vanderbilt university supplemental essays 2024

Personal Essay and Short Answer Prompts

Personal essay prompts.

To help us get to know you in the application review process, you are required to submit a personal essay. For insight and advice about how to approach writing your personal essay, see our Expert Advice page. 

• Common Application first-year essay prompts
• Common App transfer essay prompt: Please provide a personal essay that addresses your reasons for transferring and the objectives you hope to achieve.
• Coalition, powered by Scoir first-year and transfer essay prompts

Short Answer Question

For both first-year and transfer applicants, we ask you to complete a short answer essay (approximately 250 words) based on the following prompt:

• Vanderbilt University’s motto, Crescere aude , is Latin for “dare to grow.” In your response, reflect on how one or more aspects of your identity, culture, or background has played a role in your personal growth, and how it will contribute to our campus community as you dare to grow at Vanderbilt.

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How to Write the Vanderbilt University Essay 2024-2025

Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, Tennessee, and is a selective research university comprised of three undergraduate colleges: the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the top-ranked Peabody College of Education and Human Development.

Vanderbilt prides itself on its balance between high academic standards and a supportive, involved student community, and is consistently ranked as having some of the happiest students in the country. With an admissions rate that has fallen to less than 5% for the Regular Decision round in recent years, acceptance is highly competitive and deeply coveted.

For the 2024-2025 application cycle, Vanderbilt requires one supplemental essay, which references the school’s exceptional reputation. Let’s break the prompt down, and learn how to write an outstanding essay that will set you apart within Vanderbilt’s highly competitive applicant pool.

Read this Vanderbilt essay example written by a real accepted student to inspire your writing!

Vanderbilt University Supplemental Essay Prompt

Vanderbilt university’s motto, crescere aude, is latin for “dare to grow.” in your response, reflect on how one or more aspects of your identity, culture, or background has played a role in your personal growth, and how it will contribute to our campus community as you dare to grow at vanderbilt., please provide your response in approximately 250 words. (200-400 words).

The prompt falls under the Diversity Essay archetype, which means Vanderbilt wants to learn how your background or identity has impacted your worldview and, in turn, your approach to life. Colleges use this prompt because they want to build classes that are diverse along many dimensions, not just the standard ones people associate with diversity.

What makes your background diverse could be your race and ethnicity, gender, language, socioeconomic class, illness and disability, country of origin, culture, religion, or even interests or hobbies. Think about these factors and identify the different communities you’re a part of. 

Remember to consider aspects of your identity like competing on a team or even participation in an internet forum – even if these features may seem silly, our hobbies and personal passions can be just as meaningful as more traditional traditional communities, and can sometimes even do more to set you apart, as other students are less likely to write about them. The only thing that matters is choosing something that has significantly impacted your development.

Then, consider the emotions you feel about being part of that community, or claiming that identity, and any personality traits you might have developed as a result. Alternatively, do you have any distinctive skills or talents because of your background? Brainstorm two to three formative or otherwise significant experiences you’ve had because of your membership in this community to help you get inspired.

A quick note if you intend to write about your racial background: in June 2023, the United States Supreme Court struck down the use of affirmative action in college admissions. The ruling, however, still allows colleges to consider race on an individual basis, which is one reason many schools are now including diversity prompts as one of their supplemental essay prompts. 

If you feel that your racial background has impacted you significantly, this is the place to discuss that. Of course, you are more than welcome to discuss something else, but do be aware that if you don’t discuss your racial background here (or in your personal statement), Vanderbilt will be unable to factor that aspect of your identity into their decision.

Regardless of which attribute of diversity you choose, you should strive for individuality and specificity in your response. Remember, college essays are an opportunity to showcase your unique life perspective. You don’t want to waste this opportunity by writing down some bland dictionary definitions or cliché statements. 

Instead, think of what diversity means to you personally, and some aspect of your life that reflects that value. From there, think of personal anecdotes or stories about how diversity has contributed to your growth or development as a person – remember that showing, rather than simply telling, your points will make your essay much more compelling.

Follow the advice below in order to avoid common mistakes: 

Don’t solely write about negative experiences. You may have had negative experiences as a result of your background or identity. While it’s generally fine to mention adversity, college essays usually want to see a positive outcome or lesson at the conclusion, to make your story one of growth and resilience, rather than solely hardship.

Example: “Growing up as a first-generation Egyptian-American, I always felt out of place, and struggled to balance the expectations of my parents with the reality of being raised in the U.S. I remember being embarrassed when they spoke to me in Arabic in front of my friends, which made me want to distance myself from my culture. I never really fit in with the other kids at school, and this made me feel isolated. 

Because of these struggles, I developed a strong sense of independence and learned how to take care of myself. However, these experiences have also left me feeling disconnected from both my Egyptian roots and American culture. At Vanderbilt, I hope to find a community where I finally feel like I belong and can start fresh.”

Although this writer does briefly touch on independence and self-sufficiency, which are positive traits, and vaguely gestures at hoping for a fresh start at Vanderbilt, the overall tone of the essay is negative. As a result, admissions officers may wonder what they took away from this experience that will allow them to thrive in college.

There are a few different ways this student could fix this problem. For example, they could spend more time fleshing out the positive qualities they developed as a result of this experience, or they could go into more detail about the community they’re hoping to find at Vanderbilt, by citing particular clubs or programs that they think will help them find the community they’ve been missing.

Either of these approaches would show what the student has learned from overcoming this hardship, rather than keeping the focus solely on the hardship itself.

Don’t use a cliché topic like immigration, traveling, or moving. These events are very common, and it’s fine if they’re part of your background, but don’t make the entire essay centered around these clichés.

Example: “My journey as an immigrant from Mexico to the United States has shaped every aspect of who I am today. When I was six years old, my family moved to the U.S. in search of a better life. We faced many challenges, including learning a new language, adapting to a different culture, and dealing with financial hardships. 

Despite these obstacles, my parents always encouraged me to work hard and never give up on my dreams. Their sacrifices motivated me to excel in school and become the first person in my family to attend college. I am proud of my heritage and the hard work it took to get here. 

At Vanderbilt, I plan to continue this journey of success and make my parents proud by achieving great things. I hope to join cultural organizations that celebrate diversity and share my story with others to inspire them to overcome their own challenges. My experiences as an immigrant have taught me resilience, and I am eager to bring this determination to Vanderbilt.”

Of course, we don’t want to discount how impactful immigrating to a new country can be. The problem is not that the experience isn’t meaningful enough – rather, it’s that many other people have had a similar one, and taken away similar lessons from it. 

Instead of focusing on these clichés, you could briefly provide context about immigrating from Mexico, and then focus on a less common aspect of your experience and give a more personal takeaway. For example, you could talk about how playing soccer with the kids in your neighborhood gave you a shared cultural touchpoint that was invaluable as you were acclimating to life in the US.

Don’t write a laundry list of identities and demographics. Like we already said, this prompt isn’t just about who you are; it’s about what you’ve experienced that made you who you are, and how you see the world because of this part of yourself. Make sure to provide deeper analysis – most of the essay should be about your reflections and growth, and the evolution of your worldview, not just the traits themselves. Remember – quality over quantity.

Example: “My identity is a combination of many different aspects. I am a first-generation Vietnamese-American, a daughter of immigrant parents, and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. I also come from a low-income background, which has taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. Additionally, I’m a female student who is passionate about pursuing a career in STEM, a field where women are often underrepresented. 

Each of these identities has played a role in shaping who I am today. Being Vietnamese-American has connected me to my cultural roots, while my experience as a first-generation college student motivates me to succeed. My LGBTQ+ identity has taught me to embrace who I am, and my low-income background has given me the determination to overcome obstacles. I believe that all these aspects of my identity will allow me to contribute to the diversity at Vanderbilt.”

Because this student is so focused on covering all aspects of her identity, we get only a shallow understanding of each one’s significance to her broader life. If she were to have instead focused on just, say, being part of the LGBTQ+ community, she would have had room to provide examples of how she came to accept this part of herself, for example by describing her friends’ kindness when she came out to them.

We know there’s more than one feature of your life you’ll want to highlight in your response, and leaving things out can feel frustrating. But unfortunately, word counts are an unavoidable part of the college application process.

Generally, you should only briefly introduce the culture, background, community, or other driver of the values you’re exploring in your essay. You should be specific and clear about which community or group you’re referencing, but you then want to quickly dive deep into its impact on your life as a whole.

This deep dive should make up most of your essay. Analyze your current and past emotions about this aspect of your identity, and how it has shaped your worldview. With the limited word count, prioritize including information about the impact of your values and background over the mere nature or description of your identity.

Finally, given Vanderbilt’s inclusion of their “dare to grow” motto, you should demonstrate how your background has emboldened you to grow personally, and how it will continue to do so at Vanderbilt. Think about times you exhibited leadership or kindness, or took a risk, and connect these instances to the part of your identity you’re focusing on. A growth-oriented mindset is key here, so be sure to highlight the way your background helped you evolve in your personal values, ambitions, and accomplishments.

Also  note that the prompt specifically asks you to relate your chosen background to possible contributions to the Vanderbilt community. Depending on what you’re writing about, it might be beneficial to research extracurricular campus groups at Vanderbilt or in the Nashville area that align with your identity. Including these specific details demonstrates your deep interest in the school, and commitment to being an active member of its tightly knit community.

Now, let’s explore a possible example of a strong response to the prompt:

“Every weekend, our small apartment in Queens transformed into a hub of activism. Friends and neighbors would gather around our worn dining table, their voices rising and falling in animated Arabic as they discussed the latest political unrest in Egypt. I often found myself translating news articles or drafting letters to officials on behalf of my parents, who had fled political persecution decades earlier. Although I was born in the U.S., the struggles of my parents’ homeland shaped me profoundly, instilling in me a deep sense of responsibility to fight for justice.” 

Here the writer begins with a vivid hook to provide a narrative to their essay. Specific details about translating news articles and drafting letters in a busy, chatter-filled apartment construct a tangible picture of their background and its values. Furthermore, the Egyptian community they describe their family being part of in Queens implies that the writer has a significant connection to a cultural group in their hometown, and prioritizes being part of one.

“When I was fourteen, I organized my first protest in support of the Arab Spring. It was a modest gathering of around twenty people, but it ignited a passion in me. Seeing the impact we could have, even on a small scale, made me realize the power of collective action. This experience drove me to join a youth-led advocacy group in New York, where I spearheaded campaigns to raise awareness about immigrant rights and helped secure legal aid for families facing deportation. I became the voice for those who couldn’t speak for themselves, just as my parents had once relied on others to speak for them.”

The writer continues by detailing examples of their leadership and boldness within the context of their cultural and ethnic background, thus clearly showing how this aspect of their identity has driven their personal growth. As their activism grows in scale from a small gathering to participation in a formal advocacy group, they also grow personally into a bolder, more involved Egyptian-American activist.

“At Vanderbilt, I’m eager to bring my passion for social justice to the campus community. I envision joining the Vanderbilt Political Review and participating in the Ingram Scholars Program to further my advocacy work. I also want to contribute to the growing immigrant population in Nashville by working with local organizations to support refugee resettlement efforts. I know that at Vanderbilt, I will find a community that shares my commitment to daring to grow through action, and I am excited to continue the work that began around my family’s dining table.”

Finally, the writer makes an authentic connection to Vanderbilt by envisioning themself participating in specific campus and local groups related to the causes they first became involved with through their cultural background. As a whole, this example is profoundly personal with plenty of details, and is also forward-facing, with a clear demonstration of how the writer will use their background and individual values to engage with the Vanderbilt and broader Nashville communities.

The best essays will provide a reflective, personal narrative that looks not just into the past, but also towards a future of engagement and contribution at Vanderbilt. Authenticity, detail, and growth should be the pillars of your response.

CollegeVine wishes you the best of luck in your admissions process!

Where to Get Your Vanderbilt University Essay Edited For Free

Do you want feedback on your Vanderbilt essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

Need feedback faster? Get a free, nearly-instantaneous essay review from Sage, our AI tutor and advisor. Sage will rate your essay, give you suggestions for improvement, and summarize what admissions officers would take away from your writing. Use these tools to improve your chances of acceptance to your dream school!

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Vanderbilt Supplemental Essays 2024-25 – Prompts and Advice

August 23, 2024

With an acceptance rate of just 5% for the 2024-25 entering class, Vanderbilt has become one of the more selective schools in the United States. It’s easy for prospective applicants who can claim a 99th percentile score and a position near the top of their high school class to feel overly confident when applying to a university of this ilk. Yet, it is critical to realize that, in 2024, the median SAT at Vandy is over 1500, and just about every admitted student finished near the top of their high school class. This brings us to the topic of this blog – the Vanderbilt supplemental essays.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into Vanderbilt? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Vanderbilt University: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

When applying to Vanderbilt, you can’t just rely on your fabulous grades and test scores to carry you toward an eventual acceptance letter. You need those credentials, of course, but you also need to pour every ounce of effort into other components of the application in order to separate yourself in the eyes of the admissions committee. The Common App and supplemental essay present just that opportunity.

Below is Vanderbilt’s supplemental essay for the 2024-25 admissions cycle along with our advice for composing a winning essay.

Vanderbilt Supplemental Essay Prompt

Vanderbilt University’s motto, Crescere aude, is Latin for “dare to grow.” In your response, reflect on how one or more aspects of your identity, culture, or background has played a role in your personal growth, and how it will contribute to our campus community as you dare to grow at Vanderbilt.

Please provide your response in approximately 250 words.

Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity (Eminem beat starts to ramp up)…While many highly-selective colleges offer two, three, or even more supplemental prompts, Vandy only offers this single essay. In it, they want you to briefly discuss how an aspect of your identity, culture, or background has influenced you (and how it will enable you to contribute to Vanderbilt). So, the question is, how to make your response to such a basic prompt really count?

