3 answers
Francia
Student
Nashville, Tennessee
1
Question
Updated
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What are my chances of getting admitted to Vanderbilt?
Vanderbilt is a goal of mine. What are my chances so far as a Tennessee resident junior with 35 ACT composite, 4.0 GPA, multiple APs (all 5s so far), but basically no extracurriculars because of my family situation? I'm learning how to program via an online python course and am also working on my own solo game project. Would that be enough to circumvent the lack of extracurriculars and get me admitted to such a prestigious school? Any other suggestions or advice is greatly welcomed. Thank you!
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3 answers
Nancy Hamp
Clinical Counselor
137
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Nancy’s Answer
Francia,
You are a great candidate for any college or university! You have wonderful scores and grades. Also, you are learning to program! There will be places on your college applications to explain your family situation and why you have fewer extracurricular activities. I recommend making sure your essay stands out to show something special about who you are. Also, have it edited by an English teacher or other editor. Make sure in the “Why this university?” part of the applications you identify specific things about that college you know and how you fit with them, such as a particular department, faculty focus, research opportunity, or unique extracurricular experiences there. That way the admissions personnel see you truly imagine yourself contributing to life and academics at their institution. The best college choice is individual and is based on a great fit, personally and academically. Make sure to visit ones at which you are accepted.
You are a great candidate for any college or university! You have wonderful scores and grades. Also, you are learning to program! There will be places on your college applications to explain your family situation and why you have fewer extracurricular activities. I recommend making sure your essay stands out to show something special about who you are. Also, have it edited by an English teacher or other editor. Make sure in the “Why this university?” part of the applications you identify specific things about that college you know and how you fit with them, such as a particular department, faculty focus, research opportunity, or unique extracurricular experiences there. That way the admissions personnel see you truly imagine yourself contributing to life and academics at their institution. The best college choice is individual and is based on a great fit, personally and academically. Make sure to visit ones at which you are accepted.
Karin P.
Lecturer
376
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Francia,
You are learning python and developing a game! Those are extracurricular activities! Anything you do outside of school is an extracurricular activity. It doesn't have to be an official club. Your grades are great too, so you are a great candidate. Of course, you'll apply to a few other universities as well, just in case, right?
If you can wrap your life story, your family story, what you learned from it or how it inspired you, your interests, ambitions and talents into a concise story you'll have a killer essay that makes you stand out. Start working on it!
I would recommend that you also start making connections to Vanderbilt. Do you know what you want to major in? Research the university and the department you want to land in.
What programs and courses are they teaching? What research are they doing? What are they good at and known for. Does that align with your interests? Be prepared to make a good argument why you want to be at that particular school.
Vanderbilt has Open Days where you can speak with admissions officers, do a campus tour and even sit in on a class (I left some links below). You'll be able to talk to professors in the department you are targeting. They also visit high-schools and career fairs and do online events. Sign up for their mailing list and you'll get notified.
There are pre-college programs as well. Make use of those options for your own information and for networking purposes. They will have many applications to look at, but it never hurts if someone remembers you because you attended events, talked to people and had good questions.
I hope this helps! All the best on your journey!
KP
https://pty.vanderbilt.edu/
https://pty.vanderbilt.edu/for-students/
You are learning python and developing a game! Those are extracurricular activities! Anything you do outside of school is an extracurricular activity. It doesn't have to be an official club. Your grades are great too, so you are a great candidate. Of course, you'll apply to a few other universities as well, just in case, right?
If you can wrap your life story, your family story, what you learned from it or how it inspired you, your interests, ambitions and talents into a concise story you'll have a killer essay that makes you stand out. Start working on it!
I would recommend that you also start making connections to Vanderbilt. Do you know what you want to major in? Research the university and the department you want to land in.
What programs and courses are they teaching? What research are they doing? What are they good at and known for. Does that align with your interests? Be prepared to make a good argument why you want to be at that particular school.
Vanderbilt has Open Days where you can speak with admissions officers, do a campus tour and even sit in on a class (I left some links below). You'll be able to talk to professors in the department you are targeting. They also visit high-schools and career fairs and do online events. Sign up for their mailing list and you'll get notified.
There are pre-college programs as well. Make use of those options for your own information and for networking purposes. They will have many applications to look at, but it never hurts if someone remembers you because you attended events, talked to people and had good questions.
I hope this helps! All the best on your journey!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Brittany Turner
Security/Investigations
16
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Brittany’s Answer
Hi Francia,
Colleges want students that will both be successful there, and will contribute to their community. You mentioned a lot of things that would likely work very well for Vanderbilt!
You also mention your family situation - that may be a unique part of what makes you, you. In an application essay, you could explain that situation, where it limited you, and also how you overcame or learned from it. It may be that very situation and the ways you have worked with what you have been given, is the very type of thing that Vanderbilt would appreciate in showing how you can be successful.
Finally - remember that the best college for you is one where YOU love the environment, and can be most successful. There are a lot of great colleges where this is possible. Even those without the "big names" like Vanderbilt.
Good luck to you. You have a bright future ahead, no matter where you end up!
Colleges want students that will both be successful there, and will contribute to their community. You mentioned a lot of things that would likely work very well for Vanderbilt!
You also mention your family situation - that may be a unique part of what makes you, you. In an application essay, you could explain that situation, where it limited you, and also how you overcame or learned from it. It may be that very situation and the ways you have worked with what you have been given, is the very type of thing that Vanderbilt would appreciate in showing how you can be successful.
Finally - remember that the best college for you is one where YOU love the environment, and can be most successful. There are a lot of great colleges where this is possible. Even those without the "big names" like Vanderbilt.
Good luck to you. You have a bright future ahead, no matter where you end up!