Vanderbilt University created the ENGAGE Program for exceptional students interested in pursuing a graduate or professional degree after college graduation. ENGAGE Scholars receive conditional admission to the Vanderbilt graduate or professional school of their choice at the same time they are admitted as Vanderbilt freshmen. Students retain the freedom and flexibility to explore the full range of Vanderbilt's liberal arts curriculum before formally beginning their graduate studies. In addition, ENGAGE Scholars receive a paid summer internship that will provide valuable practical or research experience in each student's chosen field.
The ENGAGE Scholars program currently involves the following schools:
School of Medicine
School of Law
Owen Graduate School of Management
School of Engineering
School of Nursing (MSN)
Divinity School
Peabody College of Education and Human Development
Students have two opportunities to apply for ENGAGE: as an incoming freshman or at the end of the freshman year. This applies to all graduate programs except medicine, where the second opportunity to apply is available at the end of the sophomore year. Selected students may enter only one graduate or professional program.
Selection is very competitive. A record of outstanding achievement throughout high school in the academic, personal, leadership, and community arenas are important. Strong candidates are intellectually curious and able to clearly articulate their ideas.
ENGAGE Scholars must meet the admissions criteria established by the desired graduate and professional school in order to secure enrollment. Students are not bound to enroll in that school except in the case of the School of Medicine, where a binding agreement will be expected at the end of the sophomore year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Printable application for ENGAGE