my chances at Vandy?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Vanderbilt University
1

<p>German-born Vietnamese Male
Northview High School in GA - We are a relatively new public school (open for five years), yet, we have been awarded the Governor's Cup (highest SAT scores in the state) for the past two years. Last year alone, three students from Northview were accepted into Harvard and several others were accepted into other Ivies. Extremely competitive school.</p>

<p>Stats:
GPA - 4.1 W / 3.8 UW / Top 13%
SAT/ACT - taking SAT/ ACT in October, SAT/ ACT in November, and SAT in December (I know, very VERY late) I have been doing okay on the practice tests for SAT - SAT V 700, SAT M 700
Rigor of Courses - graduating with 8 AP's (World History, Biology, Calc AB, Language & Composition, Statistics, Literature, Calc BC, Econ) in addition to honors classes</p>

<p>Hobbies:
- writing/literature (not your typical Asian, in the sense that I'm passionate about these particular areas)
- music
- community service</p>

<p>Academic & Literature Awards:
- Super Honor Roll (9, 10, 11)
- Principal's List (9, 10, 11)
- Who's Who Among American High School Students (11)
- National Honor Society (11, 12)
- nomination for Governor's Honors Program - Chemistry, Biology, Music, English (11)
- 2nd Place Winner - Scientific Problem Solving Bowl sponsored by Georgia Junior Academy Of Science (10)
- winner of Poetry.com's Editor's Choice Award for outstanding achievement in poetry
- winner of nationally acclaimed Pegasus Literary Magazine's Editor's Choice Award 2005 (monetary prize)</p>

<p>Main Community Service Projects:
- Co-Founder of Music4ALife Organization - Music 4 A Life is a non-profit organization composed of dedicated artists (i.e musicians, designers, and etc.,), that raised money for certain tragedies devastating a part of America. Inspired by the Tsunami waves of East Asia, and the destruction of Hurricane Katrina, Music 4 A Life has become a fundraising group with a goal to financially aid victims through the medium of music, and to help community centers around America grow and maintain their excellent service. Started in 2005, artists from around the nation have gathered together to form CDs, mixtapes, and demos to grab the attention of many, as well to help raise money for the victims of recent tragedies. The Music 4 A Life mission statement is to promote the economic and social well-being of victims affected by recent tragedies through the united theme of music.</p>

<ul>
<li>Co-Founder of the Tutors-In-Action Network (TAN) - TAN is dedicated to the academic improvement of Northview High School (although it is already one of the top high schools in the country). TAN pairs high school students together (one tutor and one learner) in a comfortable environment in which both teacher and learner can excel. Recently, TAN has teamed up with the National Honor Society to provide "struggling" underclassmen with experienced 11th and 12th grade tutors in order to improve our high school's academic system. TAN is an immeasurable component of the school; tutoring provided in foreign language, SAT prep., drama, fine arts, personal fitness, in addition to all core courses.</li>
</ul>

<p>Small Community Service Projects:
- Committee Member of Coffeehouse For Charity (CFC) - CFC was a one night event that was organized in the metro-Atlanta region by several high schools working in unison toward a common goal of donating proceeds to hospitals in the Atlanta area
- Lab Analyst on Science Saturday - An all-day Saturday event sponsored by high school dedicated to the inspiration of scientists in the youth. Neighborhoods in the community were invited to attend and witness labs/experiments conducted by students.
- Team Captain of AIDS Walk Atlanta 2005 - co-captain of school team in a fundraising walk to promote awareness of AIDS in today's society
- Member of Science Force - A PTA-sponsored program, Science Force allows high school students to commute to local elementary schools on various days and conduct physics and chemistry labs for elementary students to see.
- Participant of Hands-On-Northview - Community service events dedicated to the embellishment and beautification of local high school and community
- Various Chamber Music Projects - I am an active musician (see below), and I have performed for the Atlanta Ministry with International Students, Symphony Celebration, Ivy Hall, Georgia Music Educators Association and various other organizations</p>

