the school with regards to the provision of study aids. So in that regard, it may even be an asset to go to school with lots of gunners - they'll know their stuff, and it'll be an ego boost for you to come to them and ask them a question and give them the opportunity to teach you, a win-win situation.

Hopefully I've answered some of your concerns, but if not, let me know.

Keg, I appreciate your input, but I just don't understand when med students tell us premeds that their particular school is "less" competitive or lacks competition when compared to other schools. After going on interviews to several top schools, I hear this same crap over and over and I'm beginning to think that I'm being led on by zealous med students that love their particular school.

How do you know that there is less competition at WashU then at Harvard or Vandy? What if you aren't studying or interacting very closely with the gunners? P/F or grading with no curve doesn't necessarily mean the environment is going to be noncompetitive. What if students become more "gunnerish" when P/F goes away (even with no curving, some will still attempt to memorize every bit of minutia). What if our class isn't like your class (after all, they never see how "competitive" or gunner-like the premeds are, there is no way to make sure that they aren't accepting such students) and we get stuck with uber-competitive students? Is WashU less competitive than a place like UCLA or Stanford or Yale which don't switch ever away from a P/F curriculum?

I guess I just don't see how you can say that your school is less competitive than every other school in the country when you haven't had first-hand experience with other schools.

 

[Dookter]

I think one way to find out about the competition/atmosphere at a school is to listen to what current students have to say. But you have to put it through your B.S. translator. When students say there is absolutely no competition, realize that there is probably a little. Regardless, they are probably being mostly honest. I would really watch out for when students say things like, "Well, we have a reputation for being competitive, but I find it is not that bad." Or even better, "Competition might actually make you a better student." Both these = the competition sucks and we wish we didn't have it. If things are good at medical schools, most students will say they are perfect. If things are bad, students translate that into "not that bad."

If you want another good indication, look at grading scales. You guys should always ask about grading scales, curves, what % of the class is allowed to get what grades, etc. Basically, go beyond the basic info. they give you. If you find people making excuses for things or not being very open with you, that is an indication that things might not be as happy as people make them out to be. I know before I decided on a school, I asked as many people as possible about all these things. I did not care if I got the same answers over and over again. I was really just wanting to see consistency and truthful answers so that I could get a good idea of the schools. Also, don't just ask the super involved kids that run everything and volunteer to do all the tours, the second look activities, etc. Wait until you're at second look at a bar or something, and ask those kids too. Their opinions matters just as much as the kids with smiles plastered on 24/7.

 

[BucsFan813]

Keg,

I appreciate your comments. I'm definitely looking forward to the second look weekends, where I'll have a chance to meet some of my potential classmates and see more the school and city.

Personally, I'm not worried about the competition, but WashU was the only place that an interviewer wanted to know how I would handle the competition because students are very "grade oriented" (his words).

Here are some of my priorities that I would appreciate feedback on:

Diversity of student body AND faculty
Flexibility of curriculum (clinical years)
Research (i.e. faculty responsiveness, opportunities to get published, international experiences, funding)
Location (quality of life outside of medical school, cost of living)
Student support and advisement

BucsFan,

Just addressing one point in this quoted post, then a question.

Although students at Wash U may be focused on grades, you'll find that at every medical school across the country. The difference is that there is zero competition here. People are constantly sending out review sheets, having study sessions, and baking cookies (OK, so that's only helpful to the stomach during those late-night study sessions!). In any case, Wash U is P/F first year and graded the next three years without a curve - hence, no competition amongst students, though people here do care about passing.

List the top, oh, ten things you're looking for in a med school, and I'll let you know honestly which school wins in each category (check my MDApps - I went to Vandy undergrad, got full tuition at Vandy [maybe the same scholarship as you?], just got need-based at Wash U, and still chose WUSTL). Hopefully that'll help you make your decision. Go to the second look weekends and scholarship weekends, both are done very well and should help your decision, and you shouldn't make a decision until then anyway, but knowing nothing else about you other than what you've posted in this thread, I'd say that you should choose Wash U. We'll see if that changes after I see what your priorities are.

--Keg

 

[Smokey]

Hey Keg,

What are your thoughts on Pritzker and WashU. I noticed you got A TON of money to go there, but you still picked WashU. Care to comment?

I thought the schools were pretty similar in curriculum, but Pritzker had 2 years of pass/fail. Also, I wasn't a big fan of Hyde Park. St. Louis has a terrible reputation, but the area around the school seemed pretty nice to me.

Thanks!

 

[Guile]

.

 

[Keg]

Keg,

I appreciate your comments. I'm definitely looking forward to the second look weekends, where I'll have a chance to meet some of my potential classmates and see more the school and city.

Personally, I'm not worried about the competition, but WashU was the only place that an interviewer wanted to know how I would handle the competition because students are very "grade oriented" (his words).

