Vanderbilt Law School - Class of 2020 Forum

[rachel3636]

I thought the second ASW was fantastic. The people there seem genuinely kind, fun, and hard-working all at once - as advertised. Professor Cheng's class was really neat and I really liked Professor Ruhr (extra kudos for being a judge at the Talent Show). The school really seemed like a family and I was sold on that. Loved how everyone, from students, faculty, to administration were all on the same page and knew each other on a personal level - surprisingly, that's not too common.

I actually wasn't too sold on Nashville...since I'm from the Northeast it may be because of the massive difference between Nashville and NY/Boston/DC but I definitely might need some time to get used to it.

The only negative about the school itself was just how much everyone tried to "sell" the school to you. At times, it didn't seem genuine and people seemed to go out of their way to shape their answers to give you a pitch. The professor that I got the chance to sit with, seemed really chill and brilliant, but kind of oversold the school at the expense of other (some of them were much higher ranked) schools, which was kind of a turnoff. My thinking is, if you're really that superior, you wouldn't need to up yourself by putting another place down. I doubt Harvard faculty goes around and tells people why they shouldn't go to GULC. So maybe tone it down a notch. The overselling made me take some other things they said (even things I would normally agree with) with a grain of salt because..."this could also just be a pitch."

Hey! I was at the second ASW as well. Can I ask what al parts of Nashville you saw/visited? Obviously campus/broadway, but definitely get out and check out some of the other neighborhoods in Nashville too. If you're not big into the country music and bachelorette party thing, broadway can be a little much. There are a lot of really fun, cool things to do around Nashville though! Just my input as someone who wasn't 100% sold on Nashville the first time I visited either (love it now though!)

[Thomas Hagan, ESQ.]

I thought the second ASW was fantastic. The people there seem genuinely kind, fun, and hard-working all at once - as advertised. Professor Cheng's class was really neat and I really liked Professor Ruhr (extra kudos for being a judge at the Talent Show). The school really seemed like a family and I was sold on that. Loved how everyone, from students, faculty, to administration were all on the same page and knew each other on a personal level - surprisingly, that's not too common.

I actually wasn't too sold on Nashville...since I'm from the Northeast it may be because of the massive difference between Nashville and NY/Boston/DC but I definitely might need some time to get used to it.

The only negative about the school itself was just how much everyone tried to "sell" the school to you. At times, it didn't seem genuine and people seemed to go out of their way to shape their answers to give you a pitch. The professor that I got the chance to sit with, seemed really chill and brilliant, but kind of oversold the school at the expense of other (some of them were much higher ranked) schools, which was kind of a turnoff. My thinking is, if you're really that superior, you wouldn't need to up yourself by putting another place down. I doubt Harvard faculty goes around and tells people why they shouldn't go to GULC. So maybe tone it down a notch. The overselling made me take some other things they said (even things I would normally agree with) with a grain of salt because..."this could also just be a pitch."

Hey! I was at the second ASW as well. Can I ask what al parts of Nashville you saw/visited? Obviously campus/broadway, but definitely get out and check out some of the other neighborhoods in Nashville too. If you're not big into the country music and bachelorette party thing, broadway can be a little much. There are a lot of really fun, cool things to do around Nashville though! Just my input as someone who wasn't 100% sold on Nashville the first time I visited either (love it now though!)

Definitely! I think it's a cool city but just different. I've lived on the east coast my entire life so Bar Review was kind of a culture shock. I checked out the area near school (obviously), as well as Music Row, Broadway, area near the Parthenon, and the Gulch.

Nothing wrong with anything, but I just might need some time to get used to such a different setting.

[Gitaroo_Dude]

Yeah, as someone who visited from the West Coast, I think Hillsboro was the only neighborhood I really vibed with. I liked the rest of Nashville too, but it was definitely a different feel than the cities I'm used to.

[pizzagoblin]

I thought the second ASW was fantastic. The people there seem genuinely kind, fun, and hard-working all at once - as advertised. Professor Cheng's class was really neat and I really liked Professor Ruhr (extra kudos for being a judge at the Talent Show). The school really seemed like a family and I was sold on that. Loved how everyone, from students, faculty, to administration were all on the same page and knew each other on a personal level - surprisingly, that's not too common.

I actually wasn't too sold on Nashville...since I'm from the Northeast it may be because of the massive difference between Nashville and NY/Boston/DC but I definitely might need some time to get used to it.