<p>Music Achievements:
- Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO) - (9, 10, 12) - Considered to be one of the top youth orchestras in the nation, "In 1974, the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra was created as a subsidiary of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, a practice that is relatively rare for American orchestras. However, this arrangement worked for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra since it began as a youth ensemble itself, the Atlanta Youth Symphony of 1944-47. Every September, about 400 high school instrumentalists audition for places in the ASYO. Only about 120 will be selected to participate in the season." (Wikipedia)
- ASYO/Berlin Youth Orchestra Exchange - "The goal of this cultural exchange is to have young qualified instrumentalists, ages 13 to 23 years old, assembled together in a mixed orchestral ensemble of around 110 players to rehearse and perform compositions from various style-periods of both countries. This occurred in two phases: June 1-13, 2004 in Berlin and August 3-13 in Atlanta, with different concert programs. The notion of German/American exchange has been strengthened by having the guests of each side of the Atlantic stay with families in the host country, thereby providing a glimpse into the culture and lifestlye of the partners, affording personal contacts that will eventually enrich both phases of the project. In addition to the musical goals, both partners will also contribute towards the promotion of German/ American relations." (Dr. Michael Jenne, National Music Council of Germany)
- GMEA All-State Orchestra (10)
- Associate Principal Violist of Fulton County Honor Orchestra (11)
- Assistant Principal Violist in Northview High School's Chamber Orchestra (11, 12)
- Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra (12)
- Manager and violist of the Sunrise Quartet - A professional chamber music group composed of four diligent musicians. Hired by the renowned High Museum of Art, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, as well as for private weddings and other occasions.
- Internship with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra - worked under Melanie Darby (Coordinator of Youth & Family Programs); main project - constructed proposals for Alumni Orchestra as a branch of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra</p>

<p>Leadership:
- Key Club - Treasurer (10, 11)
- Tutors-In-Action Network - Co-Founder (10), Vice President (10, 11), President (12)
- Orchestra - Operations Manager (11), Vice President (11), President (12)
- AIDS Walk Atlanta 2005 - Northview High School Team Co-Captain (11)</p>

<p>Other EC's:
- Spanish Club (9, 10)
- National Spanish Honor Society (11, 12)
- Academic Bowl (9, 10)
- Beta Club (9, 10, 11, 12)
- Contributing Writer to Northview High School's Literary Magazine (11)
- FBLA (9, 10)
- Med School Club (10, 11)</p>

<p>Essays:
This aspect of my application is probably going to be my forte. I am a strong, creative writer and I firmly believe that that is what admissions officers look for - someone who can articulate their individuality in terms of how they would be able to contribute to the school of their choice.</p>

<p>Teacher Recommendations:
One from my English teacher that has known me for two years both inside and outside the classroom. We have discussed literature and poetry outside of class in great detail to kill time in the rather stagnant moments that precede the school day. Another rec from my organic chemistry teacher who is an enthusiast of classical music much like myself. I have invited him to a few of my performances and he has been a supporter of my endeavours since Day One. He has taught me for two years as well.</p>

<p>Supplements:
I will be sending a recording of one of my solo viola performances, as well as a large portfolio with a collection of writing samples, essays, short stories, and poetry.</p>

<hr>

<p>Assuming I do well on the SAT or ACT (and that's a big IF, because although I have taken SAT prep classes and I am a solid test taker, with the SATs and such, you just never know), what are my chances for Vanderbilt?</p>

<p>Also, how much need-based financial aid would I receive if my parents combined adjusted income is below 45,000?</p>

<p>In any case, please let me know what my chances are for Vandy and what should I aim for on the SAT/ ACT to help my chances? THANKS A BUNCH!!!!</p>

2

<p>If accepted, financial aid will be generous based on your parents' EFC @ this income level.</p>