Firstly, take note of the wide-open nature of this prompt. You are essentially invited to talk about any of the following topics:

• A perspective you hold
• An experience/challenge you had
• A community you belong to
• Your cultural background
• Your religious background
• Your family background
• Your sexual orientation or gender identity

Vanderbilt Supplemental Essay — Continued

Although this prompt’s open floor plan may feel daunting, a good tactic is to first consider what has already been communicated within your Common App personal statement and activities list. What important aspect(s) of yourself have not been shared (or sufficiently discussed)? The admissions officer reading your essay is hoping to connect with you through your written words, so—within your essay’s reflection—be open, humble, thoughtful, inquisitive, emotionally honest, mature, and/or insightful about what you learned and how you grew.

You’ll then need to discuss how your background/identity/experiences have influenced how you hope to contribute to Vandy’s social or academic community. For example, perhaps growing up in Northern California has made you passionate about post-wildfire ecosystem restoration, which you hope to pursue further through Vanderbilt’s environmental science program. Or, perhaps your experience as a tutor has made you interested in continuing that effort at Vandy , or the discrimination you watched your sibling face after revealing their gender identity has informed your desire to be part of initiatives, events, and trainings facilitated by the K.C. Potter Center for LGBTQI Life .

To that end, be sure you address how you will take advantage of Johns Hopkins’s immense resources. These resources could be inside and/or outside of the classroom. You can accomplish this by citing specific  academic programs ,  professors ,  research opportunities , study abroad programs ,  student-run organizations , etc.

How important are the Vanderbilt supplemental essays?

The essays (both the Common App essay and supplemental essay) are “very important” to the Vanderbilt admissions committee . This places them in the same category as: GPA, standardized test scores, class rank, the rigor of your secondary school record, extracurriculars, and character/personal qualities. In short, the Vanderbilt supplemental essays are among the most important factors to the University when evaluating your application.

Want Personalized Essay Assistance?

If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Vanderbilt supplemental essays, we encourage you to get a quote  today.

Looking for additional writing resources? Consider checking out the following:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• How to Quickly Format Your Common App Essay
• Should I Complete Optional College Essays?
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• 25 Inspiring College Essay Topics
• “Why This College?” Essay Examples
• How to Write the Community Essay
• College Essay

Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

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August 1, 2024

Vanderbilt University Supplemental Essay Prompts: 2024-2025

Vanderbilt University has released its 2024-2025 supplemental admissions essay prompts for applicants to the Class of 2029. This year, in addition to The Common Application ’s Personal Statement, Vanderbilt requires applicants to answer one supplemental essay prompt in approximately 250 words. So what is this year’s prompt? Wonder no more!

2024-2025 Vanderbilt Essay Question

Vanderbilt’s supplemental essay prompt for applicants to the Class of 2029, which applicants are to answer in about 250 words, is as follows:

Vanderbilt University’s motto,  Crescere aude , is Latin for “dare to grow.” In your response, reflect on how one or more aspects of your identity, culture, or background has played a role in your personal growth, and how it will contribute to our campus community as you dare to grow at Vanderbilt.

Vanderbilt’s admissions committee has posed a hybrid question of applicants to the Class of 2029: it’s a part background and part Why Vanderbilt prompt.

Of course, the “identity, culture, or background” aspect of the prompt is in line with the moves of many elite colleges following the Supreme Court’s ruling outlawing Affirmative Action . Since these schools are no longer permitted to ask about a student’s race on an application, they’ve instead taken advantage of Chief Justice John Roberts’ loophole by encouraging applicants to write about their identity, culture, or background in their essay writing. When they can glean a student’s race in this essay (in so far as it relates to the student’s narrative), Vanderbilt’s admissions committee can work to admit a diverse cohort of students to the Class of 2029.

For the second part of the prompt, the Why Vanderbilt component, students should showcase how they’ve done their homework on Vanderbilt by including sentences that only apply to Vanderbilt’s activities and culture — not to any other college in the land. Students should not approach the Why Vanderbilt component of this essay like a game of Mad Libs in which they replace specifics of one college for Vandy specifics. Instead, they need to show they’ve captured Vanderbilt’s enduring specifics and demonstrate how they’re contributing their unique identity, culture, and background to these enduring specifics. For example, if a student is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, what LGBTQ+ organizations will a student get involved in at Vanderbilt, and what kind of work will they do through such organizations?

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Vanderbilt Essays

If you’re interested in optimizing your case for admission to Vanderbilt by submitting the most compelling essays possible, fill out Ivy Coach ’s consultation form , and we’ll be in touch to delineate our college admissions counseling services for seniors.

You are permitted to use www.ivycoach.com (including the content of the Blog) for your personal, non-commercial use only. You must not copy, download, print, or otherwise distribute the content on our site without the prior written consent of Ivy Coach, Inc.

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How to Write the Vanderbilt Supplemental Essay 2024–2025

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Vanderbilt University , a prestigious academic institution with over 150 years of history , provides a vibrant campus life and varied scholarly research opportunities for its students. Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt is known for its uniquely happy student community . In addition, the University counts six Nobel Laureates in their tight-knit community. For many applicants, the Vanderbilt supplemental essay can feel intimidating, but they don’t have to be. Let’s break it down.

Vanderbilt’s 2024-2025 Prompt

Vanderbilt requires just one short essay of approximately 250 words from their prospective students, but the essay can range from 200 to 400 words if necessary.

• Vanderbilt University’s motto, Crescere aude , is Latin for “dare to grow.” In your response, reflect on how one or more aspects of your identity, culture, or background has played a role in your personal growth, and how it will contribute to our campus community as you dare to grow at Vanderbilt.

General Tips

Indirectly, Vanderbilt supplemental essay promps seeks to learn about who you are in the company of others. Because universities are communities of people who are not always like-minded, admissions officers often seek students who demonstrate respect for others and maturity when responding to diverse viewpoints. While many students admitted to top schools like Vanderbilt display leadership qualities, no one will be a leader all the time on campus. Showcasing how you are a team player capable of constructive disagreement with others may significantly bolster your application.

Therefore, when brainstorming your topic for this prompt, consider times when you have learned from others, gained new perspectives, or sought meaning outside of school. Writing clearly and authentically about one of these experiences could be what differentiates you from the crowd.

Now, let’s dive into the prompt.

Vanderbilt Short Essay Question

Vanderbilt university’s motto, crescere aude , is latin for “dare to grow.” in your response, reflect on how one or more aspects of your identity, culture, or background has played a role in your personal growth, and how it will contribute to our campus community as you dare to grow at vanderbilt. (approximately 250 words).

This essay prompt gives applicants the opportunity to show who they are and how they’ve grown. In order to answer this question effectively, you’ll need to exercise self-awareness and humility. Understanding how you’ve grown requires acknowledging the person you used to be, and accepting the flaws that you possessed in the past. This requires some degree of vulnerability and courage, hence the phrase “dare to grow.”

In other words, your essay should depict some kind of narrative. First, you’ll need to describe the person you used to be. Then, you’ll need to show how you changed, and why. Next, you’ll need to describe who you are today. Then, importantly, you must hint at how this development will continue to impact you into the future. Lastly, the essay would likely benefit from some reflection on this process of growth. In addition, remember to specifically point out the “one or more aspects of your identity, culture, or background” that catalyzed your development as a person.

To give each aspect of your identity, culture, or background the room to breathe in your Vanderbilt supplemental essay, it’s advisable to stick to just 1-3 aspects. That way, you have the space to elaborate upon each one with the requisite detail and nuance. You may also want the space to explain how courage and/or self-confidence impacted your development. The phrase “dare to grow,” and its implications, should remain in the back of your mind as you compose this essay.

If you need help polishing up your Vanderbilt supplemental essay, check out our College Essay Review service. You can receive detailed feedback from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.

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Students Also Read

How To Write The Vanderbilt Supplemental Essay + Examples

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 4/25/24

If you need help writing the Vanderbilt supplemental essay, read this guide to learn everything you need to know about it, including essay prompts and examples! 

You may feel pressured before applying because of Vanderbilt’s competitive applicant pool. Don’t worry; everyone must start somewhere. If you need more assistance, read our comprehensive guide to getting into Vanderbilt University . 

As you start building your college list , you must decide what you look for in a school. You must balance the college application process well and spend enough time on each school. If Vanderbilt is on your college list, read this article to learn how to write the Vanderbilt supplemental essay. 

We will break down the question, share tips on answering the prompts, and provide examples of successful essays.

Vanderbilt University Supplemental Essay Prompts 2023-2024

In addition to the essay requirements for the Common, Coalition, and QuestBridge Apps, Vanderbilt has one required supplemental essay. Having to write one essay has its benefits and disadvantages. You can focus on your response and make it as excellent as possible. However, you may prefer to have more options to consider before writing.

The following prompts can be found on the Vanderbilt admissions page .

“Vanderbilt University values learning through contrasting points of view. We understand that our differences, and our respect for alternative views and voices, are our greatest source of strength. Please reflect on conversations you’ve had with people who have expressed viewpoints different from your own. How did these conversations/experiences influence you?”

“Vanderbilt offers a community where students find balance between their academic and social experiences. Please briefly elaborate on how one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences has influenced you.”

Both of these supplemental essay prompts have a 250-word limit. Make sure you choose the essay prompts you know you can answer well! 

How to Write Each Essay Prompt For Vanderbilt University

Here, we’ll cover how to write each essay prompt for Vanderbilt University. 

How to Write Vanderbilt University Supplemental Essay #1 + Analysis and Tips

Vanderbilt University prompt #1 : “Vanderbilt University values learning through contrasting points of view. We understand that our differences, and our respect for alternative views and voices, are our greatest source of strength. Please reflect on conversations you’ve had with people who have expressed viewpoints different from your own. How did these conversations/experiences influence you?” 

Analysis of prompt #1 : This prompt wants you to reflect on conversations you’ve had with people who have expressed viewpoints different from yours. The prompt is looking at how you handle discussions with people with different viewpoints. 

This prompt can also be considered a diversity essay, which Vanderbilt includes because the school values all walks of life. 

Here are some tips to help you write this prompt:

1. Tip #1: Choose a Conversation : To choose the best conversation to talk about in your essay, ask yourself the following questions:

• What are my beliefs and values?
• How do others respond to these beliefs?
• What is one belief I have that others contest or oppose?
• How has this belief changed over time?
• Has anyone influenced this belief? 
• What points of the opposition can I agree with?
• Why is it important to discuss differing views on things?

Remember, you aren’t simply relaying a conversation with a friend to the committee. You’re explaining how you respond to opposing views, demonstrate respect for differences, and, most importantly, how you grow because of them! 

2. Tip #2: Identify the Different Viewpoints : Clearly explain the contrasting viewpoints you encountered. Highlight the key differences between the viewpoints without judgment. You'll want to convey your ability to engage with diverse perspectives and how those interactions have shaped your thinking.

3. Tip #3: Highlight What You Learned : Explore how the conversation expanded your understanding of the topic. Discuss any new information or perspectives that you gained. Vanderbilt is looking to see if you’re willing to learn from opposing views, so if you learned anything from the conversation, make sure to add it! 

How to Write Vanderbilt University Supplemental Essay #2 + Analysis and Tips

Vanderbilt University prompt #2 : “Vanderbilt offers a community where students find balance between their academic and social experiences. Please briefly elaborate on how one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences has influenced you.”

Analysis of prompt #2 : This essay asks you to talk about one of your extracurriculars, so it should be an activity or experience that matters the most to you. Vanderbilt values extracurricular activity and emphasizes students having a balance when it comes to their academics. 

1 . Tip #1: Choose an Extracurricular : Start with a self-reflection and brainstorming session instead. Put together a list of everything you do outside of your schoolwork, even if it’s not with a formal club or job. It may be an initiative you started, a volunteering experience, or an internship. 

Your response should not list your extracurriculars since you have already done that in another part of your application.

2. Tip #2: Highlight Transferable Skills : Identify and highlight the skills you gained from the experience that are transferable to both academic and social settings. This could include teamwork, leadership, communication, or organizational skills.

3. Tip #3: Discuss Impact on Academic Performance : Explain how participating in the extracurricular activity or work experience positively impacted your academic performance. This could be through improved focus, discipline, or understanding of your learning style.

Examples of Vanderbilt University Supplemental Essays That Worked

Below, you’ll find some Vanderbilt University supplemental essays written by successful applicants who were admitted to the school! Let’s look at each one and discuss what worked about it.

Sample Essay #1

Prompt : “Vanderbilt offers a community where students find balance between their academic and social experiences. Please briefly elaborate on how one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences has influenced you.”

“I never would’ve thought joining my school’s DECA chapter would catalyze my entrepreneurial aspirations. Yet, three years later and now a [POSITION] of said DECA chapter, I’ve channeled this ever-growing tenacity toward not only being a fierce competitor, but also a fierce leader. Aside from defining my high school experience, DECA has helped me find my place in school and given me the bigger-picture purpose necessary to help me develop into who I want to be, who I’ve already been all along: an entrepreneur. 

As a freshman, I was daunted by the task of producing a business proposal that’d cover all aspects of a business, including financial statements I’d never even heard of before. However, I soon found myself thriving by taking on the role of a potential franchisee, working on each section of my business proposal separately and putting them together to watch my business grow on paper, like pieces of a puzzle fitting into place. Embroiled in the encapsulating realm of entrepreneurship, I was inspired by my first year in DECA to immerse myself in the world of business, seeking to involve myself in additional academic and real-world business-esque opportunities and experiences. 

Within the chapter, I’ve made strides as an officer and now a [POSITION] to increase our member engagement and provide resources for members to help guide them through their business proposal construction process. Recently, tasked with the responsibility of building a chapter website, I’ve channeled my problem-solving and marketing skills gleaned from DECA into constructing an innovative platform that communicates our chapter’s mission, conveys important dates for meetings and competitions, displays samples of officers’ past proposals, as well as highlights Great Neck North DECA alumni. 