Here are some of my priorities that I would appreciate feedback on:

Diversity of student body AND faculty
Flexibility of curriculum (clinical years)
Research (i.e. faculty responsiveness, opportunities to get published, international experiences, funding)
Location (quality of life outside of medical school, cost of living)
Student support and advisement

With regards to the diversity of the student body, I'm looking at the class composite. We have 122 students. Of those, 59 are female, six appear to be of African descent, 13 appear to be of South Asian descent, 21 appear to be of East Asian descent, and 2 are of other non-Caucasian backgrounds. There is wide variability in where these people come from, some as far as Tibet and some as close as Saint Louis. I think we have almost every state represented and 3 or 4 continents. From what I remember, Wash U's class seems more diverse than the class that I had seen at Vandy; at least when I was an undergrad, and more specifically when I was interviewing, it seemed a bit more homogenized. Someone who's there now could speak to that a bit better.
So far, we have seen the gamut of professors - every race, sex, and background. They're good about bringing in guest lecturers who are experts on the topics that they present, but that's not uncommon for any medical school. You do get an opportunity, however, through small groups to meet with these faculty members on a more intimate level, and you see the same diversity amongst faculty in these small group sessions, which gives you exposure to different points of view when it comes to medicine. With regards to this aspect, I am unsure how Vandy compares, and would hope that a Vandy student could address this.
Third year is all set for you, as far as what classes you take, but from what I understand (I'm just a first year), you get to enter a lottery to pick the order you take them in. So on the first round, you get to pick the block you want to take whatever class, so if you're interested in taking surgery last, then you pick that. And so on and so forth. A lot like high school, where you had all the classes you had to take (mostly) but you get to choose the times, based on availability of the times that you want.
Fourth year is open to the student, allowing time for away-rotations, sub-internships, or interviews. Fourth year at WashU is definitely the easiest year because there is little official programming from the school. That's the way you'll want it to be. I seem to remember that Vandy was a bit more structured through third and fourth years, but again, someone at Vandy would be more qualified to speak to that.
Research opportunities are amazing both places for those who are dedicated to the idea, but I think Wash U surpasses Vandy for funding and diversity of opportunities. I think that Vandy's emphasis program puts you into one of several categories, but at Wash U, while summer research isn't required, it's encouraged and is paid for, so most people (~90%) do it. And you can do it in any lab on the medical school campus in any field and on any subject. That, to me, was a selling point for Wash U over Vandy. My own personal experience, I'm planning to do research in the cardiothoracic surgery lab this summer, and the PI told me to expect two if not more publications out of the work. Additionally, there is an MA/MD program here where you take a year off of studies, get a $30k stipend, and do research for a year in any field you want, get a primary authorship, and you get a MA in biomedical research or a MS in clinical research design. I'm not sure if there are any comparable programs at Vandy.
With regards to location, I'm originally from the Nashville area, and am only getting settled in the Lou. With that said, I love Nashville's nightlife - it's fun to go downtown to Lonnie's, get a bucket, and sing karaoke. Here, the opportunities are there, but they're not as concentrated. The med school is part of the Central West End, and Euclid is the main party corridor - something like 20+ bars and clubs between Forest Park Avenue and Manchester. That's where most hang out on free nights and on the weekends, and everyone from all backgrounds seem to think it's nice - there's something for everyone, just perhaps not to the same level as in Nashville. I've never been to Laclede's landing, which is the huge club scene, so if that's your thing, hit it up when you come for second visit. I'd give Nashville a 6/10 for clubs, just because of a lack of diversity among good places to go. Sports-wise, St. Louis can't be beat - they have everything, including a world-champion baseball team (even though I'm a Braves fan at heart). Recreationally, Saint Louis is better just because of Forest Park and the centrality of the city's outdoor recreation systems to the city itself. To get the same in Nashville, you'd have to drive to Percy Warner or some other park, when you can just walk in St. Louis. Overall, I'd say quality of life here outside of school is marginally better than in Nashville.
With regards to cost of living, Saint Louis is about 10% cheaper than Nashville on everything, most notably on rent prices. If you shop around the CWE, you can find an apartment cheaper than a room in Olin. So I'd say St Louis is better than Nashville as far as living.
I would have to stay that student support goes to Vandy - Scott Rodgers is an amazing guy and is probably more accessible than Dean Kahl at Wash U. That being said, even if it isn't an open-door policy here, if you make an appointment in the morning, you can have your questions answered by the afternoon. But still, I'd say Vandy is a bit more supportive of their students overall.
With regards to advising, I'm not sure how that's done at Vandy, but here, we have a society, so a social advising group, and an academic advisor (who I have yet to meet with). When I got here, I emailed the chief of cardiothoracic surgery, met with him, and he's going to be my mentor throughout med school - he's already set me up with some really cool opportunities with the promise of many more. So don't be afraid to go outside the system to find someone in a field you really love, it really does pay dividends.
So, noting your concerns, I'd say that Wash U is the better place for you- unless you're weighting student supportiveness as 90% of your equation or some such. But you'd be happy here. OK - I hope that answered your questions. If someone who goes to Vandy would like to give their perspective on those questions, I'm sure that'd be appreciated as well. Best of luck to you, BucsFan, on your decision - whichever one you make, it's the right one. PM me or post here if I can be of any more help in the process.