vanderbilt engineering essay

Vanderbilt University Essay Examples

Vanderbilt essay examples – introduction.

If you’re looking for Vanderbilt essay examples and Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples, you’ve come to the right place. Vanderbilt is a private research university located on a beautiful campus in Nashville, Tennessee. Vanderbilt puts students in the heart of Nashville, a city known for its thriving music scene and foodie culture. With 70 majors across four academic schools, Vanderbilt offers rigorous academic options for students looking to study in any discipline .  

In this article, we’ll go over some Vanderbilt essays that worked. We’ll provide several Vanderbilt essay examples for you to review. Then, we’ll discuss why these Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples succeeded.   

Vanderbilt Supplemental Essay Requirements

Before we get into the Vanderbilt essay examples, let’s first take a look at the Vanderbilt supplemental essay requirements. Then, we’ll discuss our Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples in more detail.

In addition to the Common Application essay, Vanderbilt also requires one short essay based on one of two essay prompts.

Vanderbilt Essay Requirements:

Short answer essay 1 (250 words):.

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?

Short Answer Essay 2 (250 words):

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.

Past Vanderbilt essay prompts

In the past, Vanderbilt has required one longer essay focusing on extracurricular activities. The Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples in this guide reflect that older prompt. That said, they can still be helpful to you as you approach the current style of the short Vanderbilt supplemental essays. We are sure you will find the Vanderbilt essay examples below are quire similar to an essay you might write for the second prompt.

In this guide, we’ll focus on the Vanderbilt essay examples from previous years. We will also present you with tips on how to use these Vanderbilt essay examples to write your Vanderbilt supplemental essays. Through studying these Vanderbilt essay examples, you can learn how to write the best possible Vanderbilt supplemental essays. 

Vanderbilt Essays that Worked

Now that we’ve covered the Vanderbilt supplemental essay questions and how they’ve changed over the years, let’s move on to some real Vanderbilt essay examples. 

Vanderbilt Essay Examples #1

This August, a member of an organization where I volunteer became a headline: 16th trans woman killed in 2019. Every time I leave this organization, I pray that everyone lives another week. After losing this person, I’m not prepared to lose another loved one. 

Immediately after this person’s passing, I was scared of returning to my organization. With time, I started to accept that I couldn’t save this person and that I can’t give anyone at this organization the life they deserve. However, that didn’t mean I couldn’t make a difference. 

After strategizing with my friends, I started a project that didn’t give homeless communities what outsiders thought they wanted, but what they actually needed. Because my city is so spread out, well-known organizations are inaccessible. 

I engineered an online resource guide so anyone experiencing homelessness can access needed assistance. My guide discusses ways to acquire free/subsidized metro passes and groups organizations by type and geographic area, highlighting lesser-known ones without a substantial online presence. But contributing to words on a webpage isn’t everything. My goal for my work at the organization where I volunteer is to help all of them see themselves the way I see them: deserving, valuable, and resilient. 

I didn’t just want to cater meals for the young people at my organization. I wanted to cook them myself. Each week, I take requests for what I should prepare for the following Saturday. Members need to know someone cares about them enough to spend hundreds of hours in the kitchen for them. 

I didn’t just want to host drives for this organization after I witnessed the demoralizing effects of low-quality donations. Believing you are worthy is difficult enough after your family throws you onto the streets, but it becomes almost impossible when you’re only given everyone else’s scraps. 

After these conversations, I started a clothing revitalization initiative where I use outside materials or other donations to up-cycle usable parts of low-quality clothing donations. That way, our members receive only the best possible items. I don’t want poor donations to make them feel less than what they are. 

I couldn’t save this person. I can’t give anyone at my organization the life they deserve. But I can still make a difference. A bowl of pasta and a pair of jeans might not be much, but it’s the little things like these that help me honor her.

Why this essay worked

The first one of our Vanderbilt essay examples is an extracurricular activities essay example. In this Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples, we learn that this student cares deeply about their community. The student puts a lot of thought into how best to give back to their local community of houseless people. 

Another reason why the first of our Vanderbilt essay examples worked is because it demonstrates leadership and impact . When writing your Vanderbilt supplemental essays make sure to write about an activity where you have made an impact or been a leader. This Vanderbilt essay example explains how the student identified a problem within their community and created solutions for it. They created an online database so houseless people could more easily access resources, prepared home-cooked meals for people in need, and started a clothing revitalization initiative. 

Depth and breadth

In this one of three Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples, we learn that this applicant doesn’t just care about giving back in theory. Instead, we learn they are committed to creating new initiatives that will improve the lives of vulnerable populations. 

This example of one of our Vanderbilt essays that worked also employs a thoughtful structure . It starts with a hook , continues into the body of the essay, then ends by bringing the reader back to the initial hook. In this Vanderbilt essay example, the “hook” is a headline about the murder of a member of the homeless shelter where the student volunteers. This hook shocks and draws in the reader at the same time. In doing so, it provides an emotional tether to the story. 

Ultimately, this Vanderbilt supplemental essay example tells a well-structured story. It shows us how a student took initiative to make an impact in their community. 

Now let’s take a look at the second of our Vanderbilt essay examples. This one will explore another set of characteristics that made this a Vanderbilt essay that worked. 

Vanderbilt Essay Examples #2

Hundreds of eyes rested on me, the chatter of the crowd slowly descending into silence. My hand clenched around the wooden stick, a “tambo,” and a shallow exhale escaped between my teeth. Today was the day I would get my black belt. My Italian friends looked on, expectant. I gave a slight bow, signifying the start of the “kata,” a series of moves, like an imaginary fight.

