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FAQs

Campus Resources

Applying to Vanderbilt

  • How do I apply to transfer to Vanderbilt?

    You may apply using the Coalition Application or the Common Application. To learn more about application requirements for transfers, visit the Undergraduate Transfer Students page on the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website. All questions regarding the admissions process or your applicant materials should be directed to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at admissions@vanderbilt.edu or (615) 322-2561. Residential Colleges and transition staff cannot assist with admissions-related questions.

  • What financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available to transfer students?

    Vanderbilt meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, including transfers. However, merit-based aid is not available to transfer applicants. For more information on need-based financial aid, including how to apply, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid and Undergraduate Scholarships website.

  • How do I know that Vanderbilt is the right school for me?

    Vanderbilt offers a wide range of academic programs, co-curricular experiences, and student support services to undergraduate students, making the institution an excellent fit for many transfer students. You are encouraged to explore the Vanderbilt website to learn more about what Vanderbilt has to offer. To gain insight into the experiences of current students who transferred to Vanderbilt, follow us on Instagram @transfersofvu.

Academics

  • Is my major available at Vanderbilt?

    Vanderbilt offers a wide range of degree programs, ranging across disciplines. A full list of majors and disciplines can be found on the Disciplines and Majors page.

  • How do I know if the credits I accrued at my previous institutions count toward my Vanderbilt degree?

    The Office of the University Registrar manages the transfer credit evaluation process. More information about this process can be found on the Transfer Credit Course Review page.

  • What does the course registration process look like for incoming transfers?

    Undergraduate course registration for incoming first-year and transfer students is conducted through Vanderbilt's four undergraduate schools and colleges. To learn more about the course registration process, visit your respective school or college's academic webpage found below.

  • How can I get in touch with my academic adviser?

    Academic Advising varies across the four undergraduate schools. Visit your school or college's academic advising webpage to identify your adviser and learn more about the academic advising process.

  • How can I change my major?

    Students who wish to change their major should consult with their academic adviser to fill out a change of major form. For additional information on the change of major process, contact the Office of the University Registrar.

  • What online systems do I need to understand as a Vanderbilt student?

    Many of Vanderbilt's academic and financial student records are managed through the YES system. Several user guides to YES are available on the YES User Guides page. Course-specific information, including syllabi and grades, is often accessible through Brightspace. Additionally, Anchor Link is used to manage data related to student organizations and events.

Campus Life

  • What housing options are available to transfers?

    Visit the Transfer Student Housing page on the Housing and Residential Experience website to learn more about transfer student housing options.

  • How can I get involved on campus as a transfer student?

    Visit the Building Connections page to learn more about transfer-specific involvement opportunities. To get involved in the larger Vanderbilt community, contact Student Engagement, Leadership and Service or visit Anchor Link. You can also learn more about the Vanderbilt community on the welcome website. Involvement is also something that your Transfer Student Leaders can help you consider, often providing you with tips on who to contact to get involved and how to find your community.

  • What do I need to do before participating in Transfer Student Orientation?

    Visit the Vanderbilt Welcome Website for a guide on preparing to begin your Vanderbilt experience and a list of important dates. If you have additional questions, contact us using the online form, email us at transitions@vanderbilt.edu, or call (615) 343-7146.

  • What resources are available to help me transition to Vanderbilt?

    Vanderbilt offers a strong network of student support resources, ranging from academic services to mental health counseling and experiential learning assistance. You will be assigned a Transfer Student Leader and an International Orientation Leader (optional for new international students). These upper-division peer mentors can assist you throughout your first semester on campus. You should also familiarize yourself with the information on the Vanderbilt Welcome Website. If you need assistance identifying the appropriate resources, you should call the New Student Hotline at (615) 322-4948 or complete the Transfer Student contact form.

  • As an international student, are there different steps for my transition?

    In addition to Transfer Student Orientation, international transfer students are invited to participate in an optional International Student Orientation, which is designed to support the specific needs of international students. Visit the International Student Orientation page on the Residential Colleges website to learn more about the program. Please email commons@vanderbilt.edu if you would like to participate, and you will be assigned to an international orientation group. You must indicate your desire to participate by July 14, 2025. If you view this after the deadline, but before move-in, please contact us anyway to see if an accommodation can be made.

    Additionally, international students are encouraged to contact International Student and Scholar Services to ensure compliance with immigration and visa requirements prior to arrival on campus.

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