C'mon....just one more, and i have questions!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Vanderbilt University
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<p>I know people hate these threads, but I'm making it anyway...I do have more questions though so its not all about chances.</p>

<p>I'm actually kind of spazzing out here, I really want to be admitted to Vandy...but i think my test scores are going to destroy me. </p>

<p>Class Rank: 17/282 (top 6%)</p>

<p>GPA: 3.762 (Unweighted)
Honors(Ap courses): Every one has at least an A in it, and i have taken 5
College Essay: My teachers loved it, said it was excellent and should be submitted to a writing contest...so i believe it was good.
Teacher Recommendations: Awesome, guidance one was great too!
Now for the depressing stats...i am REALLY not a great standardized test taker =[</p>

<p>SAT (Superscored): CR-540 (BLEH!)
M- 590
W-570
Cr + Math = 1130 =[</p>

<p>ACT: Math: 29
Reading: 30
English: 21
Science: 20
Combined Eng/Writ: 23
Essay: 10</p>

<p>Yeah, those tests are NOT my thing at all....bleh</p>

<p>Extracurriculars: I have over 10 that i have been committed to for four years, and i hold leadership positions in 6 of them.</p>

<p>Awards: English Award, Creative Writing Award...and perfect attendance (useless, i know XD)</p>

<p>I am a member of the National Honor Society, and have also completed over 60+ Community Service Hours</p>

<p>First-Gen College student</p>

<p>I emailed an alumni for an interview and i'm waiting to hear back.</p>

<p>Now for questions =]</p>

<p>1) Do i still have a chance? Do you think it is still possible with my scores?
2) Does the interview even matter that much, does anyone know if it is of any value at all?
3) What are your opinions of Vandy as a school, the social life, and the campus?
4) Does anyone recommend an On-Campus interview if i was to go visit? (I'm in Rhode Island)</p>

<p>Please help me out here, thanks! =]</p>

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<p>1) yes, you are 1st gen college student
2) not too much
3) I love it.
4) they don't offer on campus interviews.</p>

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<p>Yeah, your test scores are on the low side but maybe the 1st gen. thing will help -- I just don't know how much weight that carries and if there are other 1st gen. applicants with higher scores. Your GPA is ok - what type of school do you attend? Did you apply EDII or RD? As far as an interview, I don't know how much they hurt or help, but if you do well, it can only be a positive. My S did one and it went great. After he was admitted, Vandy must have notified the person who interviewed him because he got a very nice email from him saying how great he had interviewed and how much he had deserved to be accepted. Very nice. I also think it shows the applicant's interest by pursuing the interview, not ignoring it. I can't answer your question about the campus because my S won't be there until this fall but we've talked to many people who absolutely love it there. Good luck.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the support! I attend a public school, and have applied RD. My main concern is the stupid test scores... I"m just terrified that they are going to be my downfall- I have we contacted the alumni and now I am just waiting to hear back...any other opinions?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

5

<p>Don't put too much weight on my opinion; but it honestly depends on how much weight that test scores carry. If they don't care about them too much, then I think you have a great shot of getting in. If they put a lot of weight on it, I wouldn't count on getting in. 1,700 is pretty bad... It ranks you as being the 3rd or 4th best out of a group of ten American High School students. To put things in perspective, I scored an 1,830 as a Freshman. I wish you the best of luck!</p>

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<p>Um...can I ask a question? What's a first-gen college student? I'm guessing...the first person in your family to go to college or something? I've never heard the term before. And apparently it helps on an application? That makes me curious!</p>

7

<p>Your guess is correct, Conscience.</p>

<p>I don't think Vanderbilt gives that much sway to that, though.</p>

<p>jc2009, your scores are probably your downfall. I would expect the worst and hope for the best. =]</p>

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<p>Yeah I guess that's all i can do really...If I don't get in, I can always try to transfer at a later point in time I guess.</p>

<p>Gah, how I hate standardized tests!</p>

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<p>Admissions officers consider your application within a context that you've created for them through the information you include in your app; the fact that you're first generation college explains, to some degree, your low test scores that are the obvious weakness here. Another explanation for low verbal SAT scores is if English is your second (or third, or fourth) language, which I'm guessing it's not. You might be right in thinking that your test scores will keep you out of Vandy, but it's only one school. Seriously. You are definitely qualified for a lot of great schools, so just keep that in mind. Good luck!</p>

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<p>English is my first language, and i read almost every day...I'm usually really good with the whole critcal readingesque items...my lowest grade in english in high school is a 90 out of all 4 years. The saddest part is i love to read to, i want to double major with some form of english =[</p>

<p>I'm applying to the college of engineering, i wonder if maybe i switch the college to the college of arts and sciences it might help a little bit? Opinions?</p>

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<p>The acceptance rate to the college of engineering is always higher than the acceptance rate for arts & science; however, applying to engineering because it is "easier" is not smart if you don't have the high school resume to support it (strong science and math performance).</p>

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<p>I was originally applying for engineering because I wanted to, I didn't know the acceptance rate was higher for it. I want to double major anyway... So I wonder if it would be better for me to switch to the college of arts and science...especcially since I'm second guessing the engineering choice in the first place. With my stats, I am not sure which would be better...</p>