I opened my eyes and suddenly I wasn’t in an Italian high school gym, surrounded by hundreds of strangers. I was back in Berkeley, on the familiar dojo mat, practicing for the thousandth time. Retreat, high block; diagonal strike, strike, reverse — and my body fell into a familiar pattern, a rhythm indelibly etched into my muscles.

My tambo whipped and whooshed through the air with deadly precision. I felt myself bow again, and realized it was over. A beat of dead silence, and then applause erupted, filling the gym to the ceiling. Pride swelled inside me, my taut muscles relaxing. A wide grin settled on my face. It was for moments like this that all the hard practice, all the bruises and accidental kicks to the face, all the long nights of training, the endless repetition, the exhaustion – that it was all worth it. 

When I began martial arts, I thought it would end as my other brief stints with gymnastics and fencing had: with the realization that I wasn’t cut out for it. But one fateful Tuesday in August, the summer before eighth grade, I was dropped off for my first class. I learned how to escape a wrist grab: turn your arm in the direction of the attacker’s thumb and shift sideways. I was enthralled.

As I learned how energy could be shifted and redirected, as my techniques became swift and powerful, I knew I had found my sport. The easy flow of a hip throw and the powerful intensity of a stamp kick became my life for one hour, four days a week. I became part of the dojo community, friends with people of all ages. I flew to Atlanta for the training camps where I ate, slept, and breathed back rolls, side drops and front kicks.

Earning my black belt after years of commitment felt right, a symbol of my passion and dedication. While some people play soccer or baseball, I am an artist. A martial artist.

The second of our Vanderbilt essay examples does not focus as intensely on leadership or impact. However, one crucial feature makes this one of the Vanderbilt essays that worked: it keeps the “personal” in “personal essay .” 

The aim of the Vanderbilt supplemental essays is to get an in-depth look at one of your extracurricular activities so that the Vanderbilt admissions committee can learn more about you. This one of our Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples is essentially the opposite of a resume: it goes into great detail about one aspect of this student’s life. This one of our Vanderbilt essay examples demonstrates genuine, invested interest in martial arts. 

Immersed in the narrative

Do you notice how when you’re reading this Vanderbilt supplemental essays example, you feel like you’re right there with the student in the gymnasium? The entire first half of this one of our Vanderbilt essay examples describes the victorious moment when the student finally got their black belt. The student does an incredible job making the reader feel like we’re right there with them. As you read the second of our Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples, note the use of detail: sights, sounds, smells. We know exactly how the student feels, physically and mentally, as they begin this nerve-wracking performance. 

The second of our Vanderbilt essay examples also numbers among our Vanderbilt essays that worked because it demonstrates a change in the student’s perspective. Where previously they thought that they weren’t cut out for sports, taking martial arts classes allowed them to learn commitment and dedication. The student is now able to think of themselves as an “artist.” 

For the next one of our Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples, we’ll examine a different take on what makes this essay one of the Vanderbilt essays that worked. 

Vanderbilt Essay Examples #3

I was lost. Utterly and completely lost. After wandering the narrow, cobblestoned streets of Viterbo, Italy for almost an hour, I could confidently say that I had no idea which way was home. On this second day of school in a new country, I had yet to learn these winding, medieval streets; the city’s labyrinthine design was intentional, to confuse invaders and outsiders. At that moment, that was me – an outsider.

Eventually I found my way home, to the apartment I would live in during the coming months. It was not the last time I would be lost (due to my lack of navigational skills), but as the weeks passed, I slowly let go of my identity of  “outsider” and embraced my new home. 

Learning the language was the first step. Being surrounded by it helped, but I still spent hours memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules. And of course I made mistakes — asking to towel-dry the gelato instead of sample it (asciugare vs. assaggiare), and telling my host mother she was going to take a shower instead of informing her that I was (fai vs. faccio).

I recognized that learning a language is not a process that can be forced or rushed; it is a progression of knowledge that builds on itself, a mastery that cannot be feigned. I would receive no prize for speaking the best Italian, only the satisfaction of knowing that I was able to communicate in another language. Perhaps that is why languages appeal to me so much.

I don’t master a skill to prove that I am better than someone else. I do it for me. My reward for learning a language is being able to talk to so many more interesting people, to think from a different perspective, to order extra basil on a pizza margherita.  

As I learned the formal and informal, gerunds and impersonals, I began to understand the world of beautiful sounds I lived in. And by understanding, I embraced more fully the new culture of my life. The double kisses I gave and received began to feel natural, and the unintentional forehead bumps abated.

My daily cappuccino became as much a part of my routine as brushing my teeth.  I could now walk through the town’s winding streets without a second thought, knowing where each previously-indistinguishable alleyway led. My new school helped me with this assimilation — as we translated the Aeneid in class, I saw scenes from it brought to life in marble while visiting the Vatican; my childhood obsession with Greek myths was rekindled in Sicily as I gazed in awe at the colossal temples we had studied in Art History.

The richness and abundance of Italian history and it’s tangible remnants constantly surrounded me. Each magical location I visited, each Italian friend I met, and each plate of pasta I ate folded me deeper into the culture of La Bella Italia.

Living abroad taught me many things. Perhaps the most important lesson is that each maze I encounter will resolve itself with time and effort. No incredible skill, no deeper understanding, no complete mastery will come on the first day.

