Updated February 12, 2025
Vanderbilt University – Acceptance Rate and Statistics
What is attending Vanderbilt University like?
Vanderbilt University, affectionately known as “Vandy” to its students, sits in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, and offers a classic college experience with exceptional academic experiences. Like many other prestigious colleges, Vanderbilt is organized into residential colleges, intended to create a space for students to “curate their sense of self, pursue integrative learning, dialogue against difference, engage in advocacy, foster their leadership potential, and forge global connections.”
Known especially for its pre-med, economics, and music programs, Vanderbilt offers over 100 majors and minors, as well as pre-professional programs for Medicine/Health, Business, Law, Nursing, or Architecture. The undergraduate class is divided into four undergraduate schools: the College of Arts and Science, Blair School of Music, Peabody College of Education and Human Development, and the School of Engineering.
Along with its academic fields, Vanderbilt has a plethora of extracurriculars and social outlets — from Greek life to student organizations to sports events or live music, Vanderbilt and Nashville offer options for everyone — whether you’re a budding musician, a star athlete, or anything in between.
Vanderbilt University 2023-2024 Admissions Data
Vanderbilt University Admissions Statistics
Vanderbilt has a competitive admissions process, with just 5.1% of students receiving an admissions offer last year. If you’d like to apply, you can choose from the Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision deadlines.
Vanderbilt’s Early Decision acceptance rate is slightly higher, but Vanderbilt’s Early Decision cycle is binding — meaning you’ll be required to attend if you receive an offer of admission.
2023-2024 Vanderbilt University (Class of 2028) Acceptance Rate
| Admission Cycle | Number of applicants | Waitlisted | Number admitted | Acceptance rate |
| Early Decision | 5,835 | 889 | 15.2% | |
| Regular Decision | 41,336 | 1,512 | 3.70% | |
| All Applicants | 47,171 | 600 | 2,401 | 5.1% |
Vanderbilt University Acceptance Rate History
| Year | Number of applicants | Number admitted | Acceptance rate |
| 2023-2024 (Class of 2028) | 47,171 | 2,401 | 5.1% |
| 2022-2023 (Class of 2027) | 45,313 | 2,844 | 6.3% |
| 2021-2022 (Class of 2026) | 46,377 | 3,093 | 6.7% |
| 2020-2021 (Class of 2025) | 47,152 | 3,368 | 7.1% |
| 2019-2020 (Class of 2024) | 36,646 | 4,259 | 11.6% |
Vanderbilt Class of 2028 Middle 50% score range of admitted students (25th and 75th percentiles)*
| SAT Math | 780-800 |
| SAT ERW | 750-800 |
| SAT Composite | 34-36 |
*What does this mean? The middle 50% score range refers to students from the 25th to the 75th percentile of admitted students. So if 100 students were admitted and we ranked their SAT scores from lowest to highest, we’d be looking at 50 students’ stats (from student 25 through student 75).
What is Vanderbilt looking for?
Vanderbilt’s admissions site offers a helpful step-by-step guide to the entire admissions process. They’ve also listed some specific advice for your applications:
- Keep the “personal” in personal essay
- Don’t try to guess what we want to hear
- Edit, proof, polish, and breathe
- Choose your teacher recommenders early and wisely
- Submit additional letters of recommendation with caution
- Highlight leadership, commitment, and impact
- Don’t leave anything out
You can demonstrate your unique perspective through your essays, academic profile, letters of recommendation, and activities.
Other colleges you may be interested in:
| College Name | Number of applicants (Class of 2028) | Number admitted (Class of 2028) | Acceptance rate (Class of 2028) |
| Duke University | 54,191 | 2,790 | 5.2% |
| Brown University | 48,881 | 2,521 | 5.2% |
| Williams College | 15,411 | 1,159 | 7.5% |
PrepMaven can help you in the admissions process
Wondering how to get into Vanderbilt University? PrepMaven can help you along the way. Whether you’re looking to boost your test scores, write a killer personal statement, or improve your GPA, we can be a helpful resource. With tutors who are graduates of top universities, valedictorians, National Merit Finalists, and National AP Scholars, we’re here to help you no matter what step you’re at in the admissions process.
Give us a call at 609-945-2264 or fill out our website form to learn how our flexible packages can work for you.
Alexis
Alexis is a tutor, writer, and producer. She graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. As a tutor, she loves to help students explore their unique stories and share their personal journeys through impactful essay writing.
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