3

<p>Vanderbilt is generous with need based aid, so concentrate only on getting in. If Vandy is your first choice, consider ED or ED2. Admissions are competitive and plenty of Georgians apply. The Vandy brochure online has the name and email address of your Atlanta area rep. Call him or her and write them, asking if there is ever assistance offered for visitation as Vanderbilt is your first choice. My son did an overnight there his senior year and I have to say, he was treated with more warmth and welcome there than at any other college visit. The school is diverse geographically now and split politically in a way that makes for some good debates and newspaper work.
Your work in the AYS will be an asset. Admission to Blair I believe requires an audition. Perhaps you have Peabody, or Arts and Sciences or Engineering in mind with Symphony participation only. Hone on on which school you plan to apply to. Vandy is very very strong in writing and in community service projects. Make sure you look up the historical place of Vandy in American lit..look up the Fuguitive movement. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fugitives%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fugitives&lt;/a>
Go see All the Kings Men at the theater this month as Robert Penn Warren is famously associated with Tennessee and Vandy and you are a good writer who might thrive in smaller liberal arts classes. Classrooms at Vandy are one of the assets of the school. Teaching is very personalized for a school of its size. It is also an exciting time to live in Nashville with the Nashville Symphony opening in a new beautiful venue on the River. Blair's Symphony includes some non Blair players but they have to be pretty good to play with people who are doing it daily as music majors. Nashvillians are very very musical and support the arts in many forms. I have lived there twice. It is a great town. You have plenty of interesting ECs, and I recommend you be careful to state them more simply..never even appear to overstate. They need a little editing into concise form..I like to refer people to the before and after EC charts in Rock Hard Aps to pare things down. Your place in the AYS is clearly merit earned. So I would concentrate instead on simply writing clear passionate essays that do not recap your ECs. Read Harry Bauld's little book on College Essays very carefully. Let them see what kind of personality you have and what kind of spirit and energy you would bring to your class of 2011ers. You don't have to be evolved yet or any kind of final product...just show them your values and what makes you tic. Re the SATs...since you have so little time for retakes, make these count. Get to sleep the night before. Practice only with timers just like test conditions and learn to pace yourself. The ACT is a long haul exam that requires speed but is not tricky. The SAT can be tricky but you can learn where you make stupid errors.<br>
I think you have an excellent chance of admission, but make sure you have match schools that you respect to apply to as well.</p>

4

<p>^thank you for your input! I will most certainly take your advice to heart.</p>

<p>A question about their early decision - If I choose to apply EDII, is that a binding committment? If I get accepted, and the final figures turn out to be too much of a burden (~$47,000 in 2006), what will happen? Will I still get the adequate financial aid my family needs if I do EDII?</p>

5

<p>Vandy meets your need regardless of whether you apply ED, EDII, or RD. Faline is right- your focus should be on admission, not on the $$$.</p>

6

<p>If you prefer to compare offers from colleges, you should wait till RD time. If your family's income is below 45 thou, and you want reassurances, do your family FAFSA now in draft form, look at your EFC or lack thereof, and sit down and ask your parents if they really could provide that contribution figure to a college. Many schools do not require parental input with that income but you need to evaluate their whole financial picture. If you do ED or ED2, you should be prepared to commit to Vanderbilt. Perhaps this weekend, you should print out a FAFSA and ask your parents to sit down and fill one out to end the mystery. They need to understand how this works, too. </p>

<p>If the fees they ask from your family are not much, you could consider student loans to cover that although no one would recommend you get heavily into debt in undergrad years.</p>

<p>I am not sure Blair accepts recordings of your viola, and Admissions would send your CD to them to evaluate anyway. Contact Blair by phone to inquire. My S applied to Arts and Sciences and was told he would have to audition when he moved in to the dorm and they would not hear his recording, but his resume in music was not as strong as yours. The Dean of Music said that non Blair students are always welcome in the Symphony if they play close to the expected skill level, but you have to realize that many chairs are filled by people who practice a couple hours a day. It is not a Symphony for someone who is going to go play just at rehearsals and squeak by unless they are really talented.</p>

<p>Our S questioned whether or not he belonged in the Blair Symphony although he loved to play and would not have known if he "made it" till he moved to Nashville. He chose a college with a less conservatory oriented Symphony where his level of commitment fit in more. </p>

<p>The most important thing is to come up with a list of colleges that make sense to you. Respect each of them and know you could do well on any campus on your final list.</p>

7

<p>I second Faline's thought on going the regular decision route if financial aid is important. I am no expert about admission chances and do not profess to be--however, there is something about your minority background along with your activities and consistent leadership that strikes me as your being a very capable and desireable applicant that wouldn't need the "ED boost". I wouldn't put it past them to offer a merit scholarship, not just need-based aid. From what I gather, merit scholarships are not always offered to students who apply ED as Vandy doesn't need to entice them. Make sure you have strong test scores and I think you'll have a great shot. Top 13% doesn't sound that impressive, but considering you are at a very competitive high school, they will take that into consideration. Good luck!</p>