As a child, I would erupt in frustration when I didn’t immediately understand a math concept, or when an ornament dropped from the Christmas tree because of my hastiness to decorate. But I now understand that no matter how hard I work or strain to understand, true learning requires time for new information to simmer and stew, and finally solidify into knowledge. Patience.

As I look ahead to the next few years of my life, I know that I will have my fair share of labyrinths to tackle, whether they be challenging classes or completely new cities and campuses. I could read the textbook or memorize a map, but to learn and understand the complexities of multi-variable calculus or which café serves the best sandwiches, I’ll need to engage in the class and explore the city. And I can’t wait.

For the third of our Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples, we travel with a student to Italy, where they discover that learning a new language might take patience, but it comes with a great reward. It differs in certain ways from our other Vanderbilt essay examples, but it nonetheless succeeds.

So, what makes this one of our Vanderbilt essays that worked?

In the third of our Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples, this student does a great job of reflecting on what they have learned. When writing your Vanderbilt supplemental essays, you’ll discuss your extracurriculars in detail, albeit in fewer words. The third of our Vanderbilt essay examples goes into great detail of what it’s like to learn a language. It also highlights what this student learned about themself in the process. 

Packed with personal detail

Your Vanderbilt application should showcase as much about you as possible. Think about how much more the Vanderbilt admissions committee can learn from this Vanderbilt supplemental essays example than a transcript that simply states: “Italian – One Semester.” 

The Vanderbilt admissions committee hopes to understand your story as a person and a candidate from your application. Just like the students did in these Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples, think about your Vanderbilt supplemental essays as one puzzle piece in your application. When only looking at your SAT scores and Common App essay, what does your application leave out? What piece of your personality, passions, or values does not appear? Once you identify that piece, you have a great basis for your Vanderbilt supplemental essays. Then, you’ll be one step closer to writing one of the Vanderbilt essays that worked.

Writing Extracurricular Activities Essays

Our Vanderbilt essay examples and Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples fall within the category of “Extracurricular Activities Essays.” This essay prompt might ask you something like: “Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.”

In the past, the Vanderbilt supplemental essays have consisted of one long essay about extracurricular activities. According to our advisors from Vanderbilt , the Vanderbilt admissions committee really values applicants who make an impact in their communities. They look for students who are passionate about non-academic activities, as you’ve seen from our Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples. The extracurricular essay allows you to showcase who you are outside of the classroom. Our extracurricular activities essay examples do just this. 

This year, of the two shorter Vanderbilt supplemental essays, one is about extracurricular activities. So, make sure to review our Vanderbilt essays that worked as you write. That way, you can see Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples that successfully described the applicants’ extracurriculars. 

A common essay prompt

The extracurricular activities essay is a common college essay prompt. To learn how to get into Vanderbilt, you should master this style of essay. Learning more about the extracurricular activities essay won’t just help you with Vanderbilt admissions; schools like Stanford , Northwestern , University of Florida , and Princeton all ask for similar essays that focus on extracurricular activities. With our Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples, you’ll learn how to write great extracurricular activities essays for all universities. 

When the Vanderbilt admissions committee reads your Vanderbilt supplemental essays, you want them to come away with a basic understanding of who you are, what you value, and what you would bring to the Vanderbilt community. These Vanderbilt supplemental essays, the extracurricular activities essay in particular, provide the opportunity to share more detail about yourself and your interests.

Tell a story

Additionally, the extracurricular activities essay allows you to showcase growth and demonstrate what you have learned through your involvement in leadership roles within your community. The best essays tell a story about a personal realization or change. The extracurricular activities essay is a great place within the Vanderbilt supplemental essays to accomplish this. 

Vanderbilt essay reflection questions: 

• Does your Vanderbilt application essay expand meaningfully on an activity you mention in your application?
• Do you use your extracurricular activity to reveal more about who you are and what matters to you?
• Do you describe why your chosen activity was important to you in concrete and specific terms?
• Does your reader learn more about you by reading your Vanderbilt extracurricular essay?

If your Vanderbilt supplemental essay answers all of these questions, you’re one step closer to writing a great extracurricular activities essay. If you’re still stumped, don’t worry. Return to our extracurricular activities essay examples for guidance. 

How to use these Vanderbilt essay examples to write your Vanderbilt supplemental essays

Keep in mind that the Vanderbilt application process is competitive. Ranked number #13 in the United States by the U.S. News & World Report, Vanderbilt is described by the website as a “most selective” school. With such a high ranking, it’s no surprise that the Vanderbilt acceptance rate is quite low: under 5% . To learn how to get into Vanderbilt, you will need to take advantage of their holistic admissions process by writing stellar essays.

This year, when writing your Vanderbilt supplemental essays, you will need to focus on answering two questions in 250 words. Though our Vanderbilt essay examples were extracurricular activities essay examples, we can still learn a lot from Vanderbilt essay examples on how to write successful Vanderbilt supplemental essays.

The Vanderbilt essay examples that we have discussed largely focus on answering the second question; as such, they are extracurricular activities essay examples. So how can we apply what we’ve learned through these Vanderbilt essay examples to answer the first of the Vanderbilt supplemental essays as well?

Reflect on moments of change

The first of the Vanderbilt supplemental essays questions encourages you to reflect on diversity and difference. Even though we haven’t covered how to answer this question directly in our Vanderbilt essay examples, all of our Vanderbilt essays that worked reflected on moments of change and lessons that the student learned. Wait, that sounds familiar– this is exactly what the first essay question asks you to reflect on!

