Chance me for Vanderbilt? Class of 2020 (RD)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Vanderbilt University
1

Stats:
SAT I: 2120 (superscore), 2070 (one sitting)
ACT: 34 (English 35, Math 35, Reading 34, Science 31)
GPA: 3.926 out of 4.000 I honestly messed up real bad my junior year…
Freshman year: 4.477, Sophomore year: around a 4.000, Junior year: around a 3.5 (yes I know my GPA plummeted, yes it is completely my fault), Senior year: right now it’s around a 4.200
Rank/percentile: Top 20%

Extracurriculars:
Varsity Golf for 1 year
Varsity Lacrosse for 3 years (captain junior year)
Student volunteer at local hospital for 3 years (orthopedics dept and PACU)
Local youth symphony orchestra for 3 years (first violin)
Chamber quartet for 2 years (1st violin)
Latin club for 3 years
National Latin Exam award winner for 3 years
National Latin Honor Society for 3 years
National Honors Society for 2 years (private one on one math tutor starting senior year)
FBLA Secretary
All-school mass instrumentalist, member of orch pit for school plays and musicals
High honors awards (school)

Internship/work experience
Over the summer, I interned at a a plastic surgeon’s office in another country. Got a very enriching experience about hospitality and the health care profession, in which I hope to have a career (orthodontist).
I also taught english to middle schoolers while I was in another country this summer

Essays: common app is solid, have not yet started supplement
Teacher Rec (2): both pretty good
Counselor Rec: absolutely the best

Currently a senior at a medium sized private catholic school (VERY rigorous)
Transferred to another school in a different state my sophomore year
Fluent in two languages
Lived in 2 countries, 3 states
Minority female (asian), upper middle class
Out of state applicant
Categorized as an international applicant because I am not a citizen, although I have gone to school in the US since 1st grade. (No green card yet, but soon)

Thanks!
Also: Would Vandy care more about GPA or standardized test scores?

2

Just yesterday my guidance counselor told me Vanderbilt has been putting a bigger emphasis on test scores the past few years. This is good for you because you have 34!

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@Guacamole629 That’s somewhat reassuring. Thanks for your input!

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The thing is, a 34 is good and certainly makes you competitive, but it won’t help you beyond that. It’s actually right in the middle of the middle 50% for RD last year (33-35). To be honest, a downward trend is the exact opposite of what they want to see - it looks to them like you can’t handle the harder classes you’re taking. With that, and nothing that particularly makes you stand out, I think you’re unlikely to get in (especially RD which is VERY competitive) but I do think it’s worth applying. Good luck!

5

I think your essays and references are the turning points. That and luck. Please do NOT fret anymore about your grades or your test scores. Chin up. “you done good.” Make sure you have realistic plans for financial safeties and admission safeties and feel perfectly great about application to reach colleges like Vandy. Do NOT fail to apply to a very good school that is a sure thing. I think First Violin, your lacrosse years and your volunteer hours are very good. And fluency in two languages is always an asset, now and in your future job search. Do not let anyone bum you out here. Be prepared to go RD with a great attitude. Attitude is still pretty much the thing that makes all things fly in life. NOBODY even with a 35-36 ACT can skip strong safety school plans. Make a smart spread of schools in your selections and put on a happy face. Cheer on your friends and accept the randomness of what happens next.