Debating Vanderbilt Early Decision

Applying to College
1

<p>Hey all!
I'm having trouble debating whether I should do Vanderbilt Early Decision just to be safe.
To be honest, I'm not completely sure that my heart is set on Vanderbilt; but, my heart is set on going to the best university I am accepted into.</p>

<p>As a Texas resident, I am hoping to attend UT austin, but considering their top 7% admission policy, admission for me is going to be tough due to the lack of space.</p>

<p>So, I'm scared that if I get rejected from UT Austin and my other reach schools that I will have to attend a safety school. Right now, the schools that I would love to attend are Duke, Dartmouth, Upenn, Washington U, Georgia Tech, NYU, USC, Rice. But, considering that my chances for these schools are low, would it be wise to apply to Vanderbilt ED to try to maximize my chances of attending an amazing school? Or should I take my chances in regular applications and risk the possibility of rejection from maybe even all of them?</p>

<p>My stats:
I'm hispanic and the high school I attend is very rigorous. It's ranked in the top 20 high schools nationally and is very competitive, therefore my ranking is somewhat low. Hopefully this will be factored into college admission. In addition I would like to major in computer science.
Great essays.
3.5/4 unweighted GPA... huge upward trend junior and senior year
3.8 weighted GPA
45/145.... 30%
31 ACT (10 writing)(32 math, 31 English, 31 critical reading, 30 science)
2100 SAT (660 math, 710 writing, 730 critical reading)</p>

<p>SAT Subject Tests:
Physics - 740
Spanish - 770</p>

<p>AP Scores: AP scholar with distinction
Psychology - 4
Spanish - 5
Computer Science - 3
English III - 4
U.S. History - 4
Physics B - 4</p>

<p>Currently taking 6 AP classes my senior year. Will have 12 AP tests/classes by the end of graduation. Have taken all honors courses throughout highschool.</p>

<p>Extracurricular:
Member of Student Council
New Scholar Academy Mentor (chosen by school to mentor incoming freshman the monthly summer academy.
Kick off Mentor - Mentored set of students throughout whole year
Vice President of a tutoring club
Parliamentarian of Culture Club
Solar Car member
Masterminds (science trivia) competitor
KQSA representative (play music in dances, during morning, afterschool)</p>

2

<p>Bumppppppp</p>

3

<p>Applying to a university early decision just because it has a great reputation isn’t a good idea. If you truly know Vanderbilt is the place for you, then apply. But if you’re uncertain, you shouldn’t force yourself to go there.</p>

<p>I applied early decision to Vanderbilt and just recently got in. It’s my dream school and I can afford it. I was certain of my choice. If you don’t feel secure in either the fit or the financials, do not choose that admission path. </p>

<p>Apply other places that use Early Action instead (if applying early helps at those places). That way you’re not bound to the decision but you can still try for a reach. </p>

<p>With your ACT score, it will probably still be quite a stretch if you do decide to apply Early at Vandy. Their admissions are getting tougher and tougher each year.</p>

<p>Best of luck in your decision!</p>