FAQs

GRE, GMAT, or MCAT scores are optional. We use a holistic evaluation process, however, which is not heavily influenced by the GRE scores. Therefore, your application will be reviewed the same if you submit GRE scores or not.

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required for all applicants whose native language is not English and who have not received a degree at an English-speaking university. If you have graduated from a University in the United States, the TOEFL requirement is waived. Please be sure to still self-report your TOEFL scores used to gain entry to your prior US institution. The Vanderbilt institutional code to which TOEFL scores should be sent is 1871.

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is accepted. Vanderbilt University Medical Center only accepts scores submitted electronically by the IELTS test center. No paper test report forms are accepted. An institutional code is NOT required. Please contact the test center directly where you took the IELTS test and request that your test scores be sent electronically using the IELTS system. All IELTS test centers worldwide are able to send scores electronically to our institution.

Our priority application deadline for scholarships is January 3rd.

Rolling admissions for the following deadlines:

• February 15th
• March 15th
• April 15th

Final application deadline is May 15th.

We will have a limited amount of tuition fellowships available for each incoming class.

We do not pre-screen applicants. If you are interested, you are encouraged to apply. The Admissions Committee reviews all applications.

Yes. We treat international applicants the same as U.S. citizens.

We do not accept applications for the spring semester.

Students may visit the campus on their own accord, but we strongly encourage students to first submit an application and get feedback from the Admission Committee before visiting.

FREE! Our program application is free to all those who wish to submit.

1. Unofficial transcripts
2. 3 Letters of Recommendation
3. Statement of Purpose
4. Resume/CV
5. International Students must show proof of English proficiency. Details can be found on our Admissions page.

For application review purposes, the admissions committee will accept unofficial documents. However, if you are accepted and choose to enroll, you will be required to send official documents to the University Registrar.

We do ask that international students provide WES translated and verified transcripts. If they are not verified when submitting, we ask for you to include the US conversion equivalent of grades.

Admitted students may request to defer their enrollment to the next available fall term. Prior to requesting a deferral, an admitted applicant must accept their offer by submitting their Intent to Matriculate, and pay any necessary deposits.. To be considered, deferral requests must be submitted no later than one week before the open enrollment deadline, as indicated on the academic calendar. Only one deferral is permitted per student, after that, a new application must be submitted. Please note, supporting documentation may be required for approval.

Deferrals are granted for any of the below list of reasons only:

• Serious medical reasons
• Visa delays or denials (must already ne in process)
• Military leave

Any Scholarship or Fellowship Awards cannot be deferred but the admitted student may be reconsidered during the deferred matriculation year.

Unfortunately, no. While we would love to open our courses up to current graduate students in other departments, our course enrollment and classroom space capacities are maxed out with MSDS students. However we encourage you to attend our workshops, which are open to anyone. View our offerings HERE!

You may contact Graduate Program Manager, Amber Douglass, at datascience-grad@vanderbilt.edu.