The only negative about the school itself was just how much everyone tried to "sell" the school to you. At times, it didn't seem genuine and people seemed to go out of their way to shape their answers to give you a pitch. The professor that I got the chance to sit with, seemed really chill and brilliant, but kind of oversold the school at the expense of other (some of them were much higher ranked) schools, which was kind of a turnoff. My thinking is, if you're really that superior, you wouldn't need to up yourself by putting another place down. I doubt Harvard faculty goes around and tells people why they shouldn't go to GULC. So maybe tone it down a notch. The overselling made me take some other things they said (even things I would normally agree with) with a grain of salt because..."this could also just be a pitch."

Hey! I was at the second ASW as well. Can I ask what al parts of Nashville you saw/visited? Obviously campus/broadway, but definitely get out and check out some of the other neighborhoods in Nashville too. If you're not big into the country music and bachelorette party thing, broadway can be a little much. There are a lot of really fun, cool things to do around Nashville though! Just my input as someone who wasn't 100% sold on Nashville the first time I visited either (love it now though!)

Definitely! I think it's a cool city but just different. I've lived on the east coast my entire life so Bar Review was kind of a culture shock. I checked out the area near school (obviously), as well as Music Row, Broadway, area near the Parthenon, and the Gulch.

Nothing wrong with anything, but I just might need some time to get used to such a different setting.

As a current NYC resident, I was really thrown off by the bar review on Broadway during the first ASW. I LOVED the school and the people but wasn't sold on Nashville, just like you. Later that weekend I actually started to explore non-touristy destinations and found that, while different from the Northeast, Nashville offers a ton of cool perks. Although Nashville doesn't fit into my definition of "city" as I now know it, I like being close to major sporting events, concerts, hiking, bike paths, a strong food culture and golf courses. Plus it doesn't seem like most people go to that tourist destination to hang out, anyway.

[Thomas Hagan, ESQ.]

I thought the second ASW was fantastic. The people there seem genuinely kind, fun, and hard-working all at once - as advertised. Professor Cheng's class was really neat and I really liked Professor Ruhr (extra kudos for being a judge at the Talent Show). The school really seemed like a family and I was sold on that. Loved how everyone, from students, faculty, to administration were all on the same page and knew each other on a personal level - surprisingly, that's not too common.

I actually wasn't too sold on Nashville...since I'm from the Northeast it may be because of the massive difference between Nashville and NY/Boston/DC but I definitely might need some time to get used to it.

The only negative about the school itself was just how much everyone tried to "sell" the school to you. At times, it didn't seem genuine and people seemed to go out of their way to shape their answers to give you a pitch. The professor that I got the chance to sit with, seemed really chill and brilliant, but kind of oversold the school at the expense of other (some of them were much higher ranked) schools, which was kind of a turnoff. My thinking is, if you're really that superior, you wouldn't need to up yourself by putting another place down. I doubt Harvard faculty goes around and tells people why they shouldn't go to GULC. So maybe tone it down a notch. The overselling made me take some other things they said (even things I would normally agree with) with a grain of salt because..."this could also just be a pitch."

Hey! I was at the second ASW as well. Can I ask what al parts of Nashville you saw/visited? Obviously campus/broadway, but definitely get out and check out some of the other neighborhoods in Nashville too. If you're not big into the country music and bachelorette party thing, broadway can be a little much. There are a lot of really fun, cool things to do around Nashville though! Just my input as someone who wasn't 100% sold on Nashville the first time I visited either (love it now though!)

Definitely! I think it's a cool city but just different. I've lived on the east coast my entire life so Bar Review was kind of a culture shock. I checked out the area near school (obviously), as well as Music Row, Broadway, area near the Parthenon, and the Gulch.

Nothing wrong with anything, but I just might need some time to get used to such a different setting.

As a current NYC resident, I was really thrown off by the bar review on Broadway during the first ASW. I LOVED the school and the people but wasn't sold on Nashville, just like you. Later that weekend I actually started to explore non-touristy destinations and found that, while different from the Northeast, Nashville offers a ton of cool perks. Although Nashville doesn't fit into my definition of "city" as I now know it, I like being close to major sporting events, concerts, hiking, bike paths, a strong food culture and golf courses. Plus it doesn't seem like most people go to that tourist destination to hang out, anyway.

That's awesome! yeah, I should've explored the city more but I left pretty early that weekend so I didn't get a chance to walk around to the different neighborhood. I'll definitely have to do that the next time I'm there

[Thomas Hagan, ESQ.]

Lowkey think it's kind of a bummer that VLS only has one study abroad option and zero exchange programs (correct me if I'm wrong). Altough Vandy in Venice seems like a great experience, especially with Professor Newton, still wish there were more options.

Do any VLS students do study abroad elsewhere with like a partnership with another US law school?

[carsondalywashere]

nvm lol

[pizzagoblin]

So where is everyone planning on living?

[BEng,MBA,FRM,JD(?)]

