Hi! I am a high school senior planning on signig up for a variety of different colleges, first among which is Vanderbilt. In fact, Im so sold on Vanderbilt that I want to do Early Decision since I know it increases your chances significantly. However, I’m still not totally confident in being able to get anywhere even with ED. The people at Vanderbilt Admissions said they focus heavily on the essay, but I know scores must be important and so I was curious as to whether what I have is good
My scores are a 32 ACT and a 1290 SAT (the SAT will more than likely not be reported), a 3.71 unweighted GPA, and extracurriculars including choir, 380 hours of service, NHS, and two jobs (a paying choir and a paid internship).
I wouldn’t say that you have no chance at Vandy, but keep in mind that an ACT score of 32 was actually below the 25th percentile of students admitted to Vanderbilt University for the last admissions cycle. I am not sure where your GPA falls in regards to students typically admitted to Vanderbilt, but I am sure that for a school that is nearly as selective as the ivy leagues, there are many students applying that have a 4.0. From what I’ve seen, Vanderbilt focuses very heavily on standardizes test scores, and since yours is on the low side for them, this would put you at a significant disadvantage. However, it does not hurt to try! If Vanderbilt truly is your number one school, and you are sure you can afford it, then you should apply ED and see what happens! It is true that often times students with lower stats may have a higher chance of acceptance in the ED round. I would say your extracurriculars are fairly average, but you may be able to present them on your common or in your essay in a way that would make them stand out (especially your two jobs). Also, spend A LOT of time on your essay! In the case of a student slightly below the average for the school, the essay, if done right, could boost your chances. I wish you all the best!
Also, if I were in your position, since you like Vanderbilt so much, I would add some other schools like Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Wake Forest University in North Carolina, the University of Richmond, Tulane, and University of Miami to your list. Based on the research I’ve done and the people I’ve spoken to, these schools have a lot in common with Vanderbilt, but are slightly easier to be admitted to.
do not neglect your state flagship college! $$ counts. make sure this is an option esp if you are planning on graduate education which is often not funded by need or merit scholarships. Richmond requires an early application for consideration for merit dollars and they are quite competitive. Get a strong handle on your families expected contribution at all privates that cannot offer loan free in their financial aid packages (like Wake and Richmond). Although your 32 ACT is wonderful and will get you in a fine college, you should study the answers and methods in the 10 Real ACTs and consider retaking in October sitting if you have the energy for it. My Vandy grad’s ACT of 34 is no longer top quartile among admitted students at Vandy even though you can obviously do the work there. I realize how busy seniors are on weekends. You have to get very realistic on odds at schools that attract 30 thousand applicants. This means doing your best effort on quality of essays and letters of recommendations and putting yourself out there with good spirits with a good match school in the bag on your list.
Go for it! Although Vanderbilt cares a lot about ACT scores and yours is a little low, you still have a shot. 15 people from my high school applied to Vandy, I had the 3rd worst GPA out of those 15 people, and I was the only one who got in. If Vandy is your top school, then apply early decision. I love it here.
Obviously I don’t know anything about you apart from this post, but I would say you have a 30% chance of getting in. Not bad.
Your volunteer hours are impressive. Vandy offers a large merit scholarship for kids with proven interest in community service called the Ingram Scholarship. Your volunteer hours could also help you apply to the other two signature scholarships. In addition, the Carrell Family Scholarship is available to go towards financial need should you have any. Your part time jobs mean that you are qualified to apply for it. The deadline for the Ingram and some other scholarships used to be December 1. Be sure not to miss any deadlines and be sure to apply.
applying ED would help. Vandy has an excellent traveling choir and other singing groups. You may be a good fit!
It would also be a good idea to study for and take the ACT again if only to boost your chances at Vandy and elsewhere. Good luck!
(the advice from the two persons above is also true)