The supplemental essay is a crucial component of your Vanderbilt application. Supplemental essays, are a way for the Vanderbilt admissions committee to get to know you better as an applicant. Each of the Vanderbilt supplemental essays is a way for you to showcase your passions, your skills, and what makes you unique. Since the Vanderbilt acceptance rate is only 5%, you want to use your supplemental essays to help you stand out. 

Vanderbilt Essay Examples: Five Key Tips

If you’re still wondering how you can use these Vanderbilt essay examples and Vanderbilt essays that worked to help you write your supplemental essays, here’s some tips: 

Vanderbilt essays that worked tips

1. show your personality.

In each of these Vanderbilt essay examples, we learn so much more about the student’s passions that we would from just reading a resume. Take the opportunity in your Vanderbilt supplemental essays to show the admissions committee something unique about you!

2. Keep structure in mind

Whether you open and close your essay with the same hook like the writer did like the first of our Vanderbilt essays example, or start strong with a “ show don’t tell ” anecdote like in the second of our Vanderbilt essays that worked, a thoughtful structure keeps your reader engaged. 

3. Be specific

Imagine if in reading the second one of our Vanderbilt essay examples the student had said “Even though I was nervous, I showed off my moves, and then was awarded the black belt.” That’s a much less engaging retelling. Instead of skipping over details, the writer of that essay tells us exactly where they were during the black belt test, what their body felt like, what moves they did, who was there watching them, and how they felt throughout. Detail makes your essay way more interesting! 

4. Talk about a moment where you learned something or changed

Just like a story, even the shortest essays should have a beginning, middle, and end. In your Vanderbilt supplemental essays, you should start at a place, and describe a change before you reach your resolution. You can see our student do this in our third essay example: the student begins the essay completely lost in Italy, then learns Italian, and is able to fully explore the city in a way they never imagined they could. 

Our Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples aren’t the only resources out there. Check out this CollegeAdvisor article on how to get started within your writing process. 

Other CollegeAdvisor Resources on Extracurricular Activities 

When thinking about how to get into Vanderbilt, there are many factors to take into account. First, consider: the Vanderbilt application requirements, the Vanderbilt acceptance rate, SAT scores , and grades. Another aspect of your Vanderbilt application is your extracurricular activities .

After reading these fantastic Vanderbilt essay examples, you might be wondering: what kind of extracurricular activities should I list on my Vanderbilt application? 

As part of the Vanderbilt application requirements on the common app, you should list your 10 most significant extracurricular activities. But what makes an extracurricular activity significant? 

A strong extracurricular activity is one in which you have demonstrated leadership, impact, and have spent many hours participating. Some students make the mistake of trying to join a bunch of new clubs senior year. It is obvious to admissions when students try and get more extracurriculars for their Common App at the last moment. Instead, focus on spending more time and achieving leadership positions in the extracurriculars you already participate in.

In our extracurricular activities essay examples, you can see how passionate the students are about their activities. Use these extracurricular activities essay examples as inspiration for what kind of extracurriculars you can pursue. You can also look into what extracurriculars Vanderbilt offers and what life is like on campus. Then, you can use that to inform your extracurricular activities in high school. 

Extracurricular Activities Essay Examples

If you’re looking for more resources on extracurricular activities, CollegeAdvisor can help. Check out this article on how to showcase extracurricular activities in your college application. 

How to Showcase Extracurricular Activities In Your College Applications

Vanderbilt Supplemental Essay Guides & Vanderbilt Resources

If you’ve read our Vanderbilt essays that worked and you’re still feeling unsure, don’t worry! We have lots of different resources to help you as you prepare your Vanderbilt application. 

For more essay guides, check out this article that offers more advice on writing supplemental essays for Vanderbilt. If you’re looking to get a merit scholarship from Vanderbilt, check out the link below. In this article we discuss how to master the merit scholarship essays . 

Vanderbilt University Merit Scholarship Essay Guide

Once you’ve brainstormed, taken inspiration from our Vanderbilt essays that worked, and written your first draft, it’s time to edit. Our webinar on essay editing can help. And if you need inspiration, read our profile on Jacqueline Huang, a student who successfully got into Vanderbilt.

Client Success Stories: Jacqueline Huang

Vanderbilt Essay Examples – Final thoughts

We’ve given Vanderbilt an A+ rating as a college for its fantastic academics, diversity, and value. But if you want to know how to get into Vanderbilt and impress the Vanderbilt admissions committee, you need to take a look at the Vanderbilt application requirements. Don’t be discouraged by the low Vanderbilt acceptance rate. Using these Vanderbilt essay examples, you can put together a great Vanderbilt application.

We hope that in reading these Vanderbilt essay examples you gain a better understanding of what makes a great supplemental essay.

This article was written by  Rachel Kahn . 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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How to Write the Vanderbilt University Supplemental Essay 2017-2018

We’ve updated this guide for 2018-2019 !

Located in the midtown area of Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is one of the country’s premier private research universities. Founded by business magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1873, the university is one of the oldest in the country and one of the most selective with an overall acceptance rate of 10.7% for the class of 2021.

There are three undergraduate colleges: the College of Arts & Sciences, Peabody College, and the School of Engineering. Known as the “Ivy of the South,” Vanderbilt’s location in Music City, its renowned sports programs, and its high quality of life make this school a very popular choice for high-achieving students all over the world. To help make you an extraordinary candidate, CollegeVine is here to provide some key tips to strengthen your supplemental essay.

Vanderbilt only has one supplemental prompt — so your essay needs to be great!

Want to learn what Vanderbilt University will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take?  Here’s what every student considering Vanderbilt University needs to know.

Vanderbilt University Application Essay Prompt

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (400 words).

