<p>As a senior who recently sent in my deposit to Vanderbilt, I will try to highlight some of the things I did/wish I did better that I think helped me get into Vandy. Since you go to a relatively large public high school, definitely look into AP classes for junior/senior year, since you should have a large selection to choose from (sophomore year, if you can take them that early). Keep in mind that you will be in competition with kids from private schools who are groomed from their first day of high school to get into top colleges, so choose courses wisely. I graduated with only 4 APs, but that was because my school only offered 9 and placed regulations on when/how many we could take. Basically, take advantage of the academic offerings at your school so that you know for sure your counselor will check off “most rigorous courses” on his/her evaluation. However, know your limits, and don’t sign up for a schedule that will destroy your GPA.</p>
<p>Depending on your testing abilities, your plan for the SATs/ACTs will vary. I was a strong test taker and needed little preparation. You might be different. In any case, start early. I would suggest taking your first round of both tests by the winter of your junior year. You can then decide which one you want to go further with (I took the SAT three times, but the ACT once. I was happy with my ACT score the first time). Try not to leave any testing to your senior year (if it must be anything, the SAT IIs can be done then). You will be knee-deep in applications. Do your best with this because you don’t want testing scores to be the reason you didn’t get in, as they are entirely in your control.</p>
<p>Your plans for volunteering/sports/ECs sound great. Definitely get involved with the special olympics, and make it a regular occurrence. Try to get a leadership position in soccer by junior or senior year (captain or co-captain). </p>
<p>One more thing about testing- do your best on the PSAT! Colleges like National Merit Scholars (it is a qualifying test for the scholarship), and you can get $5k/year in merit money from Vandy just for doing well on a test!</p>
<p>Though this is far away for you, spend a lot of time on your essay. As of now, Vandy only requires the common app essay, so make it good! You should speak with your guidance counselor on this by the end of junior year. My guidance counselors at my public school were awful, so my family hired a private college counselor. If you can afford this it is really helpful. If not, try to seek out people who have admissions or counseling experience and chat with them. You are on the right track by posting on CC!</p>
<p>Have a very clear conversation with your parents about financing your education. If your family cannot easily pay $50k/yr for school (very few can), you need to know what they will pay. Just be very clear on your family’s situation going into the process - you don’t want to have your heart set on a school that you cannot afford, and you don’t want that factor to come into play after your applications are in. Apply to schools that give great merit aid, even if you consider them slightly “below” your caliber. Vandy is known for great financial and merit aid, so apply for the merit scholarships as well. </p>
<p>Have a great time in high school - don’t forget to have fun while focusing on getting into school. One last piece of advice - keep your options open. You may love Vandy now, but that might change when you are making a decision three years from now. Still research and visit other schools. Apply to a broad range - Vandy is getting more and more competitive every year, and is by no means a “match” school for anyone. Have safeties on your list, and love them too, because you could very well end up there. There is no magic “formula” for getting into Top 20 colleges. Your results could be all good, all bad, or a mixed bag. </p>
<p>I hope this helped, good luck!</p>