Acceptance to VU with lower test scores

<p>Did anyone get accepted with scores that did not fall in VU's average range? </p>

<p>By definition, wouldn’t 25% of the accepted students have scores below the middle 50%?</p>

<p>Yes, by definition. Just curious as to what some of the stats are for the lower 25%. </p>

<p>I think you have to factor in that Vanderbilt has a very expansive program across the board. They may take the best harp player or the best tennis player in that bottom quartile, or someone they feel has test scores that under report their talent and potential, or perhaps someone who is first generation college, or someone who would make higher scores in their language of origin but is bilingual or international. So the “bottom” quartile can be deceiving. That area may be where students with great strength are represented. If you are looking at college yourself, make the time this summer to do serious college exam prep on your own. </p>

<p>You could always look at the CDS profile. It’s got information like this on there.</p>

<p><a href=“https://virg.vanderbilt.edu/virgweb/CDSC.aspx?year=2013”>https://virg.vanderbilt.edu/virgweb/CDSC.aspx?year=2013&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Our son (now a senior) got in with an ACT below the middle 50%. He’s white and from a small public school (~120 in his graduating class), wasn’t valedictorian or salutatorian, and had no wealth or connections. He only had 2 AP’s (that’s all his very rural school offered) and his school didn’t weight grades. But, his grades, recommendations, service and EC’s were stellar – 4 sport varsity athlete, (he played football and soccer at the same time – football team won state championship), rose to the top of a national leadership organization (NAYLE), had the lead in the school musical, was in several clubs/activities/sports with leadership positions etc. What he demonstrated in his essay was a strong drive to try new things and excel at them, a willingness (even a desire) to put himself out there and test himself,and skill at working with and leading people. His resume was a perfect fit for Peabody and the HOD program.</p>

<p>Vandy was his far-and-away first choice so he applied early decision. He did the interview and impressed the interviewer with his character and maturity. He made a point to get to know his admissions rep, which was crucial (the admissions rep advocated for him heavily and was so excited that he called our son to let him know he’d been accepted). </p>

<p>I think it gets down to Vandy’s focus on a well-rounded community of students with passion and a drive to contribute to the world. Our son said that when he got there as a freshman he was so impressed that everyone was a complete genius at something, whether it was music, business, service, foreign languages . . . . Everyone was impressive in some way, and very well rounded and skilled socially as well – not “nerds”.</p>

<p>I will say that he had a lot of catching up to do – competing with students who have been to high-powered private schools since 6th grade is daunting in terms of baseline knowledge, study skills, familiarity with the rigor, and workload. But he worked hard (very hard) and has done extremely well there. Just be aware that if your scores are lower you will be at a disadvantage. The students at Vandy are brilliant.</p>

<p>So yes, it is possible for a “regular” student to get in with scores in the bottom 25%, but you have to have something that sets you apart and that would add something unique to the class.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>My son (Class of 2017) also had an ACT test score right below the Middle 50. He is from a rural public high school in California with a strong AP program. Although he was not validictorian, he was number 6 in his class of over 500 with straight A’s. His demonstrated passion was in music. He will never be a professional muscian, but he was involved in music both at his high school and outside his high school. He had an excellent essay for a student applying to the school of engineering and great references. He really had no hooks for admissions.</p>

<p>He applied ED1 because he knew his test score was low. </p>

<p>I agree with @supruwoman that a test score in the bottom 25% does not eliminate you from consideration. And given our two examples, you don’t have to be an nationally recognized oboe player or star running back to be admitted with lower test scores. It is only one small part of the holistic review.</p>

<p>Thank you so much! I was denied but I applied for reconsideration. I applied with a lower score, but everything else was pretty good. My common app essay was very deep. The supplemental essay reflected my love of music. The reconsideration package is EXTREMELY strong (compares my statistics to the rest of the school’s population and a LOT more)
I’m just really nervous to hear back from them - Vanderbilt is my dream school. Thank you for sharing your stories!</p>

<p>This is a different situation from applying. Just bear in mind they have a lot of waitlisted students they are considering for open spots after May 1 and they do not want to accept more than they have room for in the freshman dorms. I think the number of students they are shooting for is 1601. </p>