<p>So when do students usually start from step 1? </p>
<p>I know it is HORRIBLE to plan this as an incoming freshman, but I’m planning to transfer into a school like Vanderbilt for its affordability. I stupidly only applied to completely expensive unis (who do not meet need by 100%). I know this isn’t a reason I can write about though…sucks :(</p>
<p>Do you have any advice for someone who will be in your position next year?</p>
<p>i started my app in mid October because I wanted it to get read over many times by my English and Communications teacher so that I can communicate why I want to transfer clearly. But I also started really early because I had other hard classes and other papers to write, and knew I had to fit my essay into my free time. In addition, you still have to write scholarship essays and don’t want to be bogged down with so much work when it gets closer to the deadline. As far as your essay, write the true reason you would like to transfer and approach it from all aspects (size, environment, major, etc.)</p>
<p>Also, take into consideration whether or not you’ll be applying to other schools through the Common App besides Vandy. Apparently, there is someway to use different essays for different schools, but I have no clue how this is done. Vandy doesn’t have a supplement so it might be tricky to get specific with things about Vandy if you plan on using one essay for multiple schools that use the Common App.</p>
<p>matthew1782 just don’t make 2 common app accounts to do different essays hahah</p>
<p>Wait why would advise matthew1782 to not tailor his essays toward Vanderbilt? I mean it just demonstrates that you really feel Vandy is truly right for you so much so that you are willing to give SPECIFIC reasons as to why you would wish to attend. Moreover, its a simple technical step on C APP that can really positively influence your chances.</p>
<p>My son wrote a Vandy specific essay, but sent it in directly to his assigned admissions counselor. He was corresponding with her because she still needed his high school transcript. (They didn’t receive the first one sent.) Anyway, she welcomed this essay and told him she’d add it to his file. </p>
<p>He just sent it to her as an attachment via email.</p>
<p>I’m not certain if I would advise everyone to start sending in an extra essay, but I think your son did something that will reflect positively on his application in the end. I mean the original statement by some on the discussion blog to not tailor your essay because “they didn’t provide a supplement section” is totally incorrect in my opinion. Moreover, the notion to only make your essay general is something the Common App website itself purports, not the universities. I’m almost certain that if a counselor is reading your essay and you show specific reasons why the particular school your applying to is fit for you that will be IMMENSELY more pleasurable and enlightening to read than a broad and general statement of transfer reasons. </p>
<p>Think outside the box.</p>
<p>@transva12</p>
<p>You may be right about everyone not bombarding them with extra essays. :)</p>
<p>With my son, his Common App essay was broad to a degree, but very specific about why he wants to study film and what he wants to do as a filmmaker. His Vandy specific essay touched on all that again but specifically talked about their film program and Nashville as a city and cultural area. (More of course…)</p>
<p>But we’ll see. We know there are lots of excellent candidates. Fingers still crossed.</p>
<p>@Collensgirl</p>
<p>Film studies? That’s a pretty idiosyncratic field to go into. But I think this fact will help his chances of getting into Vandy, given that there aren’t hundreds of people applying for that major. </p>
<p>So in the case that he gets accepted but doesn’t receive a great aid packet, are you still willing to heavily finance his education?</p>
<p>Do anyone received an email :Vanderbilt Admitted Student Questionnaire?</p>
<p>^no, but it sounds like a good sign!</p>
<p>Hey Newbee Transfer,
I got that email too and I was accepted last week! That’s definitely a good sign!</p>
<p>@transva12</p>
<p>We’re hoping that the unique major will be helpful, but just not sure. We asked both his admissions counselor and on the admin blog about how the student’s major plays into the admissions decision. Both were basically the same answers. They said that they look at the student and how he/she would fit into said major. However, neither person indicated that major or number of applicants played a part in the decision. I think it would almost have to, but I’m not sure.</p>
<p>With regards to financial aid, well, we will have to see. The short answer is that he will have to attend the school that gives him the best aid package, although if it’s close we may be able to juggle a few things and make it work.</p>
<p>He has already been accepted at IU, but no aid package yet. I’m going to assume that he’ll have some fed/state aid, but a lot of loans. And they may not meet all his COA. IU is a great state school, but doesn’t have the endowments like a private does. </p>
<p>Maybe I’m wrong, but it’s my understanding that Vanderbilt is need aware with regards to admissions, but once admitted, they offer a %100 aid package with either no or low loan obligations. I know what FAFSA says our ECA is and we can swing that. Two kids in college and the next year, we’ll have three. So obviously if he gets into Vandy and has a good aid package, this is his first choice. I think. Cornell is Ivy League… so… </p>
<p>He was already denied by Washington in St. Louis and still waiting for Cornell and U Chicago. Yeah, after IU, he decided to reach high.</p>
<p>Sorry I meant Monday not last week!</p>
<p>@evandy How do you know you are admitted?<br>
Btw,Congratulations!</p>
<p>@NewbeeTransfer
Thanks! The acceptance was actually sent to my home in Boston and my mom opened it for me.</p>
<p>@evandy so vandy send package to your home address not school address?</p>
<p>just received the complete application mail today (I’ve got to be the latest one lol)
accepted at umich already but waiting on a couple of others including vanderbilt</p>
<p>Hey guys can you all POST a brief summary of your application STATS? Whether you were rejected or accepted or still waiting.</p>
<p>^^Newbee Transfer: your letter will be sent to whichever address you put on your common app as “Mailing address” If you left that blank, it will go to your “permanent address”</p>