With each new year, each new business proposal thrusts me into a new level of competition: from qualifying for the state competition as a timid freshman to qualifying for the international competition during my sophomore year to confidently presenting and defending my most recent business proposal as a competitor in the final round at the international competition during my junior year. Outside of competition, each new year in DECA has thrust me into a new level of exploration, personal growth, and mentorship as I continue to absorb as much business-related knowledge as possible while savoring my time in DECA as both a leader and a competitor, ultimately allowing me to flourish as both a student and a future entrepreneur.”

Why Essay #1 Worked

This is a great essay because the writer captures their feelings about joining DECA and how much it has impacted them. The essay also illustrates the DECA chapter’s mission, which helps showcase that the writer believes in it. 

Sample Essay #2

“Driving intoxicated in the waning hours of the night, he recklessly swerves in and out of lanes until he finally loses control and rams his car into a tree. Save for a few cuts and bruises, he escapes unscathed. His sister’s lifeless body is discovered the morning after the crime–or was it a crime? The light knock of the gavel summons the courtroom to its feet; parents, teachers, coaches, spectators and competitors all stand as the single hour that months were spent preparing for commences.

Having not placed in the regional tournament in a decade, Mock Trial was regarded as little more than a team just barely keeping its head above water, far past its glory years when I first joined the school’s organization. My admiration for the club stretched far beyond simply checking my name off as a member–being content with mediocrity would have no place as long as I was on the team. And so to prevent it from disappearing into oblivion, I began with myself, spending hours learning, polishing and perfecting the skills necessary to succeed. With this, not only did I grow tremendously as an individual and a competitor, but I also gained the respect and admiration of my teammates, earning a leadership role.

Revamping the way Mock Trial operated quickly became a full time job. But, within a year, we were able to secure a spot in the top three of the regional tournament and lift the organization back into prominence. So when the trial starts, have no doubt that the top is the only place we aim. ‘Your honor, opposing counsel, and members of the jury….’ Show time.”

Why Essay #2 Worked

This essay immediately grabs your attention with a detailed reenactment of a crime scene that is a mock trial tournament. The student shows us what this extracurricular means and how they have grown alongside it. They are specific in their accomplishments within the activity, which is a great way to leave a lasting impression . 

Get More Sample Essays Here!

Examining successful supplemental essays is an excellent method for uncovering effective strategies. Explore numerous samples in our comprehensive college essay database below to discover a wide range of examples!

Do you still have questions about the Vanderbilt supplemental essays? Below, we have frequently asked questions. 

1. What Is Vanderbilt University’s Acceptance Rate? 

Vanderbilt’s acceptance rate is 5.1% . Out of the 41,336 applicants in the 2024 cycle, only 1,512 were admitted. 

2. How Is the Admissions Process for Vanderbilt University? 

Vanderbilt uses a holistic admissions process , meaning one element does not make or break an application. The school considers all student evaluation factors, from test scores and grades to extracurricular activities and leadership roles. 

3. What Kinds of Applications Can I Submit for Vanderbilt? 

You can apply for Vanderbilt using the Common App, Coalition App, and QuestBridge program. Choose the right application system for you, as Vanderbilt has no preference. Carefully follow the instructions on their respective site. 

4. What Are the Other Application Requirements for Vanderbilt? 

Apart from the requirements of each application system, you must submit high school transcripts, a counselor's letter of recommendation, two teacher recommendations, and an application fee of $50. Fee waivers are available for qualified students, and standardized test scores are currently optional. 

5. Are There Any Other Supplemental Materials for First-Year Applicants? 

If you apply for Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music, you must complete a separate application besides the Coalition or Common App. You must also submit at least one artistic recommendation, a headshot, a music resume, a repertoire list, and a pre-screening video. You can find more details on the Blair Admissions Page .

Final Thoughts 

The Vanderbilt supplemental essay asks you to focus on an experience with opposing views or an extracurricular activity that matters to you, whether it be a school club, job, internship, or volunteer experience. 

Since you only have one prompt to show the admissions committee your story, be thoughtful in your response and choose a topic that highlights your values and goals.

Writing an excellent essay is only one part of your application, so follow our ultimate guide on applying to Vanderbilt. Remember, the best essay is one where you can proudly share a meaningful conversation or activity that impacted your perspective for the better. 

Focus on what you want to show the admissions committee, not what you think the committee wants to read. You will craft a stellar essay if you draw on your unique experiences.

Access 190+ sample college essays here

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How to Ace the 2023-2024 Vanderbilt Supplemental Essay

Ginny Howey is a former content writer at Scholarships360. Ginny graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May 2022 with a degree in Media and Journalism (Advertising/PR focus) and minors in Entrepreneurship and Spanish. Ginny’s professional experience includes two summers as a writer intern at global creative consultancy BCG BrightHouse. More recently, Ginny worked as a content marketing intern for Durham-based software engineering bootcamp Momentum, where she gained SEO skills. She has also written freelance articles on emerging tech for A.I. startup Resultid.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

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Vanderbilt University is a very competitive private school with a 7% acceptance rate . If you hope to gain acceptance into this top-tier school, you must have an exceptional application. Do not underestimate the importance of a stand-out Vanderbilt supplemental essay!

Let’s break down Vanderbilt’s prompt and how to craft a response that’s sure to impress. 

Also see: How to write an essay about yourself

What to expect from the Vanderbilt supplemental essay prompt

Vanderbilt University expects applicants to respond to one personal essay prompt and respond to one short answer question. However, do not worry because you actually only need to write one response for Vanderbilt! The personal essay they require of students is the Common Application or Coalition personal essay so there is no need to write anything additional for Vanderbilt’s personal essay requirement. 

There are two short answer questions you can choose from and only one needs to be answered. Regardless of which essay choice you choose, they need to be answered in approximately 250 words . 

Short answer choice #1

“Vanderbilt University values learning through contrasting points of view. We understand that our differences, and our respect for alternative views and voices, are our greatest source of strength. Please reflect on conversations you’ve had with people who have expressed viewpoints different from your own. How did these conversations/experiences influence you? (250 words)”

Try and think of a time in which someone had a different perspective on a topic you discussed or argued. Write about this conversation by detailing a narrative of what exactly the conversation was about. Describe your thoughts and feelings about the conversation and how it was resolved (if it was!). 

It does not have to be a life-changing argument about a controversial topic. Rather, it can be just a discussion in which someone has expressed viewpoints that differ from your own. 

Be careful not to focus too much on the negatives of this experience such as negative emotions towards the other person or group but rather you should discuss your feelings objectively. 

Once you have described this conversation and the admissions officer now has context, it is important to focus on how you dealt with this conversation and what you learned from it. Describe your emotions during this conversation and what you might have done differently if given the opportunity. 

Ultimately, Vanderbilt doesn’t want to hear you attack and berate someone for their differing perspective, rather they want to see that future Vanderbilt students understand that everyone has diverse experiences and perspectives. Use this essay as an opportunity to highlight how you are able to learn from and work with others even if they have different beliefs. Additionally, describe how you would use what you have learned from this experience to better your time at Vanderbilt. 

Questions to consider: 

• How did this conversation impact how you will communicate with others in the future? 
• What did you learn from this experience? 
• What will you do differently at Vanderbilt? 

Short answer choice #2

“Vanderbilt offers a community where students find balance between their academic and social experiences. Please briefly elaborate on how one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences has influenced you. (250 words)”

Unlike some schools’ intimidatingly broad prompts, this is as straightforward as it gets. Vanderbilt wants you to describe a particularly meaningful involvement you’ve had. However, it can be tricky when more than one engagement comes to mind. 

A good way to start is by looking at the Activities section on your Common Application. Highlight the experiences that have been most impactful to you. Jot down what you enjoy about each one and what they’ve taught you. Describe any anecdotes that you associate with them. Be sure to highlight progression throughout your participation in this activity, such as being elected to a leadership position. 

Since this is the only supplemental you will be responding to, be strategic with which activity you choose. If your intended major is computer science, it may be wise to discuss a related experience. You could describe the robotics club you were a member of in high school. It would be a great time to flex any awards you received at a robotics competition, too. 

On the other hand, you may want to showcase a different side of your personality that speaks more about your character. For example, discussing a volunteer experience that inspired a cause you now champion would also be a great avenue. 

Above all, pick an activity that is special to you, not what you think admissions wants to hear. Writing what you find important about your background will come across sincerely and ensure your voice can shine through. 

After you have chosen the perfect activity or work experience to write about, make sure you focus on how it has influenced you. Has this activity become a staple in your life? Do you hope to pursue this activity at Vanderbilt? Has this experience helped you realize what you want to do in your life? 

Ultimately make sure you are detailing an extracurricular activity or work experience that means something great to you and has influenced you in any way. 

Questions to consider:  

• Did you hold a job that solidified why you want to pursue your intended career path? 
• Has one of your hobbies taught you a new skill you cherish? Or allowed you to find community? 
• What has devoting much of your K-12 life to playing a sport instilled in you?

Next steps for students

After our deep-dive on the Vanderbilt supplemental, we hope your ideas are flowing. Get your thoughts out and don’t be afraid of a rough first draft. You can revise for writing quality and word count later, so get started!

Additional resources

As you apply to colleges, there are a lot of decisions to make in order to ensure you end up at the right school for you. Luckily, we can help you make them! Check out our guide on what looks good on college applications , how many schools to apply to , how to find safety, reach, and match schools , and how to schedule college visits . We can also help you fill out the Common App Additional Information Section and offer you an inside view of what happens inside an admissions office .

Finally, once you get your admissions decisions back, we can help you narrow down your choices. Try out our guide to making a college comparison spreadsheet , how to interpret your financial aid award letters , and how to appeal for more financial aid . We can also help clarify the differences between public and private schools and offer you some insight into making your final choice of a college . Good luck on your educational journey, and don’t forget to apply for all the scholarships you are eligible for!

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Mastering Vanderbilt University's Supplemental Essays: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024 Applicants

Vanderbilt University is known for its vibrant and inclusive community, and its motto, Crescere aude , which means "dare to grow," aptly reflects the institution’s ethos. As part of the application process for 2024, Vanderbilt asks prospective students to delve deep into their personal narratives through their supplemental essay prompt. Let's take a closer look at this year's essay prompt:

The Prompt:

"Vanderbilt University’s motto, Crescere aude , is Latin for 'dare to grow.' In your response, reflect on how one or more aspects of your identity, culture, or background has played a role in your personal growth, and how it will contribute to our campus community as you dare to grow at Vanderbilt. Please provide your response in approximately 250 words.*"

With a 250-word limit, this essay prompt challenges students to craft a concise yet impactful narrative about their personal growth. Here are some detailed tips on how to approach it:

Reflect on Your Identity

Begin by considering the diverse facets of your identity. This might include your ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, or any other aspect that has defined your experiences. Think about significant moments in your life that have shaped who you are today. How have these experiences contributed to your personal growth? Use concrete examples to illustrate your points.

Embrace Specificity and Authenticity

Authenticity is key to a compelling essay. Avoid generic statements and focus on specific instances that truly reflect your journey. Instead of broadly stating that you’ve grown through challenges, describe a particular challenge and how it transformed you. Including vivid details will make your essay more engaging and memorable.

Connect to Vanderbilt's Community

To stand out, explicitly connect your personal growth to how you will contribute to Vanderbilt’s campus community. Are there specific clubs, organizations, or initiatives at Vanderbilt that align with your background and experiences? Mentioning these will show that you’ve done your research and genuinely envision yourself thriving at Vanderbilt.

Seek Feedback

After drafting your essay, seeking feedback is crucial. Platforms like Sups AI can be invaluable in this process. Sups AI helps students brainstorm, refine their essays, and offers one-on-one chats with current students, providing insights into what resonates at Vanderbilt. With its track record of helping over 10,000 students get admitted to top schools, Sups AI's expertise can give your essay the polish it needs.

Final Touches

Before submitting, ensure your essay is within the word limit and free of grammatical errors. Reading your essay aloud can help catch awkward phrasing or missed words. Finally, double-check that your narrative flows smoothly from personal growth to how you will contribute to Vanderbilt’s campus.

Crafting a compelling essay for Vanderbilt University is an opportunity to showcase how your unique experiences and background position you to “dare to grow” within their community. By reflecting deeply and seeking feedback from platforms like Sups AI , you can create a meaningful and memorable essay that stands out.

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Vanderbilt’s Supplemental Essay Prompts

• Post author By Top Tier Admissions
• Post date September 28, 2023
• No Comments on Vanderbilt’s Supplemental Essay Prompts

Vanderbilt University offers the choice between two different supplemental essay prompts for 2023-2024 applicants. This flexibility creates an opportunity for students to highlight their specific strengths and show off how they will contribute to the Vandy community. Applicants must respond to one of these short-answer questions, either showcasing a meaningful extracurricular activity OR reflecting on a conversation with someone whose viewpoints differ from their own.

Although it’s only 250 words, Vanderbilt’s supplemental essay allows for a bit more creativity while still ensuring applicants demonstrate their ability to formulate clear and concise responses.  

Essays about winning the big volleyball game, or debating different perspectives on BBQ sauces? They probably won’t land you at Vandy. But the lessons you learned through your volunteer work translating for asylum seekers or your Ethics Club debates about immigration rights? Those topics might get you closer to dropping your “Anchor Down.” 

Essay Guidance

Get our expert guidance on your college essays.

Short Answer Question

For both first-year and transfer applicants, we ask you to complete a short answer essay (approximately 250 words) based on one of two prompts.

Vanderbilt offers a community where students find balance between their academic and social experiences. Please briefly elaborate on how one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences has influenced you.

Vanderbilt University values learning through contrasting points of view. We understand that our differences, and our respect for alternative views and voices, are our greatest source of strength. Please reflect on conversations you’ve had with people who have expressed viewpoints different from your own. How did these conversations/experiences influence you?

Please provide your response in approximately 250 words.

Are you aiming for Vanderbilt ? Not sure how to approach these questions strategically? Contact us to discuss our Essay Guidance Program or Personal Boot Camp . 