This common question seems to demand a simple, straightforward response. However, since this is Vanderbilt’s only supplement, it is important that your response illustrates your character and personality. Treat this prompt in the same manner that you would treat a more creative one. Use the same writing skills that you used in your common application: show don’t tell, vivid figurative language, detailed narration, etc.

Step 1: Choose the extracurricular.

Any activity that has mentally or physically changed your perspective on life will work, but the best ones are those that you’ve devoted a lot of time and effort to, and are preferably related to the theme of your application: surmounting challenges, learning to be a team player, adjusting to new environments, etc. However, your supplement does not have to directly connect to your major or your common application essay.

For example, if you’re planning to study biology on the pre-medicine track and your common application essay was about how volunteering at a hospital opened your eyes to the healthcare situation in this country, your supplement does not have to also be about something medicine-related. Perhaps it could be an artistic endeavor such as painting or photography that opened your mind to abstract thought and creative expression. In fact, it would add flavor to your candidacy if through this prompt, you can demonstrate your depth in multiple fields .

Notice how although medicine and art are very different, they both support the idea that you are an open-minded student who relishes the opportunity to look at and change the world with different perspectives.

Secondly, your activity does not have to be something that is seen as “prestigious” or something in which you’ve won many awards. Choosing something that you actually care about as opposed to an activity you participated in merely for awards will often lead to a more moving essay. If you’re a championship debater but your true passion is sailing in the summertime, a well-crafted essay about sailing and how it has served as your mind’s escape from this chaotic world would show the admissions team a relatable, worldly side of you apart from the high-achieving academic side that your activities and achievements list already demonstrate.

Keep in mind that this does not mean that you have to choose an out-of-the-box activity. You simply have to convey a common experience in an emotionally engaging way.

Step 2: Decide how you want to start your essay.

Instead of a paragraph describing what you do, you could use a tipping point in your journey to lead the discussion of the activity’s influence on you.

Weak example: In high school, I participated in model congress. It was very difficult for me at first, because I am not a great public speaker and don’t know much about politics. However, after a lot of research and many unimpressive performances at tournaments, I finally was able to overcome this at the Yale Model Congress tournament in my junior year where I was awarded best delegate after a speech in a full session of over a hundred students about environmental regulations, which I am very passionate about.

Stronger example: “ DECORUM! ” A hush falls over the room with the sound of the gavel pounding against the desk. “Speakers for a two-minute speech in negation,” the chairman of our committee demands, looking out toward the hundreds of students dressed in Western business attire with their placards held high in the air. Mine meekly joins them.

“Senator Smith?” The chairman points the gavel directly at me and my face grows hot under the realization that I will have to give a speech in front of hundreds of more talented, better-spoken peers. When I arrive at the podium, I thumb the engraving that reads “Yale Model Congress 2016” and open my mouth. No sound comes out so I clear my throat twice.

“Senator Jones,” I start out weakly. “This proposed piece of legislation reminds me of my aunt’s chihuahua. All bark, no bite.” Scattered bouts of laughter erupt in the room. Subtle attempt at humor, check. “ We all want to protect our environment, but this bill provides very little specifics, and the ones provided are a mere slap on the wrist for the huge corporations that pollute our rivers, lakes, air, and environment.”

You can clearly see how the beginnings of the two different essays differ in sentence structure, use of diction, imagery, and altogether effectiveness of displaying character and writing skills. Be careful to not go overboard with flowery language or fluff though; a 400-word limit requires you to be concise.

Your essay does not have to begin this way; you can start with a memory, a detailed description of an object or event you have built, or an excerpt of a speech or story you’ve penned. You have a lot of creative jurisdiction here, but the most important component to an introduction is the captivation of your audience.

Note: The stronger example weaved two different passions into one essay (model congress and environment conservation). You can definitely do this and it may lead to a stronger supplement, but be wary of trying to cram multiple unrelated extracurriculars into one essay. It will distract the reader from your message.

Step 3: Flesh out the idea that you’ve introduced.

Using the same writing skills, elaborate on why you chose to write about this activity. If woodwork in your basement was a peaceful way for you to spend quality time with your siblings, show your reader why family time is priceless to you.

Away from the banging on the bathroom door on weekday mornings, the loud thumps of feet rushing down the stairs to catch the bus, and the occasional stress-induced yelling match, the soft hum of the sander traversing the piece of wood in our basement on Saturday mornings was my solace. It was the only time during the week that I saw my sister crack a smile.

You can also use this area to include a few bragging points. If you founded a club or an organization that had grown in membership size, you can point out how the number of people who showed up to a meeting was overwhelming and further motivated you because you didn’t want to let them down. If you’ve won several awards, you could point out that the trophies did not compare to the process, as even before you started winning, you have pursued the activity for six years.

For example:

It wasn’t just about the teary eyes after I’d finished a sonnet, or the shiny trophy that exclaimed ‘Youth Poet Laureate 2016.’ It was about imbuing meaning into the abstract shapes we call ‘words’ on a page. It was about the inexplicable smile that props up my cheeks when someone else understands all my emotions without me having spoken a word, just by reading ink on a page. It was about being understood.

This step is the most important in revealing your character, so make sure you dedicate adequate space and time (more than 200 words).

Step 4: Relate this activity to how it has prepared you to…

After you’ve figured out what you want to write about and how you want to style your essay, the next step is to relate this activity to how it has prepared you to pay it forward in college and beyond.

