Vanderbilt University

Yes, Vanderbilt is extremely selective. It admitted about 5.4% of applicants in the most recent cycle, offering admission to roughly 2,593 of more than 48,000 applicants. Enrolled first-years post middle-50% SAT scores of 1510-1560 and ACT scores of 34-35, so a strong academic record paired with the rigor Vanderbilt weighs very heavily is essential.

Vanderbilt's overall acceptance rate is about 5.4%, with roughly 2,593 of more than 48,000 applicants admitted and about 1,635 enrolling as first-years. Vanderbilt also runs a binding Early Decision plan, which drew 6,202 applications and admitted 874 of them.

Vanderbilt's binding Early Decision round admits at a higher rate than the overall pool: 874 of 6,202 ED applicants were admitted, roughly a 14% rate versus the 5.4% overall acceptance rate. ED is a binding commitment, so apply early only if Vanderbilt is clearly your first choice.

A 1500 is just below Vanderbilt's middle-50% range of 1510-1560, so it's slightly under the typical admitted profile rather than out of reach. About 98% of enrolled first-years who submitted the SAT scored 1400 or above. Vanderbilt is test-optional, so a score near but below that band doesn't have to be submitted if the rest of your application is stronger.

Enrolled first-years at Vanderbilt report an average high school GPA of about 3.90, and the admitted class sits overwhelmingly at the top of its cohort. There is no hard cutoff, but academic GPA, class rank, and the rigor of your course load are all weighed as very important factors in the review.

Vanderbilt is test-optional, so you may apply without submitting an SAT or ACT score. Among enrolled students who did submit, the middle 50% scored 1510-1560 on the SAT and 34-35 on the ACT, with standardized test scores weighed as an important (not very important) factor.

Tuition and required fees are about $73,206 per year, rising once housing and food are added in. Through Opportunity Vanderbilt the university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans; about 59% of first-years receive aid, with an average need-based package of roughly $81,553.

Yes. Vanderbilt rates the application essay as a very important factor in its holistic review, on par with GPA, course rigor, extracurriculars, and personal qualities, and above standardized test scores. With an acceptance rate around 5.4%, a specific, well-revised essay is one of the clearest ways a strong applicant can stand out.

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