Vandy: Supplemental Essays 2024-2025

Vanderbilt University, located in Nashville, Tennessee, continues to soar in popularity among college applicants as both a “New Ivy” and “Southern Ivy.” Vanderbilt admitted a record-low 3.7% of students in the Regular Decision round for the Class of 2028, for an overall acceptance rate of just 5.1%. Rising application numbers makes it even more important to respond well to Vandy’s lone required supplemental essay. This is an opportunity to stand out from the crowded applicant pool.

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TTA Top Tip: Last year, Vanderbilt offered applicants a choice between supplemental essay prompts — this year, the college combined and refined the two options into one required question for all first-year and transfer students. Admissions officers are interested in what factors have influenced your identity and growth so don’t forget to utilize a specific example in your reflection. Vanderbilt aims to bring students to campus who will work in service of humanity’s common goals—how will you contribute to this mission?

VANDY: 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. (250 words)

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Are you thinking about applying to Vanderbilt University? Confused on how to start writing these essays? Contact us to discuss our Essay Guidance Program or Personal Boot Camp and improve your odds of admission with expert guidance.

Top Tier Admissions is tracking the 2024-2025 supplemental essay prompts for all top schools here — we look forward to supporting you!

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Interested in reading more about Vandy?

• Vanderbilt: Class of 2028 Acceptance Rate
• Vanderbilt University: Early Acceptance Rate
• Vanderbilt’s Supplemental Essay Prompts (2023-2024)
• Vanderbilt University Admissions
• Is College Worth It?
• Introducing the New Ivies
• Southern Ivies: Class of 2028 Acceptance Rates

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Siena Swift

Creative Content Coordinator at Top Tier Admissions

Siena is a Pomona College graduate and award-winning student journalist with a passion for impactful communication and global education. After guiding prospective students as a tour guide at Pomona and spearheading sustainability initiatives across the Claremont Colleges, Siena honed her skills in social media strategy and event programming as an admissions office intern. Since graduating, she has worked with Top Tier Admissions, where she now serves as the Creative Content Coordinator. In this role, Siena manages social media strategies, creates engaging content, and supports webinars. Her work combines her love for communication, education, and creativity, all while contributing to the growth and engagement of the Top Tier Admissions community.

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