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admissions@vanderbilt.edu
Is high school class rank used in the admissions process? What if my high school does not rank students?
Class rank can be an illuminating measure of an applicant's academic performance relative to his/her peers and is considered thoughtfully in conjunction with other data the admissions office gathers about the level of competition for grades in a given high school. Keep in mind that the most promising candidates for admission to Vanderbilt have earned grades in a very high range when compared to their classmates, and class rank often confirms what we can otherwise surmise about a student’s performance.
When evaluating a student attending a school that does not rank its students, the admissions office relies on data provided by the school to gain some sense of the student’s performance relative to their peers. Such information is always used responsibly and without intent to disadvantage any applicant in the admissions process. It is generally true that students for whom some measure of relative performance can be determined fare better in the admissions process than those students for whom no contextual information is provided.
- What is Early Decision? What is the difference between Early Decision I and II?
- Will Vanderbilt continue to offer Early Decision?
- How can I apply to Vanderbilt? Does Vanderbilt prefer a certain type of application?
- How can I download the application forms? What forms are necessary for my application to be complete?
- What essays does Vanderbilt require? How should I answer the questions?
- After I submit my application, how do I notify the admissions office if I have updated or additional information?
- How will my application be evaluated?
- Is the high school I attend taken into consideration?
- Is there a limit to the number of students who can be accepted from a particular high school?
- Is my family situation taken into consideration?
- How are applicants with alumni relatives or “legacies” handled in Vanderbilt’s admissions process?
- Does Vanderbilt prefer one standardized test over another? How important are the SAT and/or ACT in the admissions process?
- What is the latest date I can take the SAT and/or ACT?
- Does Vanderbilt require SAT II exams?
- Does Vanderbilt recognize Advanced Placement (AP) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program?
- What is Vanderbilt’s policy regarding the writing portions of the SAT and ACT?
- Is high school class rank used in the admissions process? What if my high school does not rank students?
- When will I be notified about my admissions decision?
- How does the waitlist work at Vanderbilt?
- How important are my senior year course load and grades?
- How important are extracurricular activities?
- What are the minimum high school coursework requirements for admission?
- What can I do in high school to prepare for Vanderbilt?
- What role does diversity play in the Vanderbilt admissions process?
- Are interviews required for prospective students?
- I’m applying for financial aid. Is Vanderbilt need–blind when reviewing applications?
- What financial aid is available to international students and non–U.S. citizens?