I'm deciding between these two schools and looking for any advice! I want to dual-major in political science and either economics or potentially English, with the goal of attending a T5 law school after graduation.
Dartmouth:
Pros: Stronger academics, undergraduate-focused with great professors and smaller classes, I've heard amazing things about the gov department, solid Ivy law school pipeline, great debate and mock trial team (but they're so so competitive, so idk if I could get on even if I attended), D-Plan gives me a better shot at opportunities during non-competitive seasons, great study abroad
Cons: Cost. I'd be paying full tuition, which my parents are willing to do but I'd still feel awful. Gov major has a B+ median, so my GPA will likely be lower than it would have been at Vandy.
Vanderbilt:
Pros: Cheapest w/ a 6k summer stipend tho I'm still paying about 30k/year, some programming related to Chancellor's (I've heard there isn't much tho), seems like a great school/life balance, good research, and I'd likely be a more competitive applicant for Vanderbilt's opportunities than Dartmouth's
Cons: Didn't really like the campus and couldn't see myself going there (but over 4 years I can probably learn to like it), not as much diversity so I'm worried about finding community, debate team seems less active (their account hasn't posted in years), I don't think I'd fit into the social scene there bc I'm not into partying
I'd really appreciate any insight!