What extra curriculars does Vanderbilt value most- volunteering or academic based or creative etc…?
There isn’t one particular activity or category they value most, which is true of almost every elite institution I can think of, save for MIT and Caltech. It is based entirely on what you plan to pursue, and how you’ve prepared to do so during your high school years. Not that they base a decision of admission or denial on your intended major or quotas for them (except at peabody and blair) but the quality of your ECs in a particular area ought to correlate with your major of interest and intent. For instance, a STEM major would be better off with research experience, high STEM grades in relevant coursework, maybe an award or two in the maths and sciences etc. For a history/poly sci/english/econ type of humanities-esque major, things like debate team, model UN, student government, language clubs and writing awards etc. can be avenues of participation at most high schools and attract interest IF done at a super high level. Much of that is generic, however, so one mustn’t fall into the trap of following the traditional path - as Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Go where there is no path and blaze a trail.” That’s what’s expected at a school like Vanderbilt.
ULTIMATELY, you need to do what you love and pursue it as ardently and wholeheartedly as you can. The secret is that there is no secret. Passion and performance are the only things to realistically increase your chances of admission. These things come most easily and most rewardingly when you do what you love, or at least what you love most in high school. These things may (and probably will) change throughout the course of college, maybe even during your career, but nonetheless you should explore opportunities available to you as much as you can. That’s all there is to it, at least EC-wise.