Hello Guys, Is anyone aware of Vandy's deferral policy? specifically, how easy or tough it is to get a deferral? And whether it would be possible to retain the scholarship upon deferral? Any inputs would be useful. I would obviously check with the admissions office. But I want to get an idea before going to them with a request for deferral. Thanks all.

[arklaw13]

Hello Guys, Is anyone aware of Vandy's deferral policy? specifically, how easy or tough it is to get a deferral? And whether it would be possible to retain the scholarship upon deferral? Any inputs would be useful. I would obviously check with the admissions office. But I want to get an idea before going to them with a request for deferral. Thanks all.

I believe my application year someone deferred a full ride award to do a one-year master's program. So it happens.

[rachel3636]

So where is everyone planning on living?

Still trying to figure it out...it seems like most apartments won't know their availability until end of May/early June. Probably somewhere in Midtown/Hillsboro Village. Toured the Lee Apartments (management was a nightmare...just getting them to answer the phone was a 3 day process) and the Americana and wasn't a big fan of either. Probably going to (hopefully) find a condo/house to rent that doesn't break the bank. Any ideas yourself?

[BEng,MBA,FRM,JD(?)]

Hello Guys, Is anyone aware of Vandy's deferral policy? specifically, how easy or tough it is to get a deferral? And whether it would be possible to retain the scholarship upon deferral? Any inputs would be useful. I would obviously check with the admissions office. But I want to get an idea before going to them with a request for deferral. Thanks all.

I believe my application year someone deferred a full ride award to do a one-year master's program. So it happens.

Thanks. That's good to know.

[pizzagoblin]

So where is everyone planning on living?

Still trying to figure it out...it seems like most apartments won't know their availability until end of May/early June. Probably somewhere in Midtown/Hillsboro Village. Toured the Lee Apartments (management was a nightmare...just getting them to answer the phone was a 3 day process) and the Americana and wasn't a big fan of either. Probably going to (hopefully) find a condo/house to rent that doesn't break the bank. Any ideas yourself?

A condo or house sounds awesome! I also really like the Midtown area and am hoping to get into the Artisan on 18th apartments. But that company doesn't have any availability for August 1 yet. Do you know when most students secure their housing? Don't want to be left behind, haha.

[carsondalywashere]

Can people elaborate on the differences between their hometowns and Nashville?

[do_me_a_favor]

Can people elaborate on the differences between their hometowns and Nashville?

nashville is safer than my home town for sure, but also kindof a touristy/travel destination/party scene type place. it's nice here. the area by the law school is really cool imo--lots of opportunities to walk/cycle and see nice things, solid amount of restaurants in close proximity (not an INCREDIBLE amount but a good selection and it seems to be growing), plenty of bars if you're into bars (i am not). this entire area i'm describing by the law school is, of course, only like 1-3 miles away from the real downtown nashville. you can hop on the bus (free for students) any time and get downtown to do whatever, and it's really nice.

personally i think nashville is a great place to live, particularly if you're young, have a dog, like cycling, like jogging, or like the social scene/brunch/bars. people do a lot of fun shit all the time--even during finals lol. i don't really take advantage of it because i have a partner/animals at home so i kinda just live that old man lifestyle. yet there's tons of fun if you're looking for it. there's always parties of people on pedal taverns driving through the streets hooting and hollering, which is annoying to some but kind of energizing to me. someone somewhere is always having a fun time around here, which is comforting to me because that's what my home town was like

[pizzagoblin]

Can people elaborate on the differences between their hometowns and Nashville?

nashville is safer than my home town for sure, but also kindof a touristy/travel destination/party scene type place. it's nice here. the area by the law school is really cool imo--lots of opportunities to walk/cycle and see nice things, solid amount of restaurants in close proximity (not an INCREDIBLE amount but a good selection and it seems to be growing), plenty of bars if you're into bars (i am not). this entire area i'm describing by the law school is, of course, only like 1-3 miles away from the real downtown nashville. you can hop on the bus (free for students) any time and get downtown to do whatever, and it's really nice.

personally i think nashville is a great place to live, particularly if you're young, have a dog, like cycling, like jogging, or like the social scene/brunch/bars. people do a lot of fun shit all the time--even during finals lol. i don't really take advantage of it because i have a partner/animals at home so i kinda just live that old man lifestyle. yet there's tons of fun if you're looking for it. there's always parties of people on pedal taverns driving through the streets hooting and hollering, which is annoying to some but kind of energizing to me. someone somewhere is always having a fun time around here, which is comforting to me because that's what my home town was like

Would you say students need a car? I'm hoping to live within walking distance of the law school.

