Prospective Students

Admitted Students

Parents

Counselors

Alumni

Preparing for College

This is intended to be a brief overview of what prospective students in grades 9–12 can do to prepare for college. It is important to note that just because you do all of the things mentioned, you are in no way guaranteeing admission to any college or university. However, it will position you to increase your chances of success in college. 

Vanderbilt is a rigorous and vibrant place, and this is largely due to our inspired, ambitious, and distinct student body. We anticipate that the prospective students we admit will contribute to the intellectual vitality, cultural life, and diversity of the Vanderbilt community.

Most colleges are seeking the well–rounded student who will contribute to their campus environment. High school preparation is the basis for that distinction; each section below indicates the high school year in which you will want to pay particular attention to the information presented. Additional information for what you can do prior to high school, information for parents, or affordability information can be found through the following links:

6th–10th Grade
Parents
Affordability

Academics (9, 10, 11, 12)

Take a demanding college preparatory curriculum (the most appropriately demanding schedule your high school has to offer). Get off to a good start. It’s VERY difficult to raise your GPA if you start out low. A strong academic transcript is what many schools will view as the most critical piece of your application. If your high school offers any advanced, honors, Advanced Placement, or International Baccalaureate courses it’s recommended you pursue those as appropriate. You should challenge yourself without getting in over your head.

Extracurriculars (9, 10, 11, 12)

Outside of the classroom, find your passion and pursue it to the fullest. As impressive as it may seem that a student is involved in numerous different organizations, it’s equally (if not more) impressive to see a student who is involved in just a few organizations during high school and is in a leadership position in each of them. Think quality not quantity in terms of activities. Many schools will also place a value on service work that is done outside of the high school requirements.

Recommendations (11, 12)

Ask teachers from your core courses (English, Math, Social Science, Natural Science, Foreign Language) to write your letters of recommendation. It doesn’t have to be a teacher who gave you an “A.” The teacher from the very difficult advanced-level course, where you worked very hard for a “B,” may prove to be your best advocate.

Get to know your school/college/guidance counselor; their recommendation is also very important. Keep in mind that counselors are often busy serving students in many different capacities, so be aware how valuable their time is.

Standardized Tests (11, 12)

For many schools test scores are more important than you want them to be, but less important than you think. While there won’t typically be a preference between the SAT and ACT, some schools will require the ACT be taken with the Writing option; other schools may want SAT II Subject tests. Be sure you are clear as to what is expected of you and what will be considered as your application is reviewed. Keep in mind that the score reports from The College Board (SAT) are cumulative. That means any SAT or SAT II Subject test you’ve taken appears on the report.

The Search (10, 11, 12)

Begin your search by identifying your various personal and academic goals. It’s important that you are confident that the schools to which you are applying offer your major and meet your personal needs (small v. medium v. large; urban v. suburban v. rural, etc.). Until you know who you are, and what you want, it will be difficult to identify the school that is right for you. Clarify what you want, i.e. how do you define the characteristics of an “urban” school that you would want to attend? Visit as many schools as you can. The Internet doesn’t tell you the whole story.

Now What? (11, 12)

Ask questions. Nobody expects you to be an expert on schools you’ve only spent a few months reading about. Never be afraid to call (not just e-mail) and ask questions of the admissions officers at the schools to which you are applying. If you decide to email a school, here is a word of advice. Some schools will consider whatever you provide them when they review your application – including previous e-mails you’ve sent. Avoid the use of slang and being too conversational or familiar when you e-mail your questions. Remember, you are trying to do everything in your power to position yourself for strong consideration.

Lastly, give yourself options. Even the most talented students need options. Have a school or two in which you don't exactly fit thier profile, several schools in which you fit solidly into their profile, and one or two where you are at the top end of their profile. College admissions are very competitive, but it isn’t life and death. There are many very good colleges across the country and across the globe. Given the right preparation and consideration, you will find the one that fits you best, and that school will find you to be a good fit as well.