Although the prompt only explicitly asks for a description of your extracurricular, the true purpose of the supplement is to see what kind of a student you would be at Vanderbilt. Therefore, it’s important to include this element as a form of reflection on how your activity has impacted you.

For example, if you participated in a cultural interest-based club in high school, you can discuss your yearning to be exposed to more cultures that are represented in your community, cultures that are present at Vanderbilt University due to its diverse student body. This is also a great spot to conclude by relating back to elements of your application theme, such as a change in attitude toward social responsibility.

We hope this guide has made the essay writing process a little easier!

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August 9, 2021

Vanderbilt University 2021-2022 Essay Prompt

Vanderbilt University has released its essay prompt for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle. So what will applicants to Vandy’s Class of 2026 be asked to write? We know you’ve been up late at night wondering the answer to this important query. So wonder no more as we’ve got an answer for you! This year’s applicants will be asked, “Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.”

In short, it’s an activity essay, although a longer version of the sort of activity essay that most colleges ask. After all, even though Vanderbilt’s admissions committee writes that applicants can answer the prompt in 200-400 words, how many words should students write? You guessed it! 400. Applicants to elite universities like Vanderbilt should always use all of the real estate they are given to make their case for admission. Why leave words on the table? This is an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s admissions officers to get to know you. This is your chance to inspire them to root for you!

So from the ten activities that are listed in The Common Application’s activity section, students should go into much more detail about one such activity in this space. As Vanderbilt only asks one essay prompt — beyond the Personal Statement and Covid-19 essay on The Common App. — applicants should be sure to take advantage of the space they have to make a compelling case for admission.

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TOWARD THE CONQUEST OF ADMISSION

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• Application Requirements

To ensure you are prepared to submit your Graduate School application, we recommend you review the following requirements. Once you begin your application, you can pause it and come back to it at any time so you can gather the required information. Below are the requirements for submitting your application.  

Applications are open August 15 – January 15.

• How to Apply
• Reapplication, Deferrals & Non-Degree 
• Application FAQs
• Application Assistance
• The Fall application deadline for many Graduate School programs is January 15, but be sure to confirm with your program of interest since deadlines may vary.   
• Most programs release initial Fall admission offers by March 31 with a response due by April 15.   
• The timing of admission offers varies by program, and programs may continue to extend offers after that date.  

Application Fee

The Graduate School application fee is $95.00 and can be paid online after you submit your application. If you submit applications to more than one program (maximum of two per year), only a single fee will be charged.   

You also may be eligible for an application fee waiver:  

• U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents 1 are eligible for all categories of fee waivers.   
• In most cases, international students are only eligible to receive a discretionary fee waiver.   
• Requesting a fee waiver does not impact your admission eligibility.  
• There is no waiver request form for you to complete. You must start and submit your application to confirm your eligibility and receive a fee waiver.  

To verify your demonstrated financial need or military service, you must upload one of the following documents:  

• A letter or memo from the financial aid office of your current or previous school confirming that you are a current Pell Grant recipient or received one the previous year. 
• An unemployment benefits statement dated within the previous six months. 
• A GRE fee reduction certificate from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). 
• A brief but well-reasoned explanation of how the application fee presents a financial hardship for you. Relevant factors include unemployment or underemployment, the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from a recent FAFSA, economic conditions in your home country, etc. You can type your explanation on the fee waiver request page of the application form. 
• Documentation showing current of former status of United States Armed Forces. 

Please do not upload tax return documents or any other confidential personal information such as your social security number. Upon review, we will contact you to confirm if a documentable fee waiver has been granted. 

Only a small number of waivers are granted at the discretion of the program you are applying to based on recruitment priorities and other circumstances. 

• You may request a fee waiver directly from the program you are applying to only after you have submitted your application and confirmed that a fee is due.  
• You must submit your request prior to the application deadline and include documentation to support the reason for the request.  
• Contact the program [insert link: Department Contacts] that you are applying to for more information.  

Automatic fee waivers are granted to applicants that have successfully submitted an application AND participated in either a Vanderbilt-sponsored program/event or a fellowship, research, or training program that is officially registered in our system. 

  US permanent residents must be able to document this status upon request, such as a copy of a Green Card - Permanent Resident Card. 

Vanderbilt Sponsored Programs  

Students that are members of the following VU-sponsored programs are eligible for a fee waiver. 

• Vanderbilt NSF REU in Nanoscale Science and Engineering 
• Vanderbilt NSF REU in Physics 
• Vanderbilt REU in Chemical Biology 
• Vanderbilt NSF REU in Biophotonics 
• Fisk-Vanderbilt Master’s-to-PhD Bridge Program 
• Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy 
• Vanderbilt National Name Exchange (NNE) Diversity Fair 

Fellowship, Research, and Training Programs  

Students that are members of the following Fellowship, Research, and Training Programs are eligible for a fee waiver. You must submit documentation in your application demonstrating your participation. Contact your program director/coordinator to request a letter of verification if needed.  

