<p>Why is that? Is it those coeds writing out postcards inviting high achievers to apply? Did they adopt a new marketing strategy? Did the University just get a whole lot better in one year and the news just traveled quickly?</p>
<p>Any thoughts at all about why the sudden increase?</p>
<p>BTW, I have to mention that we had a laugh about this at our home. My son is a junior and is considering about 10 schools right now and Vanderbilt is clearly the favorite. I think there's something about Murphy's law at work here.</p>
<p>Are you sure that those numbers are for this year? For the class of 2013? I know there was a big increase last year, for the class of 2012. That was attributed by some to the the elimination of the Why Vanderbilt essay. This year, the terms for financial aid were changed so that instead of "need based" loans, students will be given grants. Also, Vanderbilt promises to meet 100% of demonstrated need. And Vanderbilt is always climbing in the various college rankings.</p>
<p>My belief is that last year there were several factors at work that caused application numbers to surge:
- the changes in /elimination of EA/ED at some of the Top 10 schools caused students to cast a wider net. The surge in applications resulted in the smallest acceptance rate ever for Vanderbilt. When the dust settled after the May 1 deadline, a number of offers were made to waitlisted students and, as I understand it, a number of them declined as they had been accepted at higher ranked institutions and accepted those offers.<br>
- Vanderbilt's presence in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in 2007. Studies show that when athletics take the "big stage", application numbers rise. The same influence should help numbers this year due to the success of the football team in 2008.
- the shift to the Common Application.
- finally, the opening of The Commons.</p>
<p>I am interested in seeing what happens to numbers this year. While I think the economy could have a negative impact on application numbers, I think it will be offset by the changes in financial aid.</p>
<p>And bird rock, I totally know your son's feelings. Vandy has been my top choice for a couple of years now [from 2006 onwards]. I loved it, and I knew I definitely had a good chance of getting in.</p>
<p>Now that last year's numbers are in, it makes me worry A LOT. Like, I can't even sleep now.</p>
<p>Of course, the school I'm in love with happens to have the number 1 growth rate in America. Like you said, Murphy's Law definitely applies.</p>
<p>I can tell you that here (DC and suburbs) Vanderbilt has seen a big popularity jump, or so it seems to me by talking to other parents and students. I think it has a lot to do with the "balance" of the school. Another parent I know describes it as "the place where smart kids go and have fun". There really is not much NOT to like about the school! I know my S fell in love with it too!!</p>
<p>DAMN SPORTS! I don't care one bit about them. And they're ruining my chances!</p>
<p>Why do sports matter anyway? That seems ridiculous. Do people apply because they can say "Yep. I go to the school that's #1 at <em>something</em> in the country"? Lame.</p>
<p>
[quote]
DAMN SPORTS! I don't care one bit about them. And they're ruining my chances!</p>
<p>Why do sports matter anyway? That seems ridiculous. Do people apply because they can say "Yep. I go to the school that's #1 at <em>something</em> in the country"? Lame.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Revenge of the Nerds? How a successful college football season will affect your admissions chances at highly selective schools</p>
<p>This sums it up. It talks about Vanderbilt as well and the flutie effect (spike in applications for schools who do well in football).
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Relax. First of all that website seems like it's all about making money by drumming up fears about not getting into ivies.</p>
<p>Second, Vanderbilt didn't make the top 25 this year. Didn't even get any votes, so you could say they didn't even make the top 40. And it's the same story for basketball. They probably won't even make it to the NCAA tournament.</p>
<p>So if there was any effect it's got to be mostly temporary and should wear off totally by next winter.</p>
<p>Perhaps the Vandy Admissions will report soon on how the applications look this year now that the deadline has passed. I imagine they have a pretty good idea as to wheather there is an increase overall - we already know the ED1 round numbers were slightly higher than last year. Other universities have been reporting their increases/decreases lately so hopefully Vandy will follow suit and not wait until April.</p>
<p>Come on admissions - give the applicants a little hint - I'm sure many would appreciate the info!</p>