[do_me_a_favor]

Can people elaborate on the differences between their hometowns and Nashville?

nashville is safer than my home town for sure, but also kindof a touristy/travel destination/party scene type place. it's nice here. the area by the law school is really cool imo--lots of opportunities to walk/cycle and see nice things, solid amount of restaurants in close proximity (not an INCREDIBLE amount but a good selection and it seems to be growing), plenty of bars if you're into bars (i am not). this entire area i'm describing by the law school is, of course, only like 1-3 miles away from the real downtown nashville. you can hop on the bus (free for students) any time and get downtown to do whatever, and it's really nice.

personally i think nashville is a great place to live, particularly if you're young, have a dog, like cycling, like jogging, or like the social scene/brunch/bars. people do a lot of fun shit all the time--even during finals lol. i don't really take advantage of it because i have a partner/animals at home so i kinda just live that old man lifestyle. yet there's tons of fun if you're looking for it. there's always parties of people on pedal taverns driving through the streets hooting and hollering, which is annoying to some but kind of energizing to me. someone somewhere is always having a fun time around here, which is comforting to me because that's what my home town was like

Would you say students need a car? I'm hoping to live within walking distance of the law school.

you don't need a car if you live within walking distance. i live very close so i don't have a car. (i did pick the place BECAUSE i don't have a car). you might need a car for groceries sometimes? some students carpool to the store which is kind of them to do for each other. or you could probably uber home?

but yeah it's fairly walkable. the one thing i'll say is that your selections for restaurants and bars will be a tiny bit limited if you (1) dont have a car and (2) dont wanna uber/ride the bus often.

[haley12]

Hi all! I was just admitted of the WL and I'm so excited about Vandy

One question-- how bad would it be to be social and under 21 there? I'm hearing a lot of talk about bars which makes me nervous It would only be for a couple months but I'm scared I'll miss out on that beginning bonding with my classmates. Any thoughts?

[arklaw13]

Hi all! I was just admitted of the WL and I'm so excited about Vandy

One question-- how bad would it be to be social and under 21 there? I'm hearing a lot of talk about bars which makes me nervous It would only be for a couple months but I'm scared I'll miss out on that beginning bonding with my classmates. Any thoughts?

C/o 2017 had someone who didn't hit 21 until 2L. You'll be just fine.

[do_me_a_favor]

Hi all! I was just admitted of the WL and I'm so excited about Vandy

One question-- how bad would it be to be social and under 21 there? I'm hearing a lot of talk about bars which makes me nervous It would only be for a couple months but I'm scared I'll miss out on that beginning bonding with my classmates. Any thoughts?

being sub-21 isn't gonna be a problem for you. bar review is something that's popular here, but lots of students don't go out for that stuff at all. i personally don't (it's a shame, but 1L was challenging and i'm not a going-out-and-drinking-to-socialize kinda dude). and if you're 20 now you'll be golden for bar review in what, a few months? but yeah you'l be fine.

i honestly think that socializing at vandy is more about finding and joining groups/cliques than drinking or anything extracurricular like that.

[bitter_melon]

I was just admitted and am strongly considering Vandy. What did people like about it over other schools? My other strong consideration is WUSTL.

[haley12]

Hi all! I was just admitted of the WL and I'm so excited about Vandy

One question-- how bad would it be to be social and under 21 there? I'm hearing a lot of talk about bars which makes me nervous It would only be for a couple months but I'm scared I'll miss out on that beginning bonding with my classmates. Any thoughts?

being sub-21 isn't gonna be a problem for you. bar review is something that's popular here, but lots of students don't go out for that stuff at all. i personally don't (it's a shame, but 1L was challenging and i'm not a going-out-and-drinking-to-socialize kinda dude). and if you're 20 now you'll be golden for bar review in what, a few months? but yeah you'l be fine.

i honestly think that socializing at vandy is more about finding and joining groups/cliques than drinking or anything extracurricular like that.

Thank you! That makes me feel a lot better

[The Abyss]

I was just admitted and am strongly considering Vandy. What did people like about it over other schools? My other strong consideration is WUSTL.

Better employment numbers than other schools that offered me significant scholarship money. I also want to work in the region and I really like Nashville.

[njdevils327]

I was just admitted and am strongly considering Vandy. What did people like about it over other schools? My other strong consideration is WUSTL.

I would also like to hear a direct comparison between those 2 schools if anyone could offer some clarity for me.

[rachel3636]

I was just admitted and am strongly considering Vandy. What did people like about it over other schools? My other strong consideration is WUSTL.

I would also like to hear a direct comparison between those 2 schools if anyone could offer some clarity for me.

Probably not what you're looking for but after spending time in St. Louis and Nashville....Nashville wins in every way. Can't actually comment on the school itself.