Vanderbilt University Essay Guide

Vanderbilt University is in the heart of Downtown Nashville, Tennessee which is also the state’s capital. The scenic campus is a national arboretum because it has over 100 species of trees on campus. Students thoroughly utilize the greenery for study spaces, meetings, hangouts, events, etcetera. The accessibility to downtown is convenient for exploring the city of Nashville and what it has to offer. The #14 university in the nation is a private research institution founded in 1873 due to the $1 million gift from Cornelius Vanderbilt. He was known as “The Commodore,” hence the name of our mascot.

Application Process

Vanderbilt University prides itself in conducting its admissions process holistically by not having test scores or grade point average cut-offs. There are three ways to apply to Vanderbilt: The Coalition for Access Affordability, and Success Application, the Common Application (most common), and Questbridge Application. For those applying to the Blair School of Music, applicants must also submit a separate Blair School of Music application which can be found on the Vanderbilt Admissions website. 

The Coalition for Access Affordability and Success is a program of over 150 colleges and universities including Vanderbilt that allow students to start their application as early as 9th grade to get a head start. The goal of the program is to make college affordable to provide resources to underprivileged students.

The Common Application is an application that over 900 colleges use to conduct their admissions processes. It allows students to fill out one application and send it to multiple schools. Each school can customize its application to include supplementary prompts or questions that tailor to them. This is what most of the students at Vanderbilt will be using to apply.

The Questbridge Application is like the Common Application but is specifically for high-achieving low-income students. The goal of the application is to match students to one of the 48 college partners to obtain a 4-year full-ride scholarship or comparable financial aid package to address the financial difficulties of enrolling in higher education.

You will then choose the application system that is right for you. Only one application should be submitted and there is no favoritism for a specific application system. First-year applicants have the option to apply to three decision plans: Early Decision I, II, and Regular Decision. Both Early Decision I and II are binding decision plans and are for students who are committed to attending Vanderbilt if admitted. This requires an Early Decision Agreement to be signed by the applicant, parent or guardian, and the high school counselor. Regular decision is not binding and allows the applicant to apply to as many schools and make their matriculation decision in April after they receive all admission decisions.

Application Checklist

• All required parts of Coalition Application or Common Application
• $50 nonrefundable application or a fee waiver 
• Official high school transcript
• Counselor letter of recommendation
• Two academic teacher letters of recommendations
• SAT or ACT scores (option for students apply fall 2023 and fall 2024) 

Essay Guide

The Vanderbilt admissions process has changed since I applied due to the pandemic. I also applied through Questbridge, so my prompts were a little different. The 2017 Questbridge National College Match Application consisted of a two-part short answer essay section and two longer essays (500 and 800-word limit). However, the insights here will still be relevant for any hopeful Vanderbilt applicant.

Short Answers Part I

Prompt: Tell us about one of your proudest achievements or moments and what it says about you. (200-word limit)

One of my proudest moments has to do with my younger brother, Caleb. When he was in 8th grade, he seemed reluctant about going to our zoned high school. Private schooling seemed too expensive, and we tried and didn't succeed a couple of years before. We took a leap of faith and scheduled a visit to Notre Dame High School, a private catholic school. After that day, I saw how zealous he was for the school and knew I had to do something. Financially though, the school was out of reach. Nonetheless, I emailed the admissions officer to get the application fee waived since my mom was unemployed. I even convinced my mom to fill out the application. I emailed the admissions office many times throughout the application process. To our advantage, Notre Dame admitted and granted my brother 90% financial aid, making it affordable to attend the school. I felt so thrilled that my hard work produced a favorable result for my family. I like to look out for my own. It still tickles me how a child from a low-income home gets to attend school with some of the city's most privileged kids while receiving an exceptional education.

Analysis: To best approach this essay, I remember brainstorming a few ideas that I could write about. Ultimately, I chose the one that I felt could describe my character the best while also being feasibly to write about. I made sure to describe the “who, what, when, why, and how” of the story to make sure the audience can easily follow along. I also answered both parts of the prompt by writing a sentence of self-reflection. If I could redo this prompt, I would include more of the second part of the prompt in my response. 

Prompt: If you could meet a character from a book or a historical figure, who would it be and what would you ask them? (200-word limit)

I would choose to meet the character, Atticus Finch, from To Kill a Mockingbird because he stood up for a random man that was deemed guilty by everyone else. I would ask him where he got his courage from and how did he know that man that Finch stood up for was innocent. I would ask him why he stayed in a town full of prejudiced people, unlike him. I would ask him for advice about solutions to current pressing social issues. These questions would be asked because I go through similar situations and need guidance for those things.

Analysis: This prompt was broader and gave more literary freedom than the last. I approached it as a critical thinking question and used it to highlight my interests and what was important to me. I made sure to explain who the character was, their book, and why I chose them.

Short Answers Part II

Answer the following questions in no more than 35 words, about 3 sentences. You may use comma-separated lists instead of sentences when appropriate.

What is your favorite subject to study, and why? 

Chemistry is my favorite subject to study because it is a mix of concepts and math. It makes sense, which is why it is easier to learn. It is fascinating to learn what everyday objects are made of and the chemistry in life. 

What are your favorite books and/or movies? 

My favorite books are Pride and Prejudice, To Kill a Mockingbird and The Holy Bible. My favorite movies are Forrest Gump, Devil, The Notebook, and Me Before You. 

What is your favorite source of inspiration? 

Gospel music is very inspiring. I love music, but to hear music that has the purpose of lifting you is refreshing. 