By working on your applications NOW, you will be ready to reap the benefit of increased odds in the early round of admissions. 

Top Tier Admissions is tracking supplemental essay prompts for all top schools here — we look forward to supporting you !

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Navigating Vanderbilt University's 2023-2024 Supplemental Essays

Welcome! In the journey towards becoming a Commodore, Vanderbilt University's supplemental essays are an essential checkpoint. This blog post will provide guidance to approach Vanderbilt's essay prompts and give you insights on how to make your application stand out.

Prompt: "Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (150-400 words)"

For this prompt, the key is to showcase your personal growth, values, and potential contributions to Vanderbilt's community. Here's an excellent example:

"I remember my first day as a volunteer at the local community center, nervously trying to juggle both children's needs and paints for our art project. Over the past three years, this experience has shaped me in profound ways. I learned to embrace the organized chaos, finding ways to help children express themselves creatively and solve disputes amicably. I also helped to coordinate fundraising campaigns to secure better art supplies and develop more comprehensive programs.

These experiences honed my skills in communication, conflict resolution, and project management. At Vanderbilt, I hope to continue contributing to the community, perhaps through the Office of Active Citizenship and Service, using the skills and passion nurtured in me by my time at the community center."

The above example clearly articulates the student's experience and how it has shaped them, while also connecting their past to future contributions at Vanderbilt.

In crafting your essay, choose an experience that had a significant impact on you and that demonstrates your growth and character. The best essays are those that connect past experiences with future aspirations at Vanderbilt.

In your response, take care to:

• Select a meaningful experience: Whether it's an extracurricular activity, part-time job, or volunteering, pick something that shows your passion, dedication, or growth.
• Show, don't tell: Describe the experiences and illustrate the skills you acquired, rather than just listing them.
• Connect to Vanderbilt: How will this experience enhance your time at Vanderbilt, and how do you plan to continue this journey?

As you navigate Vanderbilt University's supplemental essay, remember that they are interested in learning more about your personal journey, your character, and how you can contribute to their community. Your goal is to present an authentic and engaging narrative that truly reflects your experiences and aspirations.

Best of luck in your application process!

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Analyzing the Vanderbilt Supplemental Essay 2023-2024

November 2, 2023

Perhaps you were drawn to Vanderbilt University by the allure of learning from renowned instructors at the prestigious Blair School of Music. Or maybe it was the opportunity to engage with one of the 30 registered student service groups that piqued your interest. If you've done your homework, you might already be aware that Vanderbilt's campus is a natural arboretum, offering endless possibilities for nature-related activities. Alternatively, you may have always been intrigued by Vanderbilt's reputation as the "Harvard of the South." Regardless of your motivation, it's now time to reveal to the admissions officers an activity that holds significance for you through the Vanderbilt supplemental essay 2023-2024.

Although the Vanderbilt supplemental essay 2023-2024 doesn't explicitly inquire about your reasons for choosing the university, admissions officers utilize this essay to assess if you would be an ideal fit for Vanderbilt, and vice versa. Therefore, take advantage of this prompt to discuss an activity that has had a profound impact on you and where you believe you have made a lasting impression. When reading your essay, Vanderbilt wants to gain insight into the unique qualities and experiences you bring and which aspects of campus you are likely to contribute to if accepted. To assist you in navigating the Vanderbilt supplemental essay 2023-2024, I have provided an overview of the question, the do's and don'ts for your response, and additional tips to help you craft a successful answer.

Vanderbilt Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Vanderbilt university values learning through contrasting points of view. we understand that our differences, and our respect for alternative views and voices, are our greatest source of strength. please reflect on conversations you’ve had with people who have expressed viewpoints different from your own. how did these conversations/experiences influence you.

For this prompt, avoid discussing confrontational political or religious topics. Instead, focus on exploring differing values within these scopes. The goal of this prompt is for Vanderbilt to understand if you are willing to engage in conversations with those who hold opposing views on a topic important to you, without sparking unnecessary controversy. Can you handle difficult situations and differences of perspectives/opinions?  Are you open-minded? Remember, you don't have to write about an actual conversation or personal story. You can discuss something you have observed happening in your school, community, or beyond. This allows you to provide a broader perspective and showcase your ability to analyze and understand differing viewpoints.

Be sure to provide specific examples and anecdotes that illustrate the disagreement or differing values. Explain the context and the specific beliefs or values that you and the other person or group hold. Discuss why this topic is important to you and why you feel strongly about it. Then, delve into the areas of disagreement and explore the reasons behind these differences.

While addressing this prompt, it is crucial to maintain a respectful tone throughout your essay. Demonstrate your ability to listen, empathize, and understand different perspectives, even if you ultimately disagree. Highlight the lessons you have learned from these disagreements and how they have shaped your own beliefs and values. By showcasing your ability to engage in meaningful conversations with individuals who hold opposing views, you can demonstrate to the admissions officers that you are open-minded, intellectually curious, and capable of navigating difficult discussions. 

Vanderbilt offers a community where students find balance between their academic and social experiences. Please briefly elaborate on how one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences has influenced you.

This short essay should not be overlooked, as it’s a great opportunity to tell admissions officers about an extracurricular that matters to you. Remember that Vanderbilt admissions officers have already seen your personal statement through the Common App. It’s important that you cover an entirely different experience in the Vanderbilt supplemental essay 2023-2024 as they don’t want to read about the same thing over and over. Think about an activity that has had a significant impact on you that you haven’t elaborated on elsewhere in your application. This can include a club at school, an initiative you’ve started, a volunteering experience, or an internship or job you’ve had.

You shouldn’t spend any more than 100 words naming and describing the activity. Admissions officers want to know less about what you do daily as part of the activity, and more on how it has helped hone your leadership skills and influenced who you are. The key focus of your response should lie in explaining why it has had such a powerful impact on you. Has this experience enriched your connection to your community? Is it connected to your interests and goals? Is there a direct connection between your ideal career and the role you played while participating in this particular extracurricular? Anecdotes are important in getting your point across successfully. Think about instances that emphasize why this activity matters so much to you. Why does it stand out over your other experiences?

Even though you haven’t been asked “Why Vanderbilt” directly, think about the types of activities that students are engaged in at the school, and try to find connections between your activity and Vanderbilt’s offerings . Is there an organization at the university where you’d be able to continue similar work? How does Vanderbilt’s commitment to community engagement align with the activity you’ve chosen?

Your choice of extracurricular should reflect the type of experience that holds the most meaning to you personally, because after all, this is your college application. Admissions officers don’t want an essay outlining seemingly impressive activities that you think they want to hear. The Vanderbilt supplemental essay 2023-2024 should provide more information about who you are and what you enjoy. Make sure to reflect on how this activity has shaped your perspective and the role it plays in your aspirations.

Additional Tips for Writing the Vanderbilt Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Now that you’ve taken a look at the prompts for the Vanderbilt supplemental essays , here are a few tips to help your brainstorming process: 

• Think about your leadership role and commitment: When brainstorming your responses,  you have to be strategic. The activity you choose should not only be unique but also exemplify your commitment and biggest assets. If you were a general member in a really unusual club for half a year, it’s not the best selection if you didn’t do much. Vanderbilt looks for community leaders who are dedicated to their field. Write about an extracurricular where you’ve been involved for an admirable period of time and taken initiative. Just saying you were a leader isn’t enough either – show your leadership through anecdotes and tangible achievements in your essay.
• Be wary of your activities list description: Since you’re elaborating on a meaningful activity, you should ideally capitalize on the short space provided to describe your achievements with the club or organization. That being said, your Vanderbilt supplemental essay 2023-2024 is your chance to expand upon—instead of repeating—what you’ve written earlier in the Common Application. Admissions officers expect each component of your application to convey new information about you. Mentioning the same things you’ve touched upon elsewhere in the Common App is not strategic. Read back on what you’ve written in the activities section before you write the essay so that you can make sure that all of the information you’ve provided is new.

The Vanderbilt supplemental essay 2023-2024 must not be taken lightly. Don’t miss this opportunity to highlight your interests and goals by writing a response that demonstrates your passion and dedication to an important extracurricular activity. It’s time to impress the admissions officers with your commitment.

If you are looking for a college admissions counselor to help maximize your chances of getting into your dream school, we can help! InGenius Prep has helped more than 6,000 students around the world gain admission into the most competitive schools including Harvard, Yale, MIT, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, NYU, and more. Sign up for a free strategy call today and join the 6,000+ students we've helped get accepted into their dream schools. 

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Vanderbilt Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

By Eric Eng

The Vanderbilt supplemental essays 2023-2024 offer applicants a platform to delve deeper into their aspirations and fit with the university. While seemingly daunting, these essays provide a golden opportunity for students to showcase facets of their personality and experiences that might not be evident in other parts of their application.

What are the Vanderbilt Supplemental Essays 2023-2024?

Vanderbilt University, nestled in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, is renowned for its commitment to fostering a diverse and vibrant community of scholars. The Vanderbilt supplemental essays 2023-2024 play a pivotal role in this mission.

For the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, Vanderbilt University has crafted prompts emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives and the interplay between academic and extracurricular experiences in shaping an individual’s worldview.

• Vanderbilt University values learning through contrasting points of view. We understand that our differences and respect for alternative views and voices are our greatest source of strength. Please reflect on conversations you’ve had with people who have expressed viewpoints different from yours. How did these conversations/experiences influence you?” This question encourages applicants to reflect on their interactions with individuals holding divergent opinions, emphasizing the transformative power of such dialogues.
• Vanderbilt offers a community where students balance their academic and social experiences. Please briefly elaborate on how one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences has influenced you. Through this question, the university seeks insights into how non-academic experiences have shaped the applicant’s character, values, and aspirations.

These essays are not mere afterthoughts or additional hoops for applicants. Instead, they are integral components of the application that allow the admissions committee to understand each applicant holistically.

Students can articulate their passions through these essays, discuss their most transformative experiences, and elucidate how they envision contributing to the Vanderbilt community. Essentially, these essays breathe life into the black-and-white statistics of grades and test scores, painting a vivid picture of the individual behind the numbers.

The college application process is a unique blend of introspection and projection, where students reflect on their past experiences and envision their future trajectories. The Vanderbilt supplemental essays 2023-2024 are designed to facilitate this introspective journey, allowing applicants to delve deep into their narratives and share stories that resonate with the university’s values.

The Word Limit and Format Expectations for Each Prompt

In its quest to ensure depth and clarity in responses, Vanderbilt University has set a word limit for each supplemental essay prompt. Applicants are expected to respond to both questions, each answer being approximately 250 words long.

This word count, while concise, provides ample space for students to offer detailed reflections and share meaningful anecdotes. Adhering to this word limit is crucial, as it demonstrates an applicant’s ability to express thoughts succinctly and shows respect for the guidelines set by the university.

In terms of format, the Vanderbilt supplemental essays 2023-2024 should be structured with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, ensuring a coherent flow of ideas. Using specific examples and personal narratives can make the essays more compelling and relatable, allowing the admissions committee to better understand the applicant’s perspective.

How to Write the Vanderbilt Supplemental Essays

Essay prompt #1:.

Vanderbilt University values learning through contrasting points of view. We understand that our differences and respect for alternative views and voices are our greatest source of strength. Please reflect on conversations you’ve had with people who have expressed viewpoints different from yours. How did these conversations/experiences influence you?

One of the most intriguing prompts revolves around the theme of diverse perspectives. Vanderbilt University seeks students who recognize the value of contrasting viewpoints and engage with them meaningfully in a world increasingly characterized by polarization. Writing an essay on this topic requires introspection, authenticity, and a clear understanding of the nuances of the prompt.

Understanding the Prompt

The diverse perspectives prompt for the Vanderbilt supplemental essays 2023-2024 calls for reflection on interactions with individuals with different viewpoints. At its core, the question seeks to understand how these interactions influenced the applicant’s thinking and personal growth.

It’s not merely about recounting a conversation; it’s about delving deep into the transformative power of such dialogues. Vanderbilt values a community where differences are tolerated and celebrated as catalysts for growth and innovation. Thus, applicants should approach this essay focusing on personal evolution, showcasing how exposure to alternative views has enriched their understanding and broadened their horizons.

Brainstorming Your Response

Embarking on the brainstorming journey for the Vanderbilt supplemental essays 2023-2024 requires a dive into past experiences. Begin by listing interactions or conversations that challenged your beliefs or introduced you to a new perspective.

It could be a discussion with a foreign exchange student, a debate with a friend on a contentious issue, or even an enlightening conversation with a family member from a different generation. Reflect on the emotions these interactions evoked, the internal conflicts they might have triggered, and the resolutions or realizations you arrived at. The goal is to identify a moment that exemplifies engagement with diverse viewpoints and highlights personal growth and transformation.

• Narrative Approach : Start with a specific story of when you engaged with someone whose views differed from yours. Maybe it was a classroom debate, a community meeting, or an online forum. Describe the setting, the topic of discussion, and the key points of contrast. Then, reflect on what you learned from the experience, how it challenged or changed your views, and how it helped you grow intellectually or personally.
• Thematic Approach : Instead of focusing on a single encounter, you might discuss a recurring theme in your life—perhaps your experiences growing up in a diverse community or attending a school with a culture of debate. Explain how regular exposure to differing opinions has shaped your approach to learning and engagement with complex issues.
• Transformative Event : Reflect on a particular event or moment that caused a significant shift in your perspective. This could be a volunteer experience, an international trip, a significant book or film, or an encounter with someone from a different cultural or socioeconomic background. Discuss how this event or interaction opened your eyes to new viewpoints and influenced your thinking.
• Academic Perspective : If an academic subject has exposed you to diverse viewpoints, describe how studying this field has influenced your understanding of the world. Whether it’s history, literature, or science, discuss how learning from different schools of thought within the discipline has enriched your education.
• Extracurricular Engagement : Perhaps you’ve been involved in an extracurricular activity—like Model United Nations, debate club, or a cultural organization—that has immersed you in diverse viewpoints. Describe how participating in these activities has influenced your perspective.
• Personal Relationships : Sometimes, the most profound learning comes from personal relationships. You might talk about a friendship or family relationship that has exposed you to new ways of thinking. Reflect on how these personal connections have influenced your views.
• Professional or Internship Experience : Discuss any work or internship experiences where you faced differing viewpoints, perhaps in a team setting or with clients/customers. Explain how navigating these professional relationships helped you understand the importance of diverse perspectives in problem-solving and innovation.
• Challenge and Resolution : Write about a time when you were initially resistant to a different viewpoint but, through dialogue and reflection, came to a resolution or compromise. This could demonstrate your ability to be flexible and your commitment to learning from others.

