Vanderbilt is absolutely my dream school, but I’m not sure it is a possibility for me.
I have a 33 on the ACT (36 English, 35 Reading, 34 Science, 28 Math), but I have a 4.08 Weighted GPA (my school doesn’t do unweighted). This is what I am most concerned about (GPA) as I have two C’s from sophomore year (darn you, Honors Chem). I am currently a junior and will have taken 6 APs (all 5s so far). My school also does not provide class ranking because we have 5,000 students.
As for extracurriculars:
-been doing musicals (including paid equity theatre) since age 9
-varsity show choir for 3 years (we are ranked in the top ten groups in the nation)
-a cappella group for 2 years
-have volunteered in Haiti
-regularly volunteer teaching kids at church
-member of NHS
-participated in many theatre intensive programs (Interlochen, State Conservatories, etc)
-worked as a cashier for a year
-regularly babysit
-honor thespian in state thespian society
If I were to apply (which I plan on), I would apply early decision and may consider auditioning for Blair School of Music.
Anyone out there with knowledge about Vandy admissions: should I get my hopes up? Anything I can do to make myself a better candidate for the school?
I would work on your math part of ACT. If you can get that up, you can get a 34, which will help you. You can’t change your sophomore year grades. Focus on this year. Yes, you should apply ED, it does increase your odds. While everyone talks about Vandy wanting good test scores, I think leadership, rec’s, and essays do matter. I have no idea how it works for Blair, perhaps others can give you perspective
I think you have a chance. Bumping up your ACT if you have time to take it again wouldn’t hurt, but it’s not absolutely necessary. You have a reasonable shot at EDI; RD and EDII might be less forgiving. It all comes down to subjective interpretation of your app.
Start with your budget. if you can afford ED and your estimated cost of attendance, hope you apply Vandy! I think it will come down to your essays and letters of reference and blind luck. if you don’t wish to take the ACT again, prep for the SAT subject test instead…prep is the key. My kids are bright not savant students and they took them one at a time after completing the two practice exams in the prep books…Subject exams are NOT APs. it is a one hour exam. Vandy does admit "lopsided students. Really like those 5s on your APs…good job. Read up on Blair to make sure that is a community you really wish to join.
I have 35 ACT, 4.0 GPA, National Merit scholar finalist & still in the competition. multiple AP 5 and over 700 on SAT subject test. I swim at the national level 20 hours per week and I am an Eagle Scout. I did not request an interview. What are my odds?
@SwimmerW You’re good stats/ECs wise. It will depend on the subjective interpretation of your essays/recs. I would say you sound like a probable admit for RD, but nobody can be completely certain how these things work out.