How do you spend a typical weekend? 

On Saturday I work a morning shift and take a nap. I usually watch T.V. or wash and style my hair. On Sunday I go to church and try to catch up on all my homework due on Monday. I wash my school uniforms on Sunday as well. 

What is the compliment you have been paid that you are most proud of? Who gave you the compliment? 

I was told that I was one of the most hard-working teens they have met. My church friend/sister gave the compliment. Her comment confirmed that my diligence did not go unnoticed. 

After a challenging experience, how do you rejuvenate? 

I like to talk my heart out to my close friends or spend time doing something that will get my mind off things. Dancing to some of my favorite toons is another way I rejuvenate. 

What would you contribute to your future college campus community? 

Haitian background, unique cultural upbringing, new ideas, new clubs and organizations, school spirit, love for learning, a different perspective, hard-working impact, persistent drive, leadership role 

Analysis: These questions were very short and thus did not require as much literary creativity or reflection. I was very candid in my responses and chose to do mostly full sentences responses although lists were allowed. 

Essay 1

We are interested in learning more about you and the context in which you have grown up, formed your aspirations, and accomplished your academic successes. Please describe the factors and challenges that have most shaped your personal life and aspirations. How have these factors helped you to grow? (800-word limit)

My immediate family is from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. My mother and father decided to move to America to make a better life for themselves. Being Haitian immigrants, learning English was a barrier to their success. After my brother was born, things ended between my parents. My mom became a single mother with two kids and limited knowledge of English in America. Despite the challenges, she put us through daycare after daycare to work and attend school to earn a degree. It took her four years to achieve an associate degree in Accounting Technology. Growing up in a single-parent home, my brother and I had many babysitters and fewer opportunities than most children. My mother has never asked my father for financial assistance, even though that is his responsibility. She has taken the role of both parents and has worked diligently to make sure we had what we needed. Sometimes our electricity, phone, or water would be cut off due to her not making enough money to pay all the bills. Her Haitian heritage also hindered her from many jobs mostly due to her thick accent and moderate English. As a child, I matured quickly and had far more responsibilities than my peers. It started with household chores and lead to keeping up with bill due dates. Even now, most people's first impression of me is that I am a college student. A couple of years ago, my mom fell into a deep depression and that was when I had to grow up the most. It was to the point, that I had to manage the payment of bills and take care of my brother with the assistance of family and friends. As a high school freshman, that dark time stressed and scared me but it also made me stronger. Seeing my mom struggle has made me value education. Since elementary school, my grades have been a part of who I am. I strive to do my best in all subjects. I do not want my children to go through what I have experienced. My mother also pushed us to reach for the stars and supported us in everything we pursued. Hearing about other people who grew up in low-income homes and were successful has sparked my aspirations to pursue a career in medicine. I enjoy seeing my hard work pay off and I know attending college and medical school will surely produce that same effect. Being in a low-income home has made me more conscious of how much money I spend. I am also responsible for paying my car payment and insurance, which many teenagers are fortunate to not have to do. In conclusion, these experiences have matured me and made me who I am today.

Analysis: This essay is essentially where I was able to tell my story. I chose to highlight my upbringing and how those tough times shaped me into the person I am. Describing those instances served as indicators of my character and personality. I also made sure to include insight about my current situation and how that also has inspired my career aspirations.

Essay 2

Write on ONE of the following topics: (500-word limit)

Tell us about a concept, theory, or topic you have explored simply because it sparked your intellectual curiosity. Why do you find it intriguing? How do you want to explore it further?

Describe an experience that caused you to change your perspective and/or opinion. 

What do you admire most about your community? What would you improve?

At the start of every school year, I brace myself for the awkward pause coming when the teacher gets to my name on the role. Most of the time, I spare the class and quickly say "here". Other times, I am forced to pronounce my name multiple times when I simply just go by "Bethsy". My name, Bethsahida, is derived from the biblical town, Bethsaida. My mother wanted my name to be meaningful and unique. Whenever I explain my name, I always mention my Haitian heritage as an excuse to make it more acceptable. When people first see my name on paper, they automatically consider it a difficult name to pronounce. My name brings compliments and borderline rude remarks. As African Americans, there is a stigma around our names. We are more likely to have distinctive, unpronounceable names. The fact that one name is deemed more normal than another is frustrating. People come from different backgrounds and therefore have different ways of naming their children. It baffles me that children are ridiculed for their names when it was not their choice. To combat this struggle, my mother gave me a nickname to use in school. In a way, having a nickname feels like I've given in to the ethical battle. I prefer my nickname over my legal name because it conforms more to the norm. This preference has caused me to depreciate my actual name. Although I love the fact that my name is a conversation starter, it gets redundant having to explain my whole life story to teach someone to pronounce my name.

Analysis: I was given the option to pick from one of the 3 choices and thus again, I went with the one that I felt I could write the strongest about. I used more creativity and literary elements to culminate this prompt and detail also went a long way. I made sure to give purpose to the experience I chose and to analyze its importance to me. 

Reflection

My advice to you as a Vanderbilt Alumna is to tell your story through your writing. This is your chance to bring your application to life. The goal is to give the admissions team an idea of whom you are as a person and not just based on your grades and test scores. Asking for advice and proofreading can make a huge difference. PathIvy specializes in assuring you are putting your best foot forward in your application. Book a free 30-minute consultation today. 

Written by Bethsahida Harrigan, PathIvy Vanderbilt University Ambassador