Structuring Your Answer

A well-structured response is pivotal in conveying your narrative effectively. Start with an introduction that sets the stage for the interaction, providing context and hinting at its significance .

The essay’s body should delve into the details of the conversation, emphasizing the contrasting viewpoints and the challenges they presented. Highlight introspection, realization, or transformation moments, showcasing how the interaction influenced your perspective.

Conclude by connecting the dots, summarizing the personal growth resulting from the experience , and elucidating how this growth aligns with Vanderbilt’s ethos of valuing diverse perspectives.

Remember, the Vanderbilt supplemental essays 2023-2024 are about recounting experiences and showcasing the journey of growth they catalyzed.

Essay Prompt #2:

Vanderbilt offers a community where students balance their academic and social experiences. Please briefly elaborate on how one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences has influenced you.

In today’s multifaceted educational landscape, it’s not just about what you learn in the classroom but also about how you apply that knowledge outside of it and how those external experiences, in turn, enrich your academic journey. Crafting an essay on this topic requires a deep dive into one’s narrative, highlighting moments where academic and extracurricular worlds seamlessly intertwine.

The prompt for the Vanderbilt supplemental essays 2023-2024 that focuses on the symbiosis between academic and extracurricular experiences seeks to uncover the multifaceted nature of the applicant. Vanderbilt University recognizes that authentic learning extends beyond the confines of a classroom.

The prompt invites applicants to showcase how their extracurricular activities or work experiences have complemented and enhanced their academic journey. Whether it’s a research project inspired by a community service experience or leadership skills honed in a club that proved invaluable during group projects, the university is keen to understand how students bridge the gap between formal education and real-world application.

To craft a compelling response for the Vanderbilt supplemental essays 2023-2024, start by listing significant extracurricular activities or work experiences. Reflect on moments where these experiences directly influenced your academic pursuits.

Perhaps a challenging problem in your robotics club gave you insights into your physics class. Maybe a literature course inspired you to write and direct a play. Or, possibly, a summer internship provided practical context to theoretical concepts discussed in lectures.

The aim is to identify experiences that best exemplify the symbiotic relationship between your academic and extracurricular worlds, showcasing a seamless integration of knowledge and application. When crafting a response to this prompt, you should focus on demonstrating personal growth, skill development, and how the experience has prepared you for a balanced academic and social life at Vanderbilt. Here are various ways to approach your answer:

• Leadership Role in an Organization : Discuss how taking on a leadership role, such as club president or team captain, taught you time management, responsibility, and teamwork. Explain how balancing these duties with your academic work has prepared you for the university environment.
• Volunteering Experience : Share a volunteering experience that has impacted you. Perhaps working with underprivileged children or assisting in a soup kitchen helped you develop empathy, cultural sensitivity, and an understanding of social issues, which you’ll bring into your life at Vanderbilt.
• Part-time Job : If you’ve held a part-time job, talk about how it has instilled a strong work ethic in you, taught you financial responsibility, and how you’ve learned to juggle work with school and leisure, a skill you’ll carry into your college life.
• Athletics : If you’re an athlete, describe how sports have taught you about discipline, perseverance, and the importance of balancing physical health with academic pursuits, contributing to a well-rounded college experience.
• Performing Arts : If you’re involved in the performing arts, discuss how preparing for performances has honed your time management skills, ability to work under pressure, and the significance of supporting your peers—qualities that will enhance your college experience.
• Academic Clubs or Competitions : Elaborate on your involvement in clubs like debate or science Olympiad. Discuss how these experiences have expanded your intellectual curiosity and taught you to balance academic competition with collaborative learning.
• Creative Hobbies : If you have a creative hobby, like writing, painting, or playing an instrument, describe how this outlet has helped you maintain a healthy balance between your studies and personal life and how it’s essential to your overall well-being.
• Entrepreneurial Ventures : If you’ve started a project or small business, discuss the lessons learned from this venture, such as risk-taking, innovation, and balancing the demands of a startup with school responsibilities.
• Tech or Coding Projects : For those involved in technology or coding, talk about how this passion has helped you manage your time between screen hours and real-world interactions and how it’s prepared you for the tech-savvy yet socially rich environment of Vanderbilt.

Begin your essay with a captivating introduction that offers a glimpse into the chosen experience and its significance.

The body should delve into the narrative, detailing academic and extracurricular elements. Highlight moments of realization, challenges faced, and the insights gained from merging these two worlds. Use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture, allowing the admissions committee to walk in your shoes.

Conclude by reflecting on the broader implications of this interplay. How has it shaped your approach to learning? How will this integrated perspective benefit you at Vanderbilt and in future endeavors?

Remember, through the Vanderbilt supplemental essays 2023-2024, the university seeks individuals who not only excel in academics but also understand the value of real-world experiences and their profound impact on holistic education.

How Can Applicants Effectively Revise and Proofread Their Essays?

Crafting a compelling response for the Vanderbilt supplemental essays 2023-2024 continues once the initial draft is penned down. The subsequent stages of revision and proofreading are equally, if not more, crucial in ensuring that the essay truly resonates with the admissions committee.

An effective revision process involves refining the essay’s content, structure, and language, ensuring that it answers the prompt accurately and showcases the applicant’s unique voice, experiences, and fit with Vanderbilt University.

The Importance of Multiple Revision Rounds

The journey from a rough draft to a polished essay is iterative. More than one round of revision is needed to capture and rectify all areas of improvement. Multiple revision rounds allow applicants to refine their thoughts, enhance the flow of the essay, and eliminate any redundancies or ambiguities.

With each subsequent review, the narrative becomes sharper, the arguments more convincing, and the overall essay more compelling. Especially for the Vanderbilt supplemental essays 2023-2024, where the aim is to present a holistic and authentic picture of oneself, it’s imperative to invest time in revisiting and refining the essay multiple times, ensuring that each word adds value and each sentence drives the narrative forward.

Seeking Feedback from Teachers, Peers, or Mentors

While self-revision is essential, seeking external feedback adds more depth to the refinement process. Teachers, peers, or mentors, with their varied perspectives and experiences, can offer invaluable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the essay.

They can point out areas that might be unclear to a reader, suggest enhancements in the narrative, or even highlight aspects of the applicant’s story that might have been inadvertently overlooked. This external feedback, combined with self-revision, ensures that the Vanderbilt supplemental essays 2023-2024 are well-crafted and resonate with a broader audience.

Tips for Self-Editing and Ensuring Clarity, Coherence, and Authenticity

Self-editing is an art that requires both detachment and introspection. When revising the Vanderbilt supplemental essays 2023-2024, applicants should first focus on the macro elements – the overall structure, flow, and alignment with the prompt.

Once satisfied, they can delve into the micro aspects – language, grammar, and tone. Reading the essay aloud can help in identifying awkward phrasings or jarring transitions. Another effective technique is to take a break and revisit the essay with fresh eyes, allowing for a more objective review. Throughout the process, the key is to ensure authenticity.

While it’s tempting to use complex vocabulary or elaborate metaphors, the essence of the essay lies in its authenticity. It’s about showcasing one’s genuine experiences, aspirations, and fit with Vanderbilt, ensuring that the narrative is both compelling and authentic to oneself.

How Do Vanderbilt’s Supplemental Essays Compare to Other Top Universities?

The college application landscape is dotted with a myriad of essay prompts from various top-tier universities, each designed to glean insights into the multifaceted personalities of their prospective students. The Vanderbilt supplemental essays 2023-2024, while sharing some thematic similarities with other prestigious institutions, have their distinct flavor and emphasis.

While many elite universities focus on academic aspirations, extracurricular passions, or personal growth, Vanderbilt’s prompts delve deeper, seeking a holistic understanding of applicants, their alignment with the university’s ethos, and their vision for their future within its hallowed halls.

A Comparative Analysis of Essay Prompts from Other Prestigious Institutions

Some patterns and divergences emerge when juxtaposed with essay prompts from other leading institutions. For instance, Ivy League schools like Harvard or Princeton often have prompts that encourage reflection on personal growth, intellectual curiosity, or societal impact.

With its short-answer questions, Stanford seeks snippets of an applicant’s personality, quirks, and passions. With its tech-centric ethos, MIT often leans towards understanding an applicant’s problem-solving abilities and innovative mindset.

In contrast, the Vanderbilt supplemental essays 2023-2024 emphasize diverse perspectives and the unique interplay between academic and extracurricular experiences. While themes overlap across universities, the nuances lie in the depth, focus, and context each institution emphasizes.

The Role of Supplemental Essays in the Admissions Process

In the hyper-competitive landscape of college admissions, especially at elite institutions like Vanderbilt, every component of the application holds significant weight. The Vanderbilt supplemental essays 2023-2024 are no exception. These essays serve multiple purposes.

Firstly, they act as a litmus test for an applicant’s genuine interest in the university. A well-researched and thoughtfully crafted essay can indicate a student’s earnest desire to join the Vanderbilt community.

Secondly, the essays provide a platform for students to highlight experiences or aspects of their identity that might not be immediately apparent in transcripts or resumes. This could include unique challenges faced, niche interests pursued, or specific instances that sparked personal growth. In a sea of qualified applicants, these essays can be the distinguishing factor that sets one application apart from the rest.

How Vanderbilt University Views These Essays in the Context of the Overall Application

To Vanderbilt University, the supplemental essays are not isolated writing pieces but integral parts of a cohesive narrative that applicants weave throughout their application. The university recognizes that students are more than just their academic achievements.

The Vanderbilt supplemental essays 2023-2024 offer a window into an applicant’s character, values, and potential contributions to the campus community. The admissions committee looks for essays that resonate with Vanderbilt’s inclusivity, innovation, and impact ethos. They value authenticity, seeking students who present their true selves rather than what they perceive the university wants to hear.

What Final Tips and Advice Can Be Offered to 2023-2024 Applicants?

As the application season for the Vanderbilt supplemental essays 2023-2024 approaches, applicants often grapple with anticipation, excitement, and anxiety. Crafting essays that resonate with the admissions committee while staying true to one’s unique journey can be daunting.

However, with the right approach, mindset, and strategies, applicants can navigate this process with confidence and clarity. As the final touches are put on these essays, some advice can make the difference between an outstanding essay.

The Significance of Authenticity and Honesty in Responses

In the realm of college admissions, authenticity is paramount. With their vast experience, Admissions committees can easily discern genuine essays from those contrived or tailored to what applicants perceive the university wants to hear.

Applicants must honestly approach the Vanderbilt supplemental essays 2023-2024, presenting their true selves, experiences, and aspirations. Authenticity resonates; it paints a vivid, relatable picture of the individual behind the application, making them memorable in the eyes of the admissions committee. While it’s tempting to embellish achievements or mold narratives to fit perceived expectations, genuine stories, even if they’re simple or seemingly mundane, often leave the most profound impact.

Encouragement to Start Early and Reflect Deeply on Each Prompt

Procrastination is often the Achilles’ heel of many college applicants. With their depth and nuance, the Vanderbilt supplemental essays 2023-2024 require time, introspection, and multiple revisions. Starting early gives applicants the luxury of time – to research, reflect, draft, and refine.

It allows for reflection, helping applicants delve deep into their experiences, values, and aspirations and articulate them with clarity and coherence. Each prompt is an invitation to reflect, to understand oneself better, and to envision a future at Vanderbilt. By starting early, seeking feedback, and revisiting the essays multiple times, applicants can ensure that their responses are well-crafted and reflect their best selves.

Ready to Craft Your Standout Vanderbilt Supplemental Essays for 2023-2024? Let AdmissionSight Help You!

Navigating the complexities of college admissions is no small feat, especially when aiming for elite institutions like Vanderbilt University. Your essays are more than words on a page; they reflect your journey aspirations and fit your dream school. That’s why crafting compelling, authentic, and impactful essays is crucial.

At AdmissionSight , we specialize in helping students like you present the best version of themselves in their college applications. With our expert guidance, you’ll understand the nuances of Vanderbilt’s supplemental essays and learn how to weave your unique experiences and perspectives into a compelling narrative.

Don’t leave your Vanderbilt dreams to chance. Contact AdmissionSight today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward making your college aspirations a reality!

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

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Vanderbilt Supplemental Essays 2023-24

The Vanderbilt supplemental essays form a major part of the overall Vanderbilt admissions process. Your Vanderbilt essay helps to provide crucial context to your application. It can also help the admissions office better understand how you’ll fit on campus. Overall, the Vanderbilt supplemental essays work to build a more holistic picture of your identity and background. The Vanderbilt essay can feel intimidating, but CollegeAdvisor is here to help!

This guide will break down the Vanderbilt essay prompts and provide tips on how to write the Vanderbilt supplemental essays. We’ll explain the Vanderbilt essays and provide some inspiration for your own Vanderbilt essay.

For students wondering how to get into Vanderbilt, a strong Vanderbilt essay is a must. So, keep reading to learn more about the Vanderbilt supplemental essays! 

Vanderbilt Admissions: Quick Facts

Vanderbilt university: quick facts.

Acceptance Rate for Vanderbilt : 7%, according to U.S News  

Vanderbilt Essay Requirements : 

• Personal Essay ( Common App or Coalition App prompts)
• 1 (250 word) Short Answer Question 

Vanderbilt Application: Students must submit their application to Vanderbilt through the Common App, Coalition App or Questbridge. Your Vanderbilt essay will be submitted alongside your larger application. 