8

<p>Thanks so much to everyone that posted. I am getting more intrigued by the minute.</p>

<p>1) What is the difference between ED1 and ED2? If I'm not mistaken, according to Vandy website, the ED2 deadline is the same as RD. What is the distinction here other than the fact that ED2 is binding, and RD is not? Does applying ED2, as opposed to RD, increase admission chances signficantly?</p>

<p>2) How is the Vanderbilt pre-law program? I am interested in studying Corporate Law at a prestigious law school; therefore, I want to major in economics or business and do pre-law during my undergraduate years. But I understand that Vandy does not offer business as a major. Can anyone post any stats of how many Vandy pre-law students get accepted into Top 25 Law Schools from year to year? Or offer me any insight regarding the pre-law program in general?</p>

<p>Thanks, again!</p>

9

<p>Most top colleges do not have a "pre-law" program. Students just major in English, Political Science, Economics, Philosophy or whatever interests them. Vanderbilt is very strong in the humanities and you will recieve the background necessary to succeed at a top law school. However, at least half your application is your LSAT score so your chances at a 'T-25' will also depend largely on your test-taking abilities.</p>

10

<p>that's good to hear! </p>

<p>can anyone answer my first question regarding EDs?</p>

11

<p>From the Vanderbilt website:
"Early Decision Plan
Students considering Vanderbilt as their first choice can apply through the Early Decision Plan. Complete applications are due November 1 for Early Decision I and by January 3rd for Early Decision II. Applicants to the Blair School of Music must complete audition and/or portfolio requirements by this date as well. Admission decision letters will be mailed by December 15 for Early Decision I and by February 15 for Early Decision II. Under this plan, you must sign a statement indicating that Vanderbilt is your first choice, that you will enroll at Vanderbilt, and that you will withdraw other college applications if offered admission to Vanderbilt. Students not admitted under the Early Decision Plan will either be denied admission or postponed to regular."</p>

<p>ED I and II are binding. The advantage would be you hear by 2/15 vs. 4/1 on the decision. ED shows commitment to Vandy as a 1st choice and therefore the general understanding is that the admission chances may be slightly higher. I believe you should receive your financial aid decision at this time, and since most schools follow a similar formula to calculate EFC (based on the FAFSA), the aid should be the same whether ED I,II, or RD. Most schools say that the only reason you might be able to get out of an Early Decision commitment is if the aid is not adequate, but then, they usually try to work with you to meet the goals. If there is a question about whether the aid would be sufficient, you really should wait for RD and consider all your offers.</p>

<p>By the way, with your volunteer and community service, you might consider applying for the Ingram Scholarship.</p>

12

<p>I'm a current student at Vandy. Applying ED I or II will not help your chances of getting in, and since financial aid is obviously an issue for you, I really wouldn't recommend it. I've heard horror stories from a number of people who applied here ED and were subsequently shafted by Fin Aid because they were already bound to go here. </p>

<p>Your credentials are great; I'm sure you'll get in with regular decision. Oh, and my mom's income is right at 45k a year, and I pretty much have a full ride. Vandy is really generous and the fin aid department is good about cutting you deals. </p>

<p>As far as your test scores go, a 2100 (700/700/700) is definitely enough to get you in (and corresponds to a 30-32 on the ACT), but if you want merit scholarships, you'll need at least a 2250 or a 33/34.</p>

13

<p>I have to disagree with the previous poster regarding early decision. As a Vanderbilt parent for the last 5 years, I have tracked statistics for this school when they have been released in the student newspaper, The Hustler. Previous years issues are no longer available online because of the new online format and I threw away many old articles that I had printed out once D was admitted, but I can tell you that each Feb. they have released the ED admit rate and it has been right around 50% overall. You can track previous years overall admit rates and see that they have been declining to last year's low of around 33%. The overall admit rate includes the large # of RD applications and a small # of ED applications, but the increased acceptance rate of the ED pool means that the RD rate is lower than the overall rate. My younger child was admitted ED and I tracked this information faithfully from the time the older one was admitted until her acceptance letter arrived to try and assess her chances realistically. I think one of the keys to ED is that you show that you are willing to make a commitment to Vanderbilt that is backed by sound and solid reasoning in your Why Vandy essay. Although older child was admitted RD and younger ED, both received generous financial aid in relationship to the EFC established by the FAFSA. While I am sure there are some horror stories as the previous poster mentioned, most stories that I hear are about the generosity of Vanderbilt's Financial Aid Dept.</p>