National Level:  

• AmeriCorps, Teach for America, or the Peace Corps 
• Gates Millennium Scholars Program (GMSP) 
• Institute for Recruitment of Teachers (IRT) 
• Initiative to Maximize Student Development (IMSD) 
• Leadership Alliance Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP) 
• Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) 
• Mellon Mays Minority Undergraduate Fellowship Program (MMUF) 
• National Consortium for Graduate Degrees in Minorities in Engineering and Sciences (GEM) 
• NIH Postbaccalaureate Research Training Program (PREP) 
• NIH Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement Program (RISE) 
• NIH/NIGMS Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) 
• NIH-Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity (BUILD) Initiative 
• NSF Historically Black Colleges and University – Undergraduate Programs (HBCU-UP) 
• Ronald McNair Scholars Program 
• UNCF Mellon Program 

Institutional Level:  

• California Polytechnic State University, Pomona Undergraduate Research Program 
• Dozoretz National Institute for Mathematics and Applied Sciences (DNIMAS) 
• Penn State Millennium Scholars Program 
• University of Baltimore Maryland County Meyerhoff Scholars Program 
• University of Central Florida Academic Advancement Programs 

GRE requirements

Submitting your GRE scores 

• For schools that require a score from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), please submit it within the application.  
• Scores are valid if earned within five years to the month of your intended first term at Vanderbilt. (For example, no earlier than August 1 five years prior if applying for the fall term). Applicants should aim to take the GRE by November to have scores for Fall admissions deadlines.  
• The Vanderbilt Institution Code is  1871 . A department code is not necessary. Visit  http://www.ets.org/gre for information concerning the GRE and how to send your scores to Vanderbilt.  

Programs that do not require GRE scores

Be sure to check with your program’s admissions policy to determine the current requirements. 

Letters of Recommendation

The Graduate School application requires 3-5 recommendation letters from people that know you well enough to sell the “you” that exists beyond your scores and grades. You can submit your application independent of the recommendation letters being complete.

Best Option

If you have an Interfolio account, the recommendation can be sent to us from that account by using the account email address that was set up for the recommender. Recommenders must create an Interfolio account using a valid email address before they can submit letters. Therefore, it is the email address for the recommender that should be entered in the application recommender list. The recommendation letters should indicate your name and the program to which you applied. The recommender’s URL they receive will contain a short recommendation form that is only available online. After filling out this short form, the recommender can upload a recommendation letter. Learn more about Interfolio .

Emailed letters of recommendation can be sent to Vanderbilt, care of [email protected] .

Alternatively, letters can be mailed from Interfolio to:

Center for Data Management Vanderbilt University PMB 407833 2301 Vanderbilt Place Nashville, TN 37240-7833

However, if recommenders send only their comments in a paper letter, their recommendation will not include the numerical ratings for questions that appear only in the electronic form. You still must enter the recommender in your list in your application, so we have a slot to keep the recommendation letter when it arrives.

Statement of Purpose

Along with your application, you must submit a Statement of Purpose that is an essay that outlines why you are applying to the program, how you have prepared to pursue this degree and what you hope to accomplish both during and after your training. You may find other school/program-specific requirements that are listed on the application.

In general, the statement should be 1-5 pages and only contain information pertinent to the application you are submitting. There are not any word count requirements. Some programs have more specific requirements for the statement of purpose. These requirements will be listed on the Statement of Purpose page of the application.

Transcripts

Below are directions for submitting your transcript to the Graduate School:

Unofficial Transcripts Please upload unofficial copies of your transcripts from prior undergraduate and graduate work. These can be submitted on the Academics page of your application. Please be sure that any document you upload contains your full name and, in the case of transcripts, the name of the institution. 

Official Transcripts Official transcripts are required only after an offer of admission is made and accepted. A document is considered official only if it is sent directly to Vanderbilt from your institution. Your admission is contingent upon Vanderbilt’s Centralized Document Management (CDM) receiving an official transcript directly from the institution attended no later than August 31 of your entry year. Official transcripts can be sent either via the postal service or via secure electronic delivery to  [email protected] . Your checklist on the Application Status page will indicate if you need to submit an official transcript.

International Transcripts Official academic records listing all courses and grades and including a graduation certificate in the native language must be submitted with a complete English translation certified by an official translator. All records must be certified by the issuing institution or appropriate government official. Find information about non-required credential evaluations at NACES . Information about specific documents required from each country is also available.

Mailing instructions Address transcripts sent via postal service to:

Please do NOT mail transcripts to the department office, Graduate School or Office of the University Registrar.

Language Proficiency

Proficiency in written and oral English is required for enrollment in an academic program. This proof can be obtained by submitted scores from one of the following exams:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language
• International English Language Testing System
• Duolingo (not all programs accept this test, check with department of interest)

Applicants to the Graduate School, regardless of citizenship, must either meet our waiver criteria (below) or submit proof of English language proficiency. The online application will not require you to submit a language score if you meet the criteria for an exemption: you (will) have an equivalent degree from an English-language university in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, or the United Kingdom. 

This policy applies to all graduate programs; the score level required for admission varies by program. 

Please note:

• U.S. citizenship does not automatically exempt you from taking a language test if your first language is not English. 
• International students transferring from unfinished degree programs of other universities in the United States should present a language test score.  
• If you have received (or will receive) an undergraduate degree from a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction, and if you have studied in residence at that institution for at least three years, you are exempt from the English Language Test requirement and are not required to submit a language test score. 
• No exemptions are made based on an advanced degree (e.g., M.A./M.S. or Ph.D.) from any institution. 

Minimum Acceptable Score 

• The minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL iBT (internet- based test) is 88. Some departments list minimum recommendations or requirements on their departmental websites and may require a higher level of proficiency. Please contact your program of interest to confirm. 
• For IELTS, the minimum acceptable score will vary by program. In many cases, a score of at least 7.0 is desirable.  
• Many departments will accept Duolingo language test scores. Please contact your program of interest to confirm. 

