.avif)
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about how to get into Vanderbilt University.
If you’re just here for the requirements, click here.
Vanderbilt University’s acceptance rate for the 2024-2025 academic year was 5.86%. Vanderbilt University received 45,409 applications and accepted only 2,662 students. This means that roughly 1 in 17 students was admitted to Vanderbilt University.
Below is a table with Vanderbilt University acceptance rates from the past four admissions cycles:
Based on the past four admissions cycles, Vanderbilt University typically accepts around 2,500-3,000 students yearly.
Vanderbilt University’s combined Early Decision I (ED) and ED II acceptance rates are 13.2%. That’s almost triple the odds of Regular Decision (RD). If you’re sure Vanderbilt University is your top school, apply ED I or ED II to increase your acceptance odds.
Note that Vanderbilt University only offers ED I and ED II but does not offer an Early Action plan.
Here is a table with Vanderbilt University’s ED acceptance rates over the past four admissions cycles:
Getting into Vanderbilt University is very difficult. Nearly 94.14% of applications get rejected.
Vanderbilt University could fill its incoming class about 17 times over from the applicant pool. For every accepted student, roughly 16 applicants are turned away. You must have a compelling application narrative explaining why you’re the ideal Vanderbilt University candidate.
We based our admissions difficulty scale on each school’s acceptance rate and how selective it is compared to other colleges. The most selective schools rank as the hardest, and the least selective schools rank as the easiest to get into.
Take our interactive quiz below to find out how likely you are to get into Vanderbilt.
Here are the GPA, SAT, and ACT requirements to get into Vanderbilt University. We analyzed Vanderbilt University’s 2024-2025 Common Data Set (CDS), a standardized document that schools report yearly, to find the average number of each academic factor.
According to Vanderbilt University’s 2024-2025 CDS, the average GPA of admitted students was 3.89. Only 0.06% of applicants chose not to report their GPA on the Common Application.
Aim for a 4.0 or higher to stand out. This would place you ahead of 64.4% of applicants who reported GPAs below that threshold.
According to Vanderbilt University’s 2024-2025 CDS, the average SAT composite score was 1540.
An SAT score of 1550 places you above the average but below the 75th percentile SAT score of 1560. If you want to truly stand out, aim for an SAT score of 1570 or higher.
According to Vanderbilt University’s 2024-2025 CDS, the average ACT composite score of admitted applicants was 35. To stand out, aim for at least an ACT score of 35.
Vanderbilt looks for five key components in an applicant’s profile:
Vanderbilt mentions it wants students who will contribute academically and socially, highlighting that successful applicants demonstrate "strong academic skills and intellectual curiosity … and [are] engaged in activities outside the classroom that have nurtured their growth as leaders."
It’s not enough to just have high grades as a Vanderbilt applicant. To increase your chances of acceptance, you must participate in activities beyond the classroom.
In a recent webinar with Quad Education, Dr. Nick Accrocco, a Quad consultant and a former Vanderbilt University admissions officer, highlighted the importance of having engaging extracurricular activities:
“If you’re doing something that you’re not enjoying, let’s find something that you do enjoy that can also contribute [to your application]. It’s not one particular thing they’re looking for. They’re looking for commitment, and that has many forms.”
Accrocco mentions that Vanderbilt University is looking for students who are committed to their interests and pursuits. Your activities should show sustained engagement, ideally in a few key areas that connect to your personal narrative or academic goals.
For example, if you're applying as a public policy major, interning with a local government office carries more weight than simply being in five unrelated clubs. This is because your experience shows you’re committed to learning about public policy beyond the classroom.
In Vanderbilt University’s CDS, Rigor of Secondary School Record, Class Rank, Academic GPA, and Application Essay are marked “Very Important.” Only Standardized Test Scores and Recommendations are marked as “Important.” Vanderbilt University sees every academic admissions criterion as “Important” or “Very Important,” so showing how you outperform your peers is key.
Vanderbilt University's undergraduate admissions page clarifies that it values collaboration over competition. When writing your essay, focus on how you've worked with others, contributed to a community, or grown through shared experiences. Vanderbilt is looking for students who uplift others as they lead.