Vanderbilt Deadlines : 

• Early Decision 1: November 1 st
• Early Decision 2: January 1 st
• Regular Decision: January 1st

Vanderbilt Essay Tip : Be sure to pick the Vanderbilt essay prompt that will highlight something not already communicated through your personal essay or elsewhere on your application. The Vanderbilt supplemental essays should add to your overall application, so take the opportunity to showcase something you’re proud of!

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website.

Does Vanderbilt have supplemental essays?

Yes, Vanderbilt has two separate supplemental essay prompts. Students will only pick one of the Vanderbilt essay prompts to complete.

The Vanderbilt supplemental essays form a mandatory part of the overall Vanderbilt requirements . It’s important to take the Vanderbilt supplemental essays seriously, as they can greatly enrich your application. The Vanderbilt essay prompts allow you to pick which Vanderbilt essay to write. As the admissions site states, Vanderbilt doesn’t necessarily care what you write about—as long as your essay is all about you! Choose the prompt that allows you to best highlight your unique skills, interests, and experiences.  

The Vanderbilt supplemental essays are a crucial part of your application. As an integral part of Vanderbilt’s holistic review process, you can use your essay to show admissions how you align with Vanderbilt’s values. This guide will provide a deep dive into how to approach each of the Vanderbilt essay prompts.

How many essays does Vanderbilt require?

While there are two Vanderbilt essay prompts, only one supplemental Vanderbilt essay is required. Vanderbilt will also receive your Common App essay.

The Vanderbilt requirements detail that students must submit a personal essay via the Common App or Coalition app as well as the supplemental Vanderbilt essay. The longer personal essay will be sent to multiple schools via the application platform of your choice. However, the Vanderbilt supplemental essays are unique to Vanderbilt. 

Students must pick between the two Vanderbilt supplemental essays. Each Vanderbilt essay has a limit of 250 words, so you should think carefully about your response. The Vanderbilt essays help admissions officers understand you better and can boost your overall application. And, since applicants don’t have multiple Vanderbilt essays to shine, you’ll want to make this one count!

For help on your personal essay, you can read our College Essay Topic guide here , as well as our guide on the Coalition Essay Prompts here . 

Vanderbilt Supplemental Essays

There are two different prompts for the Vanderbilt supplemental essays. Students must pick only one of the two Vanderbilt essay prompts to respond to.  As such, you should pick the right Vanderbilt essay prompt for you.

So, how do you know which Vanderbilt essay to choose? We’ll detail both Vanderbilt essays here and provide some tips on how to approach them later in this guide. 

Students must pick between these Vanderbilt essay prompts: 

Vanderbilt Essay Prompts #1

Vanderbilt university values learning through contrasting points of view. we understand that our differences, and our respect for alternative views and voices, are our greatest source of strength. please reflect on conversations you’ve had with people who have expressed viewpoints different from your own. how did these conversations/experiences influence you.

This Vanderbilt essay asks you to reflect on conversations you’ve had with people who express different viewpoints than your own. This Vanderbilt essay gives you the chance to share a topic you’re passionate about, and, most importantly, discuss how you’ve engaged with others who may feel differently. If you’ve ever found yourself in a passionate debate or have had a meaningful conversation, then this may be the best Vanderbilt essay for you! 

Vanderbilt Supplemental Essays # 2

Vanderbilt offers a community where students find balance between their academic and social experiences. please briefly elaborate on how one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences has influenced you..

This Vanderbilt essay allows you to elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. Make sure to pick something you don’t highlight in other areas of your application, such as your personal essay. This is a great prompt for students who want to provide more context to their resume, as well as highlight something that they’re proud of. If you have an extracurricular activity or work experience that has greatly influenced you and your goals, this may be the better of the two Vanderbilt essays for you. 

Regardless of which of the two Vanderbilt supplemental essays you pick, make sure to focus on all parts of the prompt. Both of the Vanderbilt essays ask you to reflect on how your experiences have influenced you, which will help admissions officers better understand how you’ve changed over time. Therefore, no matter the prompt, your Vanderbilt essay needs to get personal, not just recount an experience.  This means you should do all you can to choose the right prompt for you. Let’s check out some tips on how to do so.

Choosing the right Vanderbilt essay for you

Picking the right Vanderbilt essay prompt can feel intimidating. As you prepare to write, you should think about how Vanderbilt admissions officers evaluate applications.

Overall, it’s important to know what Vanderbilt looks for in applicants. However, your essay shouldn’t read as something you think admissions officers want to read. Still, you can use these evaluation points in order to keep you on track when writing about your personal experiences. Additionally, reading Vanderbilt essay examples can help you think through which prompt best suits your needs. While the Vanderbilt essay prompts may change from year to year, reading Vanderbilt essay examples can still be extremely helpful to jumpstart your writing process. 

Comparing the two Vanderbilt supplemental essays, students can either detail the ways they’ve engaged with their community or highlight an important extracurricular activity. Choosing the best Vanderbilt essay will mean thinking through your high school experience and deciding which prompt lets you share what makes you proud.

Prompt #1 

If you’re involved with a student activist group or political group, or have brought what you’ve learned in the classroom to your family and friends, the first Vanderbilt essay may be the best option for you. The first prompt allows students to share their personal values and beliefs as well as how they engage with other people who may not share those values. 

If navigating differences has been a major part of your high school experience, this prompt is a great opportunity to share that experience with Vanderbilt. These Vanderbilt supplemental essays can help the admissions office better understand what you stand for and how you navigate conflict. No matter what instance you write on, make sure that self-reflection and personal growth take the forefront. For example, maybe you didn’t handle the conflict in the best way but learned how to do so in the future. Even if you don’t have an instant connection with this prompt, if you can think of a time that challenged your values, this Vanderbilt essay might suit your needs.

The second Vanderbilt essay allows students to elaborate on an extracurricular or work experience. Many schools have an extracurricular activities essay prompt, so it’s likely that you have come across similar questions.

This prompt is a great choice for students who wish to highlight an experience they believe has greatly influenced them. If you’ve been heavily involved with a student club or sport or want to reflect on your work experience, this may be the prompt for you. 

This prompt works best for students who can connect their extracurricular activities to their development and goals. Out of the two Vanderbilt supplemental essays, this prompt allows students to focus on how their involvement in a wide range of activities have shaped them. Similar to the first prompt, your essay should center your personal growth and self-reflection. If you feel that you would not have been the same person without a specific activity/work experience, this may be the Vanderbilt essay for you! 

How to write the Vanderbilt supplemental essays

Once you’ve decided which of the two Vanderbilt supplemental essays to tackle, it’s time to write your first draft! Starting the writing process can be difficult, so we’ve compiled some tips for each of the two Vanderbilt essays in this section. 

Out of the two Vanderbilt supplemental essays, you can interprep this prompt in a number of ways. While you may assume most students would talk about a political issue, this prompt can also apply to personal preferences. Students can get creative with this prompt and think broadly about how they define “difference.”  You still want to get to the heart of the prompt and discuss how these conversations have influenced you, but don’t feel like you’re limited to hot-button topics—different points of view come in all shapes and sizes. 

Once you’ve chosen a topic, briefly set the stage. Bring the reader into the moment where you expressed a different viewpoint. Who were you talking with? How did the subject come up? What makes this memory stand out to you? Don’t spend too much time setting the reader up, as you want to focus on how this experience has influenced you. 

When thinking of how this difference of opinion has influenced you, really dive into the consequences of the interaction. Did it shift your perspective? Do you understand different points of view in a deeper way now? Were you able to influence other people with your opinion? Try to spend more time delving into the impact the exchange had on you. 

If you have space, try to weave in your research about Vanderbilt here as well. The Vanderbilt supplemental essays aim to help admissions officers determine if you’re a good fit for the school, so connecting your Vanderbilt essay to your goals can be helpful. You can reflect on how this experience will help you debate with classmates or collaborate with your peers at Vanderbilt. Try to be specific to your major or area of study —a little research can go a long way! 

Many students applying to Vanderbilt will have impressive extracurricular activities, so try to highlight what you’re most proud of in this Vanderbilt essay. Focus on an activity that you don’t discuss elsewhere, such as your Common App essay. Take this opportunity to shine a light on any unique or memorable activities you’ve been involved with. These activities can be anything from student clubs, religious organizations, or a part-time job. 

Once you’ve decided what to focus on, detail it for the reader. Is there a specific memory or story you want to anchor your essay? How long have you been involved in the activity, and how did you get started? What do you like about it? These details will help the reader understand the context for the rest of your essay. 

Much like the first prompt, this Vanderbilt essay focuses on how you’ve been influenced by this extracurricular activity. What qualities do you see in yourself that you can directly connect to this experience? Have your public speaking, organizational, or interpersonal skills improved?? Do you now have a better sense of your career goals? Did you gain valuable work experience, or are you better at working collaboratively? Break it down for the reader to highlight how this activity has impacted you. 

Many schools have an extracurricular activities essay prompt, so making it unique to Vanderbilt is a great way to show your interest.  Spend some time researching the extracurricular activities offered at Vanderbilt and try to integrate 1-2 student clubs or organizations you’re interested in. Be sure that they align with what you’ve already discussed in the essay—this will help the admissions officers see how you will fit into Vanderbilt’s community.

Does Vanderbilt care about essays?

The Vanderbilt supplemental essays illuminate what the admissions office values in a student body. And since the university has such a low acceptance rate, you can be sure that the Vanderbilt essays factor into the evaluation process. So, it’s essential to take them seriously. With the highly competitive Vanderbilt acceptance rate, the Vanderbilt supplemental essays are crucial to your overall application narrative. 

In looking at the Vanderbilt essay prompts, we can see that Vanderbilt values students who are able to navigate differences and students who are involved with their communities. The Vanderbilt supplemental essays are the best opportunity to highlight the ways in which you embody these values, as well as how you’ve been shaped by your experiences. Your Vanderbilt essay is your opportunity to speak directly to the admissions office. It can help provide context to your application, and should paint a more robust picture of who you are as a student. In short, Vanderbilt does care about your essays, so be sure to spend adequate time on them!

What is Vanderbilt looking for in essays?

The Vanderbilt supplemental essays are an opportunity to share additional details about your experiences to help add to your overall application. To get a sense of what Vanderbilt is looking for, reading Vanderbilt essay examples can be extremely helpful. While the prompts may differ, you can get a great sense of the writing style, creativity, and content that have been successful in the past. 

In addition to Vanderbilt essay examples, you can find other essay examples that capture the essence of the Vanderbilt essay prompts. For example, you can read our guide on Extracurricular Activities Essay prompts here . 

Overall, the Vanderbilt supplemental essays aim to capture your personality. Admissions officers use the Vanderbilt essays to gain a deeper understanding of each applicant, so your essay should communicate your character traits. The most successful Vanderbilt supplemental essays have a strong voice and complement the rest of a student’s application. Writing multiple drafts can help you establish your voice as a writer while ensuring that your personality comes through. 

When is my Vanderbilt application due?

Your application deadline for Vanderbilt will depend on your decision plan. Vanderbilt offers first-year applicants Early Decision I, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision deadlines. Since Early Decision is a binding agreement, students considering applying this route should conduct deep research on Vanderbilt and its programs. You can read more about Early Decision on Vanderbilt’s website . 

All Vanderbilt requirements must be submitted by: 

• Early Decision I: November 1 st , 2023
• Early Decision II: January 1 st , 2024
• Regular Decision: January 1 st , 2024

For students applying for Vanderbilt merit scholarships , applications must be submitted by December 1 st , 2023. For students applying for financial aid , the deadlines for the CSS Profile and FAFSA are: 

• CSS Profile: November 2 nd , 2023
• FAFSA: February 1 st , 2024
• CSS Profile: January 4 th , 2023 

It’s important to give yourself enough time to complete your Vanderbilt supplemental essays before the application deadline. Consider the time it will take to complete multiple drafts and receive feedback. Starting your Vanderbilt essays early will ensure you submit the best versions possible. 

How do I make my Vanderbilt application essays stand out?

With such a competitive admissions process, many students want to make sure their Vanderbilt supplemental essays stand out. For students wondering how to get into Vanderbilt, having stellar essays is a crucial step. In order to write standout Vanderbilt supplemental essays, it’s important to break down exactly what you’re trying to communicate. 

Reading Vanderbilt essay examples can give you a sense of the writing caliber needed to impress the admissions office. You want your Vanderbilt supplemental essays to both capture your personality and tell a compelling story. Crafting an essay that brings the reader into your experience is hard and can take some time if you’re not accustomed to the writing style. Experiment with your approach to the essays–don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. Get feedback from your peers, mentors, and teachers as they can provide a crucial perspective to make sure your essays pop. 

While the Vanderbilt supplemental essays do not focus on Vanderbilt specifically, it’s a good idea to research the program you’re applying to. If you’re close to campus, try to book a visit to Vanderbilt. Taking a tour can help you detail your connection to campus. Additionally, CollegeAdvisor has many resources on Vanderbilt, including two Vanderbilt panels (you can watch them here and here ), as well as a guide on the Best Colleges in Tennessee . You can also read Forbes and the Princeton Review for more information on Vanderbilt. Basically, the more you know about Vanderbilt, the better your chances of writing an impactful and detailed essay. 

Vanderbilt Supplemental Essays – 5 Takeaways

The Vanderbilt supplemental essays are a crucial part of your application, as such it’s important to take them seriously. For students wondering how to get into Vanderbilt, the Vanderbilt supplemental essays are a big piece of the puzzle. Here are the main takeaways you should keep in mind when writing your Vanderbilt essay: 

1. Pick the right prompt

Picking the right prompt is the most important step in writing your Vanderbilt essay. Choose the prompt that will allow you to tell the best story to the admissions office–or the prompt that will provide more context to your application. The admissions officers are looking for a better understanding of who you are. Therefore, choosing the best prompt for you will ensure they have a more robust picture of your experiences. 

