Surprised

Colleges and Universities A-Z Vanderbilt University
1

<p>I'm a bit surprised my stats didn't earn me a spot on the waiting list--just a rejection letter. Tough year, or did anyone else feel the same way? Everything thinks they're a great candidate--I understand that--but looking at my stats and knowing someone who went to Vanderbilt who claimed he knew several unqualified students at the school, I must say I'm a bit surprised I was flat out rejected. Tough year I guess.</p>

<p>School: Private, well-known in area (Washington, DC)</p>

<p>SAT: 2190 (M: 700, CR: 690, W: 800, Essay: 11) - not too proud of these</p>

<p>GPA: 4.7 (all A's)</p>

<p>AP's taken: US History, Physics B, Calculus BC, Art History, Spanish, Biology (school doesn't offer much more)</p>

<p>EC's/Awards: ran cross country 2 seasons, computer design/web design, mechanical work in the summer as an apprentice, tutored for 2 years, scholars program (independent research, greater courseload) at my school, National Honors Society, a few others but you get the idea -- not just a student, but not a candidate with the BEST list of EC's by any means</p>

<p>Essays: I thought, and others thought, were spectacular, really giving a clear picture of who I am, how introspective and confident I am in my differences and persuits, etc.</p>

<p>Recs: I know for a fact they were very good.</p>

<p>Major: Electrical Engineering. Maybe this killed it for me, since my math SAT score is not extremely good. I don't think that should be used to judge ability though. Having always gotten A's in math classes and being a top student in Calc BC, I don't feel the SAT shows a clear picture of one's ability.</p>

<p>Met with my regional rep once and also maintained contact afterward to send some supplemental items.</p>

<p>If anyone has any thoughts on me as a candidate at Vanderbilt, I want to hear them. I know it was a tough year for them, but I guess I thought I'd be eligible for the waiting list at least, to be honest.</p>

2

<p>Your credentials look terrific. I think it is just a tough year. I don’t think being waitlisted is anything to aspire to, in some ways a flat out rejection is better.</p>

3

<p>Are you White, Hispanic, or African American? This may have something to do with it.</p>

4

<p>Sorry, I knew I was missing something. I am white.</p>

5

<p>Well, don’t say people are unqualified to be in the school. Everyone who dared to apply has his/her very own special.</p>

<p>And it is really a tough year, all schools’ applicants numbers were soaring up.</p>

<p>I’m really sure with your stats here you will no doubt enter a great college. Maybe you just lack a bit luck here.</p>

6

<p>no…22 thousand applicants means that many many fully qualified people won’t get admitted…They can’t waitlist a gazillion people…
you have every right to be disappointed though and we all know you could do the work there…with your fine record…I sure hope you will give your all to the college you do select in the end</p>

7

<p>Thanks everyone. I was accepted into the University of Virginia and am waiting on UPenn tomorrow evening. I live in Maryland, but don’t think my region had too much to do with my decision. You all make very good points. I’m a firm believer that we all end up where we’re supposed to be, whether or not we immediately accept that mystery of life. There must be some underlying reason in wherever I end up, whether it’s meeting a particular student, professor, etc. Best of luck to anyone still awaiting decisions.</p>

8

<p>Hey, don’t worry. I was just rejected from my top choice Hopkins. I spent money visiting, put loads of effort into its essays and everything but I got accepted at Vanderbilt with a full ride (which I wasn’t expecting). Everything happens for a reason and whereever you end up going, its just meant to be.</p>