my northeast suburb mid-level public school kid, non URM, non hook, ranked btw 5%-10% of class, scored 1280 on SAT and was admitted ED to vandy.

3.9 GPA as a senior and has top consulting job

disregard those who say what colleges “expect” in terms of who submits scores. Schools that are TO are TO for all a the adcom doesn’t have an overlay of zip code socioeconomic ranking to dictate TO consideration

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s test optional which means way more applicants since they are not applying to test required T10/20s if they have low scores.

Or maybe they didn't even take the test(s)?

Everyone takes the test except MAYBE kids in California. Certainly every kid applying to a school like Vanderbilt will have taken the test. Come on.

My non-West Coast, non-DC private school kid didn't submit scores. Was deferred ED and admitted in RD.

Anonymous wrote:Is it even worth the effort to apply in RD? I heard it is like a 4% acceptance rate for RD.

No. Apply ED2 and if your chances are good, you'll be deferred and admitted in RD.

weird place socially - greek focus frosh year wanes by junior year, and the mean girl hierarchy fades into the background. Boys are dorky, girls are not - leads to an odd dynamic, which is good for the boys

I will never understand why Vanderbilt remains test optional. Pre-Covid, their test scores were among the highest in the country, higher than Stanford even. What's the point in 2025 in remaining TO? They get a gazillion apps regardless.

The only thing I can think of is sports. Their football, basketball, and baseball teams are all nationally ranked. And Vanderbilt isn't a huge school. Being a major SEC sports school is very new for Vanderbilt.

But otherwise, it's a great school. Probably a little more studious and nerdier than people assume. But students tend to be very happy there. Academics are obviously very good. Nashville is a fun city for college. It's a very nice campus. Housing is good. The administration is solid and know what they are doing. There's nothing to dislike.

As for admissions, they get roughly 50,000 apps for a freshman class of about 1500-1700. When we visited, they stressed they want students that really want to be there. So they are big on Early Decision. But they are very good with financial aid. Do the NPC and see if that number works. And if it does and you are a competitive student, ED is definitely the way to go. RD is a lottery for everyone. I personally think their ED2 is BS and no one is getting an advantage there. Don't know why they do it.

But that feeds into how opaque Vandy admissions are these days. It's completely unpredictable.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s test optional which means way more applicants since they are not applying to test required T10/20s if they have low scores.

Or maybe they didn't even take the test(s)?

Everyone takes the test except MAYBE kids in California. Certainly every kid applying to a school like Vanderbilt will have taken the test. Come on.

?
It’s a super high percentage of no tests in admitted students.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s test optional which means way more applicants since they are not applying to test required T10/20s if they have low scores.

Or maybe they didn't even take the test(s)?

Everyone takes the test except MAYBE kids in California. Certainly every kid applying to a school like Vanderbilt will have taken the test. Come on.

Anonymous wrote:On what? Admissions or college experience?

Both

Anonymous wrote:It’s test optional which means way more applicants since they are not applying to test required T10/20s if they have low scores.

Or maybe they didn't even take the test(s)?

It’s test optional which means way more applicants since they are not applying to test required T10/20s if they have low scores.

Anonymous wrote:Is it even worth the effort to apply in RD? I heard it is like a 4% acceptance rate for RD.

It's really hard. My DC was admitted to several Ivies in RD and rejected outright from Vanderbilt. Know a couple of other kids like this.

Is it even worth the effort to apply in RD? I heard it is like a 4% acceptance rate for RD.

Diego Pavia for Heisman!

On what? Admissions or college experience?

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