For example, don’t write, “My class rank means I outperformed 95% of my graduating class.” Instead, acknowledge how you achieved an impressive class rank, including any support you had.
Dr. Accrocco emphasized this mindset when discussing recommendation letters:
“A lot of students think they should choose the teacher who gave them the A. Maybe it's actually the teacher who gave you the B—the one who made you work harder. Those are some of the best recommendation letters.”
This quote tells us something critical: Vanderbilt University is looking for students who grow, who challenge themselves, and who reflect on that growth in their essay and recommendations. A recommender who can speak to your resilience, humility, or collaborative spirit may be far more impactful than one who simply says you aced every test.
The only non-academic factors marked “Very Important” are Extracurricular Activities and Character/Personal Qualities.
Vanderbilt University’s CDS also provides more insight into the non-academic admissions criteria that admissions officers evaluate, which are listed below.
The biggest mistake Vanderbilt University applicants make is treating extracurriculars like a checklist. Vanderbilt University is very particular about how you consider your extracurricular activities.
Admissions officers want evidence that you collaborated with your peers and are passionate about improving the world. Just showing up to club meetings isn’t impressive. List your activities on the Common Application in order of importance and ensure they highlight leadership, commitment, and impact.
Vanderbilt provides advice on how to approach extracurriculars:
“If you held a leadership role in your organization, make sure the scope of that leadership is accurately captured in the description. That being said, we know that leadership titles are not the only way to portray success, and we value any type of involvement that demanded considerable amounts of your time and energy over the last four years.”
It’s better to highlight one or two activities where you took initiative and made something happen.
For example, saying you organized a club fundraiser that raised $2,000 to buy new robotics equipment shows far more initiative and leadership than simply listing your membership in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Math Honor Society, and Robotics Club without indicating any sort of leadership or initiative.
Additionally, Vanderbilt University highlights that involvement in your faith community, holding a part-time job, or helping your family around the house can all be considered extracurricular activities.
Here is a list of Vanderbilt University’s application requirements for the 2025 admissions cycle.
The Vanderbilt University 2025-2026 application is now closed. There is no late submission. However, the Vanderbilt University 2026-2027 application will open around August 2025. Use this time to build or strengthen your extracurriculars, essays, and test performance to start your application early.
To improve your chances of getting into Vanderbilt University, review these expert tips to craft an outstanding application.
In your “Why Vanderbilt?” essay, explain how you want to work with a specific professor or enroll in a course that matches your interests.
For example, aspiring engineers could mention Dr. Ndukaife’s nanophotonics lab or highlight anticipation for the Biomedical Engineering program. This shows that you’re not just thinking critically about your future but want your future to be specifically at Vanderbilt University.
Vanderbilt University is known for innovative combined-degree offerings, such as the Bachelor of Engineering/Master of Engineering and Bachelor of Music/MBA. If you’re interested in medicine and public health, mention the MD/MPH or DNP/MPH programs in your essay and how you hope to pursue these pathways for your career.
In your essay, you can mention how you plan to take advantage of Vanderbilt University’s first-year experience programs. These are structured initiatives that help new students build community, adjust academically, and get involved on campus.
These programs include things like the Vanderbilt Visions mentorship program and Commons Houses, where all first-year students live and learn together. Since participation is required for all freshmen, showing genuine interest in these opportunities can help demonstrate your fit with Vanderbilt’s tight-knit, collaborative culture.
Vanderbilt University’s A&S College Core provides students with a shared academic foundation, a solid base in the arts and sciences, and the freedom to pursue their personal interests. The structure helps students shape a purposeful path through their undergraduate experience by allowing them to choose courses based on their interests.
In your essay, show how your academic interests intersect with each other. If you’re applying as a political science major but also love creative writing or statistics, highlight that you’ve decided to pursue both majors. For example:
“I’m drawn to Vanderbilt because the A&S College Core will allow me to study both American political systems and narrative nonfiction. I want to explore how storytelling shapes public opinion, something I began in AP U.S. History and my high school’s literary magazine.”
