Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN · Private · 7,208 undergrads

Admit rate: 5.9% (45,313 applicants)
SAT middle 50%: 1500–1570 (ACT 34–35)
Undergraduates: 7,208 (11.2% international)
Average net price: $15,846 (per year after aid)
Graduation rate: 94% (within 6 years)

Deadlines

Early Decision: Nov. 1, 2026
Early Decision II: Jan. 1, 2027
Regular Decision: Jan. 1, 2027

Essays

Short answer (all applicants) (About 250 words)

Vanderbilt University's motto, Crescere aude, is Latin for "dare to grow." In your response, reflect on how one or more aspects of your identity, culture, or background has played a role in your personal growth, and how it will contribute to our campus community as you dare to grow at Vanderbilt.

Peabody education majors (elementary, secondary or special education)

What prior experience with and enthusiasm for the field of education will you bring to Vanderbilt? In your response, reflect on why you want to be an educator.

Editor's notes

If Vanderbilt is your clear first choice, take the ED rounds seriously. For the Class of 2030, Early Decision admitted 11.9% of applicants and Regular Decision admitted 2.8%. ED II gives you until Jan. 1 if you need a semester to decide, and it's still binding.
Your essays carry real weight here. Vanderbilt's Common Data Set rates the essay, extracurriculars and character as very important, the same level as grades and rigor. With only one 250-word supplement, the short answer and the personal essay have to cover different ground.
Testing is optional for you, but the clock is running. Scores come back as a requirement for fall 2029 entry, and the choice you make on the application (with or without scores) can't be changed after you submit.
Don't waste energy proving interest. Vanderbilt says it doesn't track visits or emails for admissions review. Put that time into the Dec. 1 merit scholarship application instead.