2. Let your personality shine 

The Vanderbilt supplemental essays are the best opportunity to demonstrate your personality to the admissions office. Ideally, your essay will also show personal growth and self-reflection. Make sure your essay adds to your overall application and showcases your unique experiences and story. To have the most success, work on your writing style and develop your personal voice–it will make your Vanderbilt essay stand out among a pool of qualified candidates! 

3. Think outside the box 

With such a competitive application process, it’s important that your Vanderbilt essays capture the attention of the admissions office. While the Vanderbilt essay prompts are straightforward, don’t be afraid to take a different approach to them. Think creatively and experiment with your approach. Don’t just simply answer the question; tell your story in an engaging way that captivates the reader. 

4. Start early 

It’s a good idea to start writing both your Vanderbilt essay and personal essay early. This will allow you enough time to edit, experiment with your form, and really hone your ideas. Rushed essays rarely communicate ideas effectively, and can contain spelling and grammar mistakes. Start your essays the summer before your senior year so that you have enough time to perfect them! 

5. Write multiple drafts 

The editing process can feel like a drag, but it’s crucial in ensuring your Vanderbilt supplemental essays shine. Writing multiple drafts will help you establish your voice as a writer and will help strengthen your overall message. After your first draft, ask for feedback. Incorporate that feedback and reflect on how you can approach the prompt in a different way. You’ll be surprised to see how different your drafts can be!

This essay guide was written by senior advisor, Jess Klein . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Supplemental Essay Guide 2024-25

What do the 2024-25 supplemental essay prompts really mean, and how should you approach them? CEA's experts are here to break them all down.

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Agnes Scott College 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

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Evolution @Vanderbilt

Rediscovering the lost plesiosaur (cast): restoring vanderbilt’s natural history museum.

Posted by flickaj on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 in featured .

By: Andy Flick, Evolutionary Studies scientific coordinator

Embarking on a new research project often brings unexpected discoveries—some intriguing, some novel, but rarely a find of a lifetime. Such a remarkable discovery occurred when university archivist and associate director Kathy Smith stumbled upon a pile of plaster, hidden away for 60 years in a dim, cluttered closet of the Branscomb Quad basement. This plaster turned out to be the long-lost Crampton’s Plesiosaur Cast from the 1870s, missing for nearly six decades.

The Museum’s Glory Years

To get the full story, it’s necessary to go back to the beginning. The university was founded in 1873 and the tools necessary for teaching and learning needed to be acquired. James Safford, a local Tennessee educator, was selected as co-chair of the School of Natural History and Geology and was tasked with tracking down geological and natural history resources to outfit a museum. Bringing his own fossil and geology collection, the state of Tennessee was well represented; however, he dreamt bigger and truly lived up to Vanderbilt’s motto of daring to grow. With about $2,000 (~$57,000 today) from Bishop McTyiere at his disposal, he went after the biggest and best fossil casts available – those of the renowned geologist, Henry A. Ward .

Thanks to sleuthing by emeritus Geology professor, Leonard Alberstadt and the Special Collections of the Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries , we know that in May 1875, Safford was on the hunt for minerals and fossils. In June, a plan was hatched with co-chair Alexander Winchell to purchase many of the needed materials from Ward’s Catalogue. While Safford did not have access to the catalogue, a downloadable version is available to see here . By December 1875, Professor Ward’s team had installed the marvelous fossils and casts. This appears to have been just in time as well, for in September of 1876, Professor T. H. Huxley dropped by for a visit to the museum, then on the 3 rd floor of Science Hall. Huxley was one of the staunchest advocates of Darwin’s new theory of evolution by natural selection, even known at the time as “Darwin’s Bulldog.” He noted that the marvelously beautiful specimens rival that of much older institutions across Europe.

Here is, indeed a magnificent collection – some of them pronounced by Prof. Huxley to be marvelously beautiful specimens. In this department, himself and Prof. Safford seemed to enjoy a protracted colloquy in a language comparatively unknown to the rest of the company. Of this collection, Prof. Huxley says that while it is not fair to institute comparisons between so young a University and the older institutions of Europe, yet the museum and general appointments of Vanderbilt are remarkably fine and the arrangement excellent. – The Daily American, Nashville, Sept. 4, 1876

In those early years, every university course register shared the story of the venerable museum. Within the museum descriptions lay the following sentences, “these collections are supplemented by Professor Ward’s celebrated series of Casts. Among these are casts of mammalian and reptilian skeletons, skulls, and bones, the originals of which are rare, or unique, and only to be seen in the British and other foreign museums.”

Records of those early years are sparse; Winchell was dismissed in 1878 and Safford destroyed most of his records, but we know the museum was an important part of the university. In 1900, Safford retired and was replaced by L.C. Glenn.

Starting in 1902, Glenn began expanding the museum’s collection of fossils – a few mastodon teeth, bones, and tusks from North Nashville and Mt. Pleasant, shells and sponges from Florida, and a $500 gift from an estate. Glenn put the new fossils to work immediately giving a talk in 1903 titled, “Mastodons in North America.”

Beginning as early as 1907, students looking to pursue a degree in science at Vanderbilt had to write a short essay on the evidence of relationships suggesting evolution. The essay requirement ended, “a few facts indicating the struggle for existence, adaptation to environment, variations of individuals and man’s selective influence [sic] should be pointed out.” Surely, the fossils and casts in the museum would have been of the utmost excitement for a student that could succinctly describe the forces behind evolution.

The Museum’s Downfall

At about the same time – 1907 – 1908, the museum was moved from Science Hall to College Hall. After the move, the museum was housed in two large rooms on the first floor, though the largest of the casts had to be sawed in half to make the move. During these years, researchers from around the country were coming to Vanderbilt to use and study the fossils available. By 1926, however, the glory years were over, and the museum was moved to the basement of College Hall.

In 1927, just two short years after the infamous Scopes “Monkey” Trial and the university’s semi-centennial, graduate student of geology J. Willis Stovall made a plea in the Nashville Banner to create a proper museum. While laying out the organization of the museum, he noted that the bones (metaphorically and literally) for such a museum already existed at Vanderbilt.

With a final plea, he wrote, “[h]ere is an opportunity for the citizens of Nashville to establish in their midst an institution of inestimable value for the inspiration and education of the youth… Some day, perhaps when it is too late, we will awaken to a neglected duty, with a feeling of guilt that we have allowed invaluable evidence of the earth’s history to be taken from our midst.”

Stovall would one day get his museum at the University of Oklahoma, though Vanderbilt would not.

From the 1940s to the 1960s, as the museum languished in the basement, VU alumni and professor Charles Wilson, Jr. taught organic evolution and several courses on paleontology. No doubt inspired by his time at Vanderbilt as a student, Wilson leaned heavily on the natural history collections to supplement his textbook readings and lectures. In a 1965 course book on Vertebrate Paleontology, there is a note in the margins next to the description of the ancient marine reptiles. Written next to “Plesiosaur” was simply “ Kirkland Hall .” This is the last evidence of the plesiosaur existing, in a note in the margins of course materials implying the plesiosaur was housed in Kirkland Hall. In 1975, what remained of the collections was moved to the basement of Stevenson Center’s math building. If you find your way down there, you can still see precious few pieces displayed.

There have always been whispers, though, of what might have happened to the once great museum collections.

The Sesquicentennial Grant and Library Team

Enter the Evolutionary Studies Initiative . Founded in 2019 by professor of Biological Sciences Antonis Rokas , ESI aims to unite the dozens of Vanderbilt’s scholars across disciplines that work in evolutionary science or its applications. This includes not just faculty in biological sciences but also folks in medicine working on antibacterial resistance, those in the law school apply natural selection to our understanding of the law and many others. In the five short years (COVID and all) since its inception, ESI has built a strong outreach program, a well-attended journal club course, and several named lecture series featuring luminaries in evolutionary science like Peter and Rosemary Grant, known for their groundbreaking work with Galapagos finches, Neil Shubin the finder of the first tetrapod to walk on land, and Scott Edwards curator of ornithology at the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology. In this new era of evolutionary studies collaboration, ESI applied for and received a sesquicentennial grant from the Chancellor’s office to investigate the history of evolution at Vanderbilt University.

Working along with the university librarians, primarily Smith, this project has already turned up interesting and important stories. Ashley Rogers (BA ’24) investigated and told the story of Alexander Winchell, a once great paleontologist and geologist – even known as the father of geology – with extremely racist views. He was dismissed from Vanderbilt three short years into his tenure. Rogers’s talk on Winchell and academic racism even received the Diversity in Evolution Award by the Society for the Study of Evolution . Of the same era, a short, cartoon story was created for Paul M. Jones, an alumnus of the natural history and geology department at Vanderbilt that single-handedly started the program in biology before his untimely death in 1899. A story on Rogers and the cartoon of Jones can both be found in the Spring 2024 version of Evolutionary Studies – the Magazine . Moving forward, one major aim of this project is to build a virtual museum rivaling that of the original natural history museum.

Neil Kelley, ESI member, assistant professor of Earth and environmental sciences, and Vanderbilt’s resident plesiosaur-ologist has been hard at work identifying what remains of the old museum. Aided by a team of graduate, undergraduate, and even high school students, Kelley spends long days sifting through loose fossils, misidentified fossils, and lost scraps of paper with chicken-scratch scribbles. As part of the sesquicentennial team, Kelley often helps identify old pieces of the museum. In fact, the first piece of the old museum properly identified from the colorized photo above is a small, framed picture on the back wall. As serendipity would have it (often a driver of discovery), that very image of a mammoth was hanging right on the wall in Kelley’s office. If you zoom and enhance like in a good crime drama, you can see the same stain patterns in the photo today as were on the one in the original museum.

The EES department is working on a sesquicentennial grant of their own. Their project is to create a rock garden useful for teaching with examples of the wonderful geology of Tennessee and some of the fossils of the area. In fact, the petrified wood found by none other than Wilson will be one of the centerpieces. These steps – the basement in the math building, the mammoth in Kelley’s office, the petrified wood of the rock garden, the virtual museum – are small but important for improving the natural history education, and indeed fascination, that once featured so heavily at Vanderbilt.

The Plesiosaur

One fateful spring 2024 day, Smith was called to duty to investigate a bronze bust in the basement of the Branscomb Quadrangle. Her co-worker, Scott Martin, let her know there was something lurking in a dark corner – tucked behind an old, empty filing cabinet.

“I looked around the corner to this little crypt-like area. Scott said, ‘Kathy, you’re going to want to see this!’ Behind a bunch of old filing cabinets that had been knocked down, in the back corner hidden away there was something big. I knew this was something cool, so I took out my phone and grabbed a picture to send to Andy the evolutionist,” Smith recalled.

If it hadn’t been for working with ESI, Smith said she may not have recognized it as anything more than just some old plaster. The photos were dark with bad lighting, but ESI urged Smith to keep the plaster safe. Smith agreed to have the plaster pieces moved to the storage space of Special Collections. Upon closer investigation, ESI was able to identify the cast as the missing plesiosaur of days long gone.

Smith continued, “Andy came into my office and said, ‘Kathy – do you know what you found? It’s the lost plesiosaur – missing since the 1960s!'”

The plaster is quite old and fragile, the head is missing, but this is one of only six such skeleton casts in the entire world . The original fossil, in the National Museum of Ireland, was taken apart via sledgehammer to be moved and took years to rebuild just the skull. One of the six casts has completely re-cast flippers. Another has the wrong flippers. Even without a head, this is truly the find of a lifetime and just the centerpiece needed to rebuild the once great natural history museum at Vanderbilt. When rebuilt, the cast will stretch nearly 24 feet long and be the type of world-renowned display fitting of Vanderbilt’s motto – Dare to Grow .

It’s left to wonder what other of these historic pieces remain in the dusky basements across campus. In this regard, ESI’s efforts are aimed at locating and restoring the lost gems of the university. We’ve found the plesiosaur, but what of the giant sloth? ESI is developing spaces around campus that expose students to the wonders of natural history. For example, visitors can come to the 7th floor of MRBIII and see our hallway with a coelacanth and a hominid known as “Lucy,” head down to the Stevenson Center 7’s second floor to see our display cabinet of primate skull casts or wander the university grounds and admire the living arboretum that is campus. Why should students in the 1800s be the only ones to experience the wonder of looking upon a 24-foot-long sea monster and being immersed in the time of dinosaurs?

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Tags: andy flick , Antonis Rokas , Arts and Science , department of biological sciences , department of earth and environmental science , evolution , evolutionary studies initiative , featured , kathleen smith , natural history museum , Neil Kelley , sesquicentennial , v150 , vu150

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Omsk State Medical University Russia 2024-25: Fees, Ranking, Admission, Courses, Eligibility etc.

Omsk State Medical University, located in Omsk, Siberia, is a top choice for studying MBBS in Russia. Founded in 1920 as the Medical Faculty of the Siberian Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Zoology, it offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in different medical fields, including General Medicine, Pediatrics, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Preventive Medicine.

This article provides information about Omsk State Medical University, mainly for Indian students, such as Faculties, courses offered, admission process, eligibility criteria, fee structure, Ranking in Russia etc.

[Page Index]

College summary.

Before we complete the college summary, let us look at the major details of Omsk State Medical University Russia .

Wants to Study MBBS Abroad from a top Country with low tution Fees? Subscribe Now!

Affiliation and Recognition

The Omsk State Medical University is one of the biggest medical universities in Russia, and it is affiliated and recognized by various Medical Councils such as:

• National Medical Commission of India (NMC).
• Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.
• World Health Organization (WHO).

Omsk State Medical University Consists of five faculties. Here we have listed below:

• Faculty of General Medicine
• Faculty of Pediatrics
• Faculty of Dentistry
• Faculty of Preventive Medicine
• Faculty of Pharmacy

Courses Offered

Omsk State Medical University Russia Courses offer quality medical programs under highly qualified faculty and state-of-the-art infrastructure. It is famous for its undergraduate medical programs.