Expressing your intent to join or lead student organizations like the Vanderbilt Student Volunteers for Science or the Vanderbilt Debate Team shows a plan to lead at Vanderbilt University, not just a plan to attend classes.
If you’re musically inclined, talk about auditioning for the Blair School of Music or participating in the Vanderbilt Commodore Orchestra. For aspiring journalists or writers, mention your desire to contribute to The Vanderbilt Hustler, the student-run newspaper. This proves you’ve researched what Vanderbilt University offers beyond just undergraduate opportunities.
Vanderbilt University seeks intellectually curious, academically talented students who will contribute to the campus life and the community. Contact a Vanderbilt University admissions team member to learn the status of your application. A team member can advise you on how to improve your application.
Vanderbilt University offers a tool called Cornelius, a chatbot that can give you an idea of how your profile compares to those of previously admitted students. While you don't need to mention the chatbot in your application, starting a conversation with Cornelius can be a useful way to identify potential weaknesses and take action before you apply.
If Cornelius flags that your course rigor or test scores are below average, for example, you can use your essay or additional information section to provide helpful context or highlight other strengths that balance out those areas.
Vanderbilt believes every student’s voice should be reflected in the essay and not written or edited by AI tools. Vanderbilt wants to hear about your life experiences throughout the entire application process.
Since Vanderbilt University’s CDS marks Character/Personal Qualities as “Very Important,” it’s imperative to demonstrate who you are beyond numbers in the essay. You want to show Vanderbilt admissions officers that you’re academically prepared for the rigor of an elite education.
You also want to show admissions officers that you’re able to contribute to the school as a leader, evidenced by your personal qualities and extracurricular activities.
According to Vanderbilt University’s “Class of 2029 — Early Decision by the Numbers” report, 100% of admitted students in the ED pool had received one or more significant honors or held major leadership positions. You should also aim to have one or more honors or leadership positions.
These honors or leadership positions could look like landing on the honor roll or principal’s list for multiple semesters at a competitive school or being the club president for an environmental club. If you have these experiences, include them in your Common Application.
You need a GPA of 3.9 or higher for Vanderbilt University. While Vanderbilt doesn’t have an official minimum GPA requirement, the average GPA of admitted applicants is 3.9. A GPA below 3.8 might significantly lower your acceptance chances unless exceptional achievements or test scores offset it.
Yes, Vanderbilt University accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions, provided the student earns a grade of C- or higher.
However, credits are not guaranteed and are evaluated individually. Courses must closely match Vanderbilt’s curriculum, and syllabi may be required for review. Transfer students must also complete at least 60 credit hours at Vanderbilt to earn a degree.
You should start preparing to apply to Vanderbilt University as early as the 9th or 10th grade. Competitive applicants typically take the most rigorous courses throughout high school, build firm extracurricular profiles, and maintain a GPA close to 4.0.
By junior year, focus on standardized tests, deepening leadership roles, and researching Vanderbilt-specific programs.
Work on your application and essays by the summer before senior year to meet early deadlines and stand out.
To get into Vanderbilt University as an international student, you must submit a competitive academic record, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT, unless applying test-optional), and proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo). Apply through the Common Application and submit financial documentation for visa purposes.
Yes, Vanderbilt University superscores both the SAT and ACT, meaning they consider your highest section scores across all test dates. This allows applicants to showcase their best performance, even if no single test date was perfect.
Vanderbilt University offers full-tuition merit scholarships, including the Cornelius Vanderbilt, Chancellor’s, and Ingram Scholars. These awards require separate applications and are highly competitive, focusing on academic excellence, leadership, and community impact.
Yes, need-based financial aid is available to international students at Vanderbilt University. International applicants must submit the College Scholarship Service Financial Aid (CSS) Profile and follow instructions specific to non-U.S. citizens for financial documentation.
Now that you know how to get into Vanderbilt, you can confidently submit an impeccable application. Each aspect of your application must show the admissions committee who you are and your authentic voice.
Our Vanderbilt University admissions counselors can provide you with even more expert tips. Work with a former admissions officer at Quad Education who can get you accepted to Vanderbilt University.
