Chance me for Vanderbilt!!!

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

I am a junior in highschool at one of the top 20 all-girls schools in the US, and I am planning on applying ED to Vanderbilt. What do you think my chances of getting in are (at this point)? Here are my scores, classes, extra-curriculars, etc.:

GPA: 4.3 (out of possible 4.6)

ACT: 32 (I took the ACT twice, and I am planning to retake it and am hoping for a 33)

Classes: I would have taken 8 honors classes and 5 APS by the time I graduate. (Honors geometry, honors Algebra 2, honors PreCalc, honors Spanish 3, honors Spanish 4, honors chemistry, honors physics, honors international relations & AP biology, AP Calc, AP Literature and AP computer science) I also took the required English and History courses but not always at the honors level.

Extra-curriculars: Volunteer as a tutor for lower-income children twice a week, Russian language lessons to learn how to read and write in Russian, Global Scholars program, started my own eBay business, business and finance program, volunteer for a local breast cancer organization, leadership academy, business summer internship, cashier at target, gold key club (ambassador for my school), started my own club at school called “around the world”, babysit, BBYO (Jewish Youth Organization), Volleyball, Pre-collage summer program, service trip to Nicaragua.

It would be great if you had any tips!!

Thanks!

2

Based on the Naviance scattergram information from our private day school, your chances for Vanderbilt are low; the lowest ACT and GPA for admitted students from our school is 34 ACT and 4.3W GPA.

But admission to Vanderbilt is hypercompetitive; and there may be some helpful information from this recent article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/grade-point/wp/2016/03/31/a-college-admissions-edge-for-the-wealthy-early-decision/?hpid=hp_hp-more-top-stories_college-admissions-710am%3Ahomepage%2Fstory. If you look at the data on Vanderbilt in the table provided, you will see that the acceptance rate for ED is 23% whereas the acceptance rate for RD is 12%; so your chances are doubled with ED application.

Work on getting your ACT score up, perhaps with a test preparation class. Also, with your ECs quality is more important than quantity; it would be helpful if you can show leadership in your ECs, as well as demonstrating something that you are passionate about – drive-by ECs won’t do you much good.

Best of luck to you.

3

What’s your unweighted GPA? 4.3 out of 4.6 seems a bit low. If you’re a Caucasian female from an overrepresented state you should be aiming for at least a 35 composite. Extracurriculars look good.

If you raise your ACT score I think you’d have a respectable chance at getting in. If you’re really set on Vandy, then consider applying ED/EDII as it could give the boost to your application that will get you in.

4

Take @gandalf78’s post with a grain of salt since it is based on accepted students from his school. You are better off looking at the Vandy class profile. The middle 50% is 32-34, so you are in range.

5

What school at vanderbilt? I think you have a decent shot with a 32 but it would really help to have a 33-34 as vandy really emphasized standardized tests. Also, remember to find similar schools that are less selective and dont put all your eggs in one basket :slight_smile: Hope to see you on campus in 2017 xx

6

@yinuos @olliegt @XCjunior2016 @gandalf78
My school doesn’t tell us our unweighted GPAs, but I am assuming it would be around a 4.15 out of a possible 4.33. I am from Ohio, so I don’t think my state is over or under represented. I looked on the naviance scattergram for my school and the average GPA of a student from my school to get accepted into Vanderbilt is a 3.83, so I do not think my 4.3 GPA is low at all for Vanderbilt. The average ACT score of a student from my school to get accepted is a 33, but I know that the ACT of the middle 50% is 32-34. Does my high GPA make up for my ACT score of 32 which is on the lower side? I am also worried about my extra curriculars. I know that I do “a lot”, but I feel like I don’t really show any special commitment or dedication to anything, and I feel like my extra curriculars are pretty typical. I am thinking of most likely applying to the College of Arts and Science and possibly (very small chance) the School of Engineering. And also, I am planning to ED if that helps! Thank you!!!

7

I think applying ED you have a good shot as is, but if vandy is really your dream, a 33-34 will help. Your ECs are fine for an ED applicant. All I can see keeping you out would be essays or recommendations.

8

which state are you from? Race? Unweighted GPA is crucial (or just tell us all the grades).

9

ED to Vanderbilt drastically helps your chances. I would say to just raise the ACT to at least a 34 and you have a good shot. Good luck!

10

@idkName @XCjunior2016 @shadyconcepts I am from Ohio and I am caucasian (first-generation Russian if that makes a difference). I am expecting to get great LOCs and write a great essay. I have never had below an A in any of my classes, and my school has an extremely demanding curriculum. I calculated my unweighted GPA and it is approximately 4.11 out of a possible 4.33

11

@Fijiblu Unweighted GPA is out of 4.0. If you have straight As, then you will have 4.0. Another thing to consider is how many people from your school got to Vanderbilt? My school have 2 every year. If Vanderbilt recruit people from your high school yearly, then you will have a pretty good chance. Are you first gen college student? If you are, I’m sure you will get in. Just FYI, my stats are 3.95 GPA and 33 ACT and I got into Vanderbilt. However, GPA and ACT/SAT is just half the story. From your ACT and GPA, it looks like you qualify for Vanderbilt. You have decent EC, so I think you have a real shot at it. Good luck.

12

@idkname I am not first gen college, My mom went to college, but my dad did not. My school is very small (only 90 girls per grade), so about only 1 girl per year goes to Vandy. I’m not sure how many apply.

13

You have a decent chance.

14

I had two kids from my school get in this year, and they both applied ED. Honestly, one of them didn’t have a very good GPA but probably good test scores. Another girl got in ED last year, and her GPA/SAT were both low but she applied to a less impacted major (education I think). I honestly think with your impressive transcript and if you raise your ACT scores, your ED shot is good. :slight_smile:

15

Honors geometry is a thing?

16

@beepybeetle I don’t see why not? It’s just high school geometry with honors designation…

OP, you have a good chance at Vandy, especially if you apply ED1. Good luck!

17

@olligt: “Take @gandalf78’s post with a grain of salt since it is based on accepted students from his school.”

That’s right, the results are specific to our school, but they include both rejected and accepted students. I think that such information is more worthwhile than just a “grain of salt” as it is objective in nature, and relates to high-achieving students in a college preparatory setting. I’m not representing that our results are indicative of every school; but they are a data point to be considered. Better than opinions based on anecdotal or subjective criteria, IMO.

18

@gandalf78 @olligt Thanks! I looked at the naviance scattergram for my school and the average GPA of those accepted is a 3.8 and the average ACT is a 32. I am worried because people 32s from my school have also been denied. I am also worried because Vanderbilt seems to care more about test scores than GPAs. Even though my GPA of 4.3 (weighted) is well above the average of those accepted from my school to Vanderbilt, which is a 3.8 (weighted), my test score is only average and meets the low side of the middle 50%.

19

I would say you have an excellent chance at Vanderbilt, its an awesome college. I wish you well :-bd

20

Thanks you! Would you see my “lower” ACT score and my pretty typical ECs serve as a disadvatange? @writer80