Why study at the Omsk State Medical University Russia?

• The medium of instruction at the University is English.
• There are good dormitory facilities for local as well as international students.
• Omsk has creative groups for regional, national and international competitions and thus is a world of opportunities and activities for students.
• Omsk State University has 22 specialized sports clubs, including five fitness centres, two large gyms and an Olympic sports complex with a pool.

Admission Procedure

If you want to take Omsk State Medical University admission to Russia in 2024-25, you must qualify for the National Eligibility Entrance Exam (NEET) for Indian students.

Eligibility Criteria

In this section, all the students check the eligibility criteria of Omsk State Medical University Russia.

Graphical Representation of Eligibility Criteria

Documents Required

Before admission to Omsk State Medical University Russia, please do not forget to carry all these related documents.

• Passport (Minimum 18 months validity).
• 10th Certificate & Mark sheet.
• 12th Certificate & Mark sheet.
• Birth Certificate.
• 10 passport-size Photographs.
• Official Invitation letter from the Medical University of Russia.
• Authorization of all documents from the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi.
• Legalization of all documents from the Russian Embassy.
• Bank receipt of 1st year of Omsk State Medical University MBBS fees (required for some universities).
• HIV test documents.

Fee Structure 2024-25

In this section, all the MBBS students get information about the Omsk State Medical University MBBS fees in 2024. Check all the relevant queries regarding fees following this page:  Low fees for MBBS Colleges in Russia .

Ranking 2024-25

According to Edurank, the Omsk State Medical University ranking in Russia and all over the world ranking:

Advantages of MBBS in Russia

About Omsk City

• Omsk City is located on the Irtysh River in the southwestern Siberia region. It is Russia’s seventh-largest city.
• In 1782, Omsk was granted town status.
• The main and important economy of the city involves agriculture and the retail sectors.
• Omsk City has a humid continental climate based on the constantly changing weather swing. Omsk experiences more than 300 sunny days in a year.
• Major road, rail, and air hub pathways connect Omsk. Metro, trolleybuses, trams, and shared taxis are also available in the city of Omsk.
• Some of the city’s main attractions are the Omsk Drama Theatre, Green Island, Central Vrubel Museum of Fine Arts, etc.
• The city’s famous foods are Okroshka, Shanxi, Pelmeni, Kurnik, Mors, Bird Cherry cake, etc.

Temperature

Contact Details

Omsk State Medical University Russia (OSMU Russia) Address: Ulitsa Lenina, 12, Omsk, Omsk Oblast, Russia, 644099

Omsk State Medical University Photos

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is summer vacation starting at omsk state medical university russia.

The summer vacation starts from 1st July to 31st August at the Omsk State Medical University.

What type of food is available at the hostel?

Indian food is available at the hostel. All types of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food are available at the hostel, and in Russia, there is a wide variety of milk products and fruits.

How is the classroom environment at Omsk State Medical University Russia?

At Omsk State University, the teacher-student ratio of 1:10 gives students a more attentive and personal learning environment.

Which facilities does the university provide for student’s physical fitness?

The university provides well-equipped gyms, sports and recreation centres, and physical fitness ski centres.

• Admission Updates,
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About Harsh

Hello, I'm Harsh Begwani, with a year of expertise in MBBS and Ayush courses. I have detailed knowledge of various colleges' fee structures, cutoffs, and intake procedures. If you're looking for insights or assistance in pursuing MBBS or BAMS courses, feel free to comment below—I'm here to help!

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Omsk State Medical University Russia 2024-25: Admission, Courses, Fees, Eligibility, Ranking etc.

The Omsk State Medical University Russia (OSMU Russia) is a medical school in Omsk, Russia. It is one of the top medical universities in Russia. All Indian aspirants are eager to study for their MBBS in Russia . Omsk State Medical University Russia was formed in 1920 as the Medical Faculty of the Siberian Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Zoology and reorganised in 1921 as the West Siberian State Medical Institute. In 1925, the institution was renamed the Omsk State Medical Institute, and in 1994, the Omsk State Medical Academy. There are several advantages to studying medicine in Russia for Indian students.

This article informs Indian students about Omsk State Medical University Russia fee structure, courses provided, admission procedure, eligibility requirements, MBBS syllabus, facilities, and Omsk State Medical University Ranking and About Russia.

College Summary

Let us look at the important details of Omsk State Medical University Russia before we finish the college summary.

Affiliation and Recognition

• National Medical Commission (NMC)
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• General Medical Council of European countries and other boards
• United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
• WFME World Federation of Medical Education
• The American Medical Association of the United States of America

Why study at the Omsk State Medical University Russia?

• The medium of instruction at the University is English.
• There are good dormitory facilities for local as well as international students.
• OSMU Russia has creative groups for regional, national and international competitions and thus is a world of opportunities and activities for students.
• OSMU Russia has 22 specialized sports clubs, including five fitness centres, two large gyms and an Olympic sports complex with a pool.

Courses Offered by Omsk State Medical University Russia

Omsk State Medical University Russia Courses provide high-quality medical programmes with highly trained professors and cutting-edge technology. The undergraduate medical programmes of OSMU Russia are well-known. If you want more details about the MBBS course .

Omsk State Medical University Russia Admission Procedure

If you wish to attend Omsk State University Russia, you must pass the National Eligibility Entrance Exam (NEET).

Omsk State Medical University Russia Eligibility Criteria

In this section, all the students check the eligibility criteria of Omsk State Medical University Russia.

Documents Required at Omsk State Medical University Russia

Before admission to Omsk State University Russia, please do not forget to carry all these related documents.

• Passport (Minimum 18 months validity).
• 10th Certificate & Mark sheet.
• 12th Certificate & Mark sheet.
• Birth Certificate.
• 10 passport-size Photographs
• Official Invitation letter from the Medical University of Russia.
• Authorization of all documents from the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi.
• Legalization of all documents from the Russian Embassy.
• Bank receipt of 1st year of Omsk State Medical University MBBS fees (required for some universities).
• HIV test documents.

Omsk State Medical University Fee Structure 2024-25

In this section, we provide information about the Omsk State Medical University fee structure.   Low fees for MBBS Colleges in Russia .

Omsk State Medical University Ranking 2024-25

According to EduRank, the Omsk State Medical University ranking in Russia and all over the world:

Omsk State Medical University Russia MBBS Syllabus

Please review the MBBS syllabus of some of Russia’s top-ranked NMC-approved medical universities before applying to Omsk State Medical University Russia. The following is the structure and pattern of MBBS in Russia.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying in Russia

Omsk State Medical University Russia has become a famous MBBS study-abroad location for Indian students. Russia is the country with the second-highest number of Indian students studying medicine. There is a whole range of reasons why you should study MBBS in Russia.

Advantages of studying in Russia:-

• The tuition Fee is very affordable compared to Indian Medical Colleges.
• Russian universities have the best and easiest admission procedure.
• They are providing world-class infrastructure with modern facilities in colleges.
• International exposure for those who are also from different country backgrounds.
• V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University works with great professionals, doctors and researchers; that’s why Indian students will be admitted to Russia.

Disadvantages of Studying in Russia

The Omsk State Medical University Russia also has some disadvantages. These points are mentioned below.

• Local language going to any foreign country will mean that you must adjust according to the new country.
• Some students find it hard to adjust to the cold climate or weather of Russia. The temperature will be below 0 degrees for about 3 to 4 months.
• Cultural hindrance is understandable, and the student may find it difficult to adjust and adapt to the new country and culture.

Contact Details

Omsk State Medical University Russia (OSMU Russia) Address:  Ulitsa Lenina, 12, Omsk, Omsk Oblast, Russia, 644099 Official Website:  http://omsk-osma.ru/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of food is available at the omsk state medical university hostel.

Indian food is available at the OSMU Russia hostel. All types of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food are available at the hostel, and in Russia, there is a wide variety of milk products and fruits.

How is the classroom environment at Omsk State Medical University Russia?

At Omsk State University, the teacher-student ratio of 1:10 gives students a more attentive and personal learning environment.

Which facilities does the university provide for students’ physical fitness?

The university provides well-equipped gyms, a sports and recreation centre, and ski centres for physical fitness.

Where is Omsk State Medical University Russia located?

Omsk State Medical University Russia Address is Ulitsa Lenina, 12, Omsk, Omsk Oblast, Russia, 644099.

Carrier scope for Indian students after studying MBBS in Russia?

After completing their MBBS in Russia, candidates can work in any of the country’s private nursing facilities or hospitals.

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About Rahul

Hi, I'm Rahul Kumar, with a year of expertise in MBBS and Ayush courses. I have detailed knowledge of various colleges' fee structures, cutoffs, and intake procedures. If you're looking for insights or assistance in pursuing MBBS or BAMS courses, feel free to comment below—I'm here to help!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment.

Universities in Omsk, Russia - Rankings & Reviews -

• 12 Jul, 2024: Latest Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities from Webometrics. 6 universities from Omsk appear in this ranking.
• 15 Jun, 2024: Publication of Nature Index: Research Leaders Academic Sector . Omsk State Medical Academy ranked #2272.
• 15 Jun, 2024: Nature Index - Top Academic Institutions by Subject (Health Sciences) updated with Omsk State Medical Academy in position 917.
• 12 Jun, 2024: Publication of THE World University Impact Rankings - Overall . Omsk State Technical University with highest ranking among universities in Omsk ranked #1001.

Rankings of universities in Omsk, Russia 2024

Omsk State Technical University

• University rankings - Omsk State Technical University

Omsk State Medical Academy

• University rankings - Omsk State Medical Academy

Omsk State Agrarian University n.a. P. A. Stolypin

• University rankings - Omsk State Agrarian University n.a. P. A. Stolypin

in Business, Computer Science, Medicine, Law, Education, Health... Study at your own pace , conveniently from home .

Omsk State Pedagogical University

• University rankings - Omsk State Pedagogical University

Omsk State University

• University rankings - Omsk State University

Omsk State Transport University

• University rankings - Omsk State Transport University

Siberian State University of Physical Culture and Sports

Highest subject rankings of universities in Omsk

Omsk key facts for international students.

6 out of 7 Universities in Omsk Ranked in at least one ranking

11 Different Rankings list Universities in Omsk (10 institution and 1 subject rankings)

Population: 1173000

Time: GMT +6

District/province: Omsk,

* 100 = prices in London

• Living costs without accommodation 47* (53% cheaper than London)
• All costs including accommodation 65* (35% cheaper than London)
• Meals (grocery & lower cost restaurants) 34* (66% cheaper than London)
• Average Big Mac price 182.37 RUB

• Residential voltage: 230 V
• Frequency: 50 Hz

Map with location of universities in Omsk

Useful related pages

What is the best ranked university in Omsk?

What university in omsk is listed in most university rankings, what university in omsk is best ranked for studying engineering, ranking publishers, british quacquarelli symonds, uk, qs university rankings brics  (published: 06 may, 2019).

Academic reputation 30% Employer reputation 20% Faculty/student ratio 20% Staff with a PhD 10% Papers per faculty 10%

view methodology

QS University Rankings: EECA Emerging Europe & Central Asia  (Published: 15 December, 2021)

Academic reputation 30% Employer reputation 20% Faculty/student ratio 10% Papers per faculty 10% International research network 10%

Nature Index

Nature index: research leaders academic sector  (published: 15 june, 2024).

Article count (AC) Fractional count (FC) Weighted fractional count (WFC)

RUR Ranking Agency (Moscow, Russia)

Rur academic rankings  (published: 25 may, 2023).

Normalized citation impact (Citations of research publications from all university authors compared with world averages) 20% Citation per papers 20% Papers per academic and research staff 20% International research reputation 20% Share of research publications written in international co-authorship 20%

RUR Reputation Ranking  (Published: 25 May, 2023)

Teaching Reputation 50% Research Reputation 50%

RUR World University Rankings  (Published: 30 May, 2024)

Teaching: 40%

• Ratio Faculty/Student: 8%
• Ratio Faculty/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
• Ratio Faculty/Doctoral Degrees Awarded: 8%
• Ratio Doctoral Degrees Awarded/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
• World Teaching Reputation: 8%

Research: 40%

• Citations per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
• Doctoral Degrees per Accepted PhD: 8%
• Normalized Citation Impact: 8%
• Papers per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
• World Research Reputation: 8%

International Diversity: 10%

• International Faculty: 2%
• International Students: 2%
• International Co-Authored Papers: 2%
• Reputation Outside Geographical Region: 2%
• International Level: 2%

Financial Sustainability: 10%

• Institutional Income per Faculty: 2%
• Institutional Income per Student: 2%
• Papers per Research Income: 2%
• Research Income per Academic/Research Staff: 2%
• Research Income per Institutional Income: 2%

Scimago Institutions

Scimago institutions rankings  (published: 06 march, 2024).

Research 50% Innovation 30% Societal 20%

THE Times Higher Education, UK

The world university rankings  (published: 27 september, 2023).

30% Teaching (the Learning Environment)

• Reputation survey: 15%
• Staff-to-student ratio: 4.5%
• Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio: 2.25%
• Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio: 6%
• Institutional income: 2.25%

30% Research (Volume, Income and Reputation)

• Reputation survey: 18%
• Research income: 6%
• Research productivity: 6%

30% Citations (Research Influence)

7.5% International Outlook (Staff, Students and Research)

• Proportion of international students: 2.5%
• Proportion of international staff: 2.5%
• International collaboration: 2.5%

2.5% Industry Income (Knowledge Transfer)"

THE Emerging Economies University Ranking - Times Higher Education  (Published: 19 October, 2021)

Teaching 30% Research (volume, income and reputation) 30% Citations 20% International outlook (staff, students, research) 10% Industry income (knowledge transfer) 10%

THE World University Impact Rankings - Overall  (Published: 12 June, 2024)

Webometrics, webometrics ranking web of universities  (published: 12 july, 2024).

Visibility 50% Excellence 35% Transparency 10% Presence 5%