2305 West End Avenue
Nashville, TN 37203-1727
615-322-2561 | 800-288-0432
admissions@vanderbilt.edu
How important are extracurricular activities?
One goal of the admissions process is to create a dynamic and active campus community, thus it is important that we evaluate how applicants’ have enriched and enlivened their high school communities through extracurricular activities. What matters most is not the volume of involvement or the number of leadership positions held, but rather the steady commitment to a handful of meaningful activities beyond your required academic coursework. We do make particular note of significant local, regional, and national achievements.
Extracurricular activities are also an important way that we can tell what is important to you and what you value, and to see more clearly how you might bring those values to the Vanderbilt community. The most effective applications are those that clearly and concisely communicate which activities have had the most meaning to a student and also those that explain organizations and achievements with which the admissions officer might not be familiar.
- 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?