Chances for Regular Decision?

<p>Is it possible to get into Vanderbilt with a 31 ACT? My lowest subject score was on math but I am currently taking honors calculus and ap physics. Also I have a 4.0 unweighted GPA, good recommendations, a pretty good essay, and pretty good extra curriculars. I know Vanderbilt is really competitive and I heard they place a lot of emphasis on standardized test scores. Is a 31 too low?</p>

<p>Vanderbilt middle 50% ACT scores are 32-34 (from their website). That means that 25% of admitted students have lower scores. Therefore it is possible to get in with a 31 score.</p>

<p>I would conclude that 31 is not too low, and that your admission will be (as usual) determined by the strengths displayed in your application.</p>

<p>Do you think it will hurt that I have not taken any SAT subject tests and haven’t taken an official visit of the school?</p>

<p>SAT subject tests – possibly, depends on your grades in AP-level classes and such.</p>

<p>Visit – no, doesn’t matter. Most schools don’t care, they don’t keep track of this for admissions.</p>

<p>Okay thanks. I have taken 4 total AP classes and the rest were mostly honors. I have gotten straight A’s so far but I will probably get a B this quarter in AP Statistics.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, I wouldn’t get your hopes up. exstudent’s stat actually indicates that 25% had a score of 32 or lower. Remember, this bottom 25% includes most of the recruited athletes and others with hooks. Also, an adcom told me that most admitted freshmen have 5-7 APs, so you are low there as well.</p>

<p>In response to your specific question: No, a 31 is not too low but it makes it far more difficult. Admissions at Vandy is holistic so you still have a chance but it is probably a long shot.</p>

<p>A 31 is an excellent score that places you in the top 10% of high school graduates. Congratulations on your successes in high school. You will likely be successful wherever you end up as long as you continue to work hard.</p>

<p>Thank you rmldad. I understand that with my stats Vanderbilt is a reach school. Hopefully I will get in but I realize that it is a highly competitive university.</p>

<p>I got in through Early Decision 1 with a 31 ACT and no hooks, but I also agree with rmldad. Keep in mind though that when he said “5-7 APs” he meant all throughout high school (senior year included). I took 4 APs my soph and junior years and now 5 this year so I have a total of 9. Unfortunately, you should not be expecting admission through regular decision, as it is EXTREMELY competitive (ACT range 33-35). I don’t really know if subject tests matter since they say that the tests aren’t required, but I feel like they subconsciously hint that they would like them. I scored an 800 and a 710. Overall, Vandy admissions are really holistic, but their applicant pool is pretty much ivy-league standard.</p>

<p>Basically, they do admit people with ACTs under 32, but I’ll bet that those kids have pretty darn good resumes and accolades in other ways</p>