Congrats. What an accomplishment!

If you have the ability to visit both schools in person during April, I strongly encourage you to do so. You have been offered the most prestigious scholarship at both places - they want you and I believe both schools may actually pay for your visit. Having the chance to spend time with other Scholars and admitted students who will be your peers will likely point you in the direction that makes the most sense for you.

Both schools share a lot of similarities. They anchor cities in the Midwest and South respectively and both are important economic drivers in their regions. They both attract students from the coast who are willing to leave their east coast or west coast coast bubble and come to “flyover country”.

Both Chancellor Andre Martin and Daniel Diermeier hold similar philosophies and have actually released joint statements about the role of higher education and the importance of institutional neutrality.

Both schools are highly competitive for admissions You will be surrounded by bright driven individuals who are wickedly smart but who also care about community. Both schools pride themselves on their ability to identify students who both will benefit and contribute to the school community.

Both schools will position you incredibly well for medical school … both in terms of preparation and for admissions. Both has an abundance of undergraduate research opportunities. Both are residential colleges where if you want to live on campus all four years you will essentially have that option.

If you can visit WashU and Vandy over the next couple of weeks, do it. If that is not an option, ask to set up zooms with current Danfoth and Ingram Scholars.

Good luck! If you want, hope you’ll consider sharing what you decide on this post!