14

<p>It is helpful to hear about your positive experience with ED vs RD. My son was admitted in the RD round at Vandy but his stats were in their top applicant pool range, falling short of merit money range however. Do you recall if the applicant pool can have lower stats in ED and hope for admission? At UVa for instance, there has not a big difference in admission standards in ED and RD admits re stats (in-state kids being looked at fairly the same for either season), therefore the news of their ending ED does not really adversely affect applicants looking for that "ED edge." Is there still a kinder view of stats in the ED season at Vandy? With the high numbers of applicants, I don't see that lasting long without the student bringing something unique to the campus.</p>

15

<p>I can't offer any hard statistical evidence as to a difference in stats for ED v. RD, but I do recall there being a meltdown period around Oct. 20-25 or so two years ago at our house. Recalling that the admissions personnel had been very friendly and forthcoming when I had called with a question regarding S's application in '05, I called to ask the school's policy on whether ED materials must be in by Nov. 1 or postmarked by Nov. 1 (the answer then was postmarked). Anyway, I was connected to an asst. dean for admissions and explained the question in light of the pressure to finish the application, participate in soccer playoffs, and study for upcoming exams. He was very friendly and inquired as to D's stats. When I gave him a brief overview, he was very encouraging. We still sweated bullets in mid-Dec. waiting for the decision! I have the impression from my contacts with the admissions office, from the posts on this board through the years regarding who was accepted/rejected, and through D's comments based on having good friends who are employed in the admissions office, that the ED applicants get a more thorough look than some RD applicants will as the volume of applications continues to increase for that round. My belief is that the admissions officers aren't as pressed for time, so qualified students who have made a strong case for Vanderbilt as a first choice are more likely to get under their skin. Thinking about my earlier post, I would add that students who are just now trying to decide if they should apply to Vanderbilt ED may not be good candidates for that option (at least for ED1). With a deadline looming that is a little over three weeks away, I'd say if you haven't known for some time that Vanderbilt is your dream school, you're not as likely to sell the admissions folks on your commitment as those students who have been planning an ED application for months. That said, good luck to all those applying!</p>

16

<p>thanks for sharing your recent experience and impressions!</p>

17

<p>Faline - Many of my friends who are stellar musicians got accepted into Georgia Tech and they're currently playing in the GT orchestra. I'm not sure if this is uncommon or not, but GT actually pays (provides small scholarships) to exceptionally talented musicians just to have them play in the orchestra. Does Vandy do the same?</p>

18

<p>I don't believe Vandy offers stipends per se to regular orchestra players although I am sure the Blair School of Music has its own system of scholarships. I think bandmom or someone by the screen name of musictoad are related to actual musicians currently at Vandy.</p>

19

<p>In response to Faline's reference:Sorry I won't be much help--my son played in the band last year but is not in the Blair School of Music. We don't know much about the scholarships or stipends other than a small stipend for playing in marching band.</p>

20

<p>2VU--as another Vandy parent please take a look at the latest blurb on ED admission rates for this year's class. Any advantage appears to have disappeared as the rate is now roughly a little over 30%--very similar to RD. Advantage gone as is the exceptional "not considered" Legacy category on the Common Data Set--this is NEW!. IMHO, throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Another distinguishing feature for this year's class is the increased amount of minority enrollment, jumping to roughly 30%. Many multi generational Vandy families in my area are rethinking their kid's chances of being admitted due to the subtle but very important change.</p>

<p>Vanderbilt has become incredibly difficult to gain admission over the last year when all of these factors are combined. If you fall into what they're looking for then you have a chance. It has changed with incremental chipping away at traditions.</p>

<p>As to the person applying to Blair. Call the Dean's office and get specific info on the instrument you play. Admission can be unbelievably hard depending on what they do/do not need. I know piano can be a killer but you can't march in the band playing the ivories! Band was a major plus for admits a few years ago. I don't know current status. Money will be provided if you need it. Usually it's grants. there are scholarships but they depend on fitting into specific categories--many of them are for existing students. good luck.</p>