Chances at Vanderbilt ED II? I regret not applying ED

Colleges and Universities A-Z Vanderbilt University
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So I had some friends get in ED and realized I should have gone ahead and applied ED. What are my chances of getting in ED II?

Poor white male. Deceased parents, no generated income, living off of my grandmother’s disability. Parents were drug addicted dropouts before they died. In state.

34 comp 35 super ACT, 4.0 (our high school doesn’t weight anything), 5 or 6/322

President of French Club (4 1st place trophies in regional university competitions), member of German club, member of Russian club, member of Science club (1st place in physical chemistry at the Science Fair), member of math club (organized schoolwide ACT math prep), member of History club (2nd place in world civilizations quiz competition at Murray State University), Secretary and Vice President of Military Club (organized 3 Veteran Appreciation programs, 2 Veteran’s Day Parades, school-wide food drive for low-income veterans, and had homeroom classes write anonymous letters to deployed service members). We don’t have any AP languages or academic organizations beyond generic “clubs.” No NHS Science, for instance. Member of Speech and Debate team, got a 2nd place extemporaneous speaking trophy and a 2nd place debate trophy. Not gonna lie I absolutely hated it.

Poor rural school, lack of qualified teachers makes for difficult scheduling (for instance, you cannot take both AP Stats and AP Psych). Barely any APs to begin with; 5 in APUSH, 5 in AP Lang, 4 in AP Comp Sci Principles, 3 in AP Chem (might not report, but my school has literally never produced a 5). Our school’s avg act is a 17 lol

I wrote my essay about how much I loved foreign language in a narrative style that detailed my nervousness and apprehension during my first language competition for French. I ended it by alluding to the Tower of Babel, and expounding upon how language is a gift that gives us identity and happiness, and how knowledge of multiples languages enriches our lives by allowing us to experience unfamiliar cultures, make sudden friends (anyone on here who is bilingual can attest to the happiness of finding someone who speaks the one that’s not English, I referenced the Ethiopian women I met who spoke French). I ended it by basically saying multiple languages aren’t a curse, because they shape our unique identities as people and make the world more interesting to live in, and those who pursue multiple languages can facilitate understanding despite existing language barriers and thus create a mini “paradise” on Earth so we don’t have to build a tower of babel). I also mentioned how we can read wonderful literature in other languages that we might not experience the same way in our native tongue, and how that benefits us with better cognition).

Vandy specific essay was about working in a Mexican restaurant as a white Southerner and using my Spanish skills to make friends and somehow enjoy washing dishes. Girlfriend and others really liked it.

I attended the Governor’s School for the Humanities and Boys’ State. I studied Philosophy at GSH and was elected Alderman of my city at Boys’ State.

Four years of French, 2 years of German, self-taught Spanish, Russian interest.

Stellar teacher recommendations from two teachers who have called me one of the best students they’ve ever encountered, and the extra is from an Air Force colonel, lawyer, and communications professor from the University of Tennessee.

Volunteering at the Heritage Center, an organization which preserves and promotes historical awareness of my county. Also volunteered installing new internet cables at the freshmen high school.

Worked at a Mexican restaurant, my lawn care business, and car detailing (vigorously cleaning inside and out) business.

Currently enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and will be attending Reserve drills as I attend school.

I plan on majoring in Classics and minoring in Spanish, German, and Russian (yes, that’s a lot of languages and I’ll probably end up dropping them, but that’s not what this post is about lmao). I only want the degree of classics, and the minors are because I plan on working and traveling in Europe, either as a high school teacher or university professor.

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I think you have the ability to get into many schools, not just Vandy. I am struck by your above application, and the added factor of being in the Marine Corps makes you stand out. I don’t know, but I think you should apply to many top schools. I also love your Vandy specific essay, it makes me want to read it. If you apply ED, you have a good shot, but applying regular it’s probably about the same shot, at least that’s what I’ve heard since many rejected or deferred applicants to elite schools tend to apply ED2 and the applicant pool is saturated. Either way, I wish you luck and I hope you get into the college of your dreams!

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@FranciscoPizarro : You should have a shot at VU and many great places (so be sure to apply just in case VU doesn’t work out. You can’t really count on any of the top 30 or so schools to work out now-a-days no matter your stats). There could be a lot of places good in those languages and opps (and maybe you can double major BTW and dabble heavily in the others, as many humanities are not super stringent and tough with credit hours and coursework). In addition, with your goals, go somewhere are take advantage of the global opportunities (not necessarily just standard study abroad programs, but perhaps internships or research opps) hosted or facilitated by the school (make sure school is very serious about this), do as well as possible academically, and then go for a Fulbright Scholarship. You can go for a teaching or research Fulbright. Multiple places have solid Fulbright placement including VU (All 3 medium sized “southern Ivies” have a great and similar record currently, Georgetown, Northwestern, and many of the upper Ivies/Ivy Plus schools, but if you worry the latter group is too risky then the other schools at Vandy’s caliber that are Ivy/non-Ivy, as I said have great track records). Good luck. If you strive towards a Fulbright, you can also end up in great shape for other post-grad options that have an overseas component.

Here is a link for the top producing institutions of this (it starts with last year’s cycle, but if you like a 5+ year period analysis, you’ll see some pretty consistent schools)

http://topproducing.fulbrightonline.org/top-producing-institutions-by-year?filter%5Bproducing_type%5D=Student&filter%5Byear%5D=2017-2018&filter%5Btype%5D=PhD

*Many of these schools are “elite”, but some are more “accessible” than others and are often just as good academically and resource wise as those that are less accessible admissions wise.

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WOW! You have overachieved and overcome multiple disadvantages when it comes to high school performance. This will be noted by ADCOMs. You should be proud of your high school record and give your Grandma a hug.

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I hope you will make the time to apply for Vanderbilt’s signature scholarships. If admitted, sounds like you would not truly require the free tuition offered-- if your no loan financial aid will be quite high regardless. However, the scholarships come with some perks, including one summer stipended research project or travel study experience. I would spend the holidays working on thoughtfully crafted essays for all merit scholarships at every school, public and private on your list. Give close respect to your state flagship honors programs–including doing the due diligence for their special programs, while also applying to more costly private colleges. I would steer clear of applying to expensive schools that include loans in their financial aid packages unless you simply make a run for their merit dollars. Save the risk of debt for your graduate school education years, whatever that might turn out to be. Conserve your time on your winter break so you can think. My sons were turning in applications till midnight on the due dates. Sometimes their essay inspirations just didn’t come till the last minute. Be shrewd. Be realistic on the odds. That said, Go For It. Let your academic dreams come forward, and do not be a stranger. Every college is looking for students to replace those who have moved on in each department–visualize how you would use the academics at each unique school. best wishes