Hey guys, recent events have led me to the conclusion that Vanderbilt is the perfect school for me. I visited Vandy while driving back from Florida, and I totally fell in love with the campus, city, and state. My current dilemma: I did not apply there. I most definitely would have been rejected (3.66 UW 30 ACT), but I already have my mind on transferring next year from wherever I attend. My current options are Fordham, NYU (CAS Waitlist applying LSP), Sewanee, Clemson, or possibly a cheap state school (not as reputable). How much does it matter where I choose to go? Also, what should I aim for on the ACT? Any other transfer tips? Thanks in advance.
Hey Danny,
I’m a sophomore at UCF and I have been accepted as a transfer at Vandy (Already submitted my deposit :)!). First of all, whatever you do, go to your new school, wherever that may be, with an open mind. I came here thinking I would go through hell for two years and then transfer to any school in the US News top 25 ranking. Just as I had thought, my first semester here was hell. This is an extremely large school (50,000+ undergrads), and I had trouble finding friends. Fast forward to now and I have lots of friends and I’m very happy. It will in fact be heartbreaking to leave, and I believe it would have been reasonable for me to stay here otherwise (I got so much financial aid that it is cheaper for me to go to Vanderbilt than it would be to remain here). This does not sound like your story, but just be mindful.
In my opinion there are several factors that you need to consider before choosing a school to go to before transferring. First and foremost, go to a school where you will be happy. Though that makes transferring a little more difficult, it will save you a lot of struggle. Second, go to a school that will be affordable if your intent is to transfer regardless. Vanderbilt (and most top tier schools) don’t mind where you come from so as long as it is an accredited school, even if it is a community college. Also, go to a school where it is easy-- or at least you believe you will be able-- to achieve extraordinary grades. For reference, look up average GPA at each of these schools and whether they have grade inflation or not. The average GPA for accepted transfer students at VU is 3.7-3.8, but you should strive for a 4.0. Btw, it is usually easier to achieve a 4.0 at a state school than in high school.
Now, when it comes to preparing for transfer admissions I have a few tips: Look up the catalogue of your major at Vandy and try to follow it as tightly as your new school allows it. You were a pretty good high school student so this shouldn’t be a concern but have in mind that if you get rejected as a rising sophomore you can always reapply as a rising Junior. SAT/ACT Scores are much more permissible for transfer students as the acceptance rate is way higher, so I would encourage you to retake both tests but don’t sweat it too much as these are unlikely to hinder your chances. Be very involved at school. Find 2 or 3 extracurriculars that you enjoy or at least don’t mind and be the best at them. Don’t become a jack of all trades master of none, schools hate that.
To give you a reference, the freshman acceptance rate at VU is 13%. The transfer one is 30+%. It is very achievable for a student of your caliber to transfer to Vanderbilt, so I wish you good luck. If you do end up going to a school that is not as reputable as a freshman I strongly encourage you to apply to more places once you start looking to transfer, but be open to the idea of staying there if you’re happy, though of course this shouldn’t be the only factor to consider. Feel free to reply to this or message me if you have any additional questions!
Oh also, locate your transfer counselor at Vanderbilt, as having a good relationship with that person can’t hurt. I asked mine a couple of questions and showed interest early on. He’s seen my LinkedIn profile a couple of times over the last 2 years, so I guess that didn’t hurt. It at least put me in Vandy’s map. Don’t message them too often though, it will come off as annoying. And wait at least a semester into your new college life to contact them!
I keep coming up with ideas, lol. Read all the Vandy transfer threats over the years here at CC, you’ll learn a lot!
@FutureEconomist Wow. You essentially began and ended the discussion hahaha. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! I’ve already ruled out Fordham, due to their publicized grade deflation.
I’m glad I could help! Feel free to reach out in the future if you have more questions.