Students wishing to focus on improving their English language use for the context of the U.S. academic setting may take courses and participate in programming at the . Some students may be required to take these courses concurrently during the year. The ELC’s courses include: 

• Academic Writing 
• Academic Speaking 
• Pronunciation
• International Teaching Assistant Communication

Study Abroad

There are few life experiences that are truly transformational; studying abroad is one of them. Change your life and your resume by studying abroad. You can choose from more than 25 direct-credit programs in engineering and over 100 other direct-credit programs. Financial aid applies to study abroad during the academic year.

Steps to Study Abroad

Learning Resources

• VUSE Study Abroad info sessions, offered at the start of every Fall and Spring semester
• GEO Study Abroad Open Houses offered in the Fall and Spring semester
• Visit the Global Education Office (GEO)’s web page to  get started  and for  advising .
• Read the  VUSE Study Abroad FAQ
• Start with the eight semester plan for your major outlined in the  Undergraduate Catalog . This is your plan for meeting your degree requirements. Note that your adviser may have a specific format for you to use.
• Include any credits you’ve earned via AP, IB, or at another institution. 
• Try to identify the semester that is the least constrained (e.g., mostly electives of various kinds and no more than one or two core courses); this is likely the best semester for you to study abroad.
• Consult with your academic adviser to confirm that you will meet all degree requirements, prerequisite streams, etc. and that your plan can be scheduled (e.g. no fall only courses planned for a spring term).
• Save this plan where you can easily access it. You will need to know your degree requirements in order to select a program that fits your needs. 

Browse program options here. .

• Now that you have an idea of when and where you will go, revise your curriculum to incorporate your semester abroad. Make sure you will still meet degree requirements.
• See  sample curricula  for different majors and locations.
• Check  YES  to see what courses at your host institution have already been evaluated for credit at VU within the past five years. Click on the “Study Abroad” tab in YES.
• For courses you wish to take that have not been evaluated in the last five years, request evaluation through YES.
• If you’ve received approval for a study abroad program that is not offered through VU,  use the appropriate form for course evaluation .
• For all Vanderbilt programs, complete your application through  GEO .
• Many programs will also require you to complete another application.
• If you are a BME major, go to  BME Study Abroad & International Emphasis  for further instructions.
• If you are a CS major, fill out the  CS Adviser Approval form  , get your academic adviser's signature, and submit completed form to the CS Director of Undergraduate Studies.
• All other majors are to follow the instructions of their Director(s) of Undergraduate Studies
• Watch your VU email closely and be sure to submit all requested items promptly.

VUSE Study Abroad FAQ

Yes! During the 2022/2023 academic year, summer ’23 & Maymester ‘23, 129 Engineering students studied abroad on VU-approved programs.  There are 125 engineering students abroad in Spring 2024. VUSE is committed to helping you experience the world while keeping you on track towards your degree!

Learning in another culture provides unique opportunities and challenges to grow and broaden intellectually, personally, and professionally. College is an ideal time to experience different cultures, gain language skills, and explore your own interests and abilities.

You can study engineering abroad at more than 25 universities in 12 countries/regions. Check out this page to see where you can study abroad and in particular which programs are the best fit for your major.

Most VUSE students study abroad during a semester of their junior year, though you may go abroad any time after the freshman year. There is a very good program specifically for spring of the sophomore year and many popular Maymester and summer programs too. Note that senior design requires all bachelor of engineering students (BME, ChE, CE, CompE, EE, and ME) to be on campus the entire senior year.

VUSE students are not allowed to study abroad in the final year. Computer Science students can request special exemption to this rule. Email [email protected] .

The earlier the better! Since applications are typically due very early in the semester preceding the planned study abroad semester and since you may need to make adjustments to the courses you take now to facilitate study abroad, it is best to start planning about a year in advance. At the same time, it is sometimes possible that last minute planning will still yield a viable study abroad plan.

Courses have to be evaluated for credit towards your degree. Examine the Study Abroad course lists in YES to see what classes at your intended host institution have already been evaluated and how they will count toward your degree. If you are interested in a class that has not already been evaluated, use the “Course Evaluation Request” process linked in YES to get the class evaluated. It is really important that you supply as much detail as possible including the level of the class, its prerequisites, a syllabus, and the amount of time spent in class. Note that the approval process typically requires many weeks. The more complete your course evaluation request, typically the faster the response time is.

Academic credit for Vanderbilt-approved programs (i.e., the ones offered through the VU Global Education Office or GEO) is "direct credit." That is, courses and grades are entered directly on your transcript and factor into your GPA. If you study abroad through another university on a non-Vanderbilt program, "transfer credit" may be awarded for approved courses. These grades do not factor into your GPA.

While there is a wide variety of teaching styles around the world, in general outside the U.S. you can expect that you will have a greater level of responsibility for your learning. You are likely to have fewer formative assessment activities throughout the term contributing to your grades and a corresponding greater emphasis on summative assessments like final exams. While this gives you more flexibility throughout the semester, it does mean that you will need to be self-disciplined and studious in order to succeed in your classes.

There is no language prerequisite for our engineering study abroad programs; classes are taught in English. For those non-engineering programs for which a foreign language is a prerequisite, the requirement is usually four semesters or more of college language study or the equivalent fluency in that language since all coursework, including lectures, papers, and exams, is conducted in the language of the host country.

All participating students must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.7. However, many programs require at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students who study abroad must also have academic, financial, and disciplinary clearance. To participate, students must not be on any sort of probation from the time of application THROUGH the end date of the study abroad program.

Students who have had a lapse of judgment that led to probation any time between the time of application and the end of the proposed study abroad term are not ready to serve as ambassadors of Vanderbilt abroad. Also, host institutions and program providers do not want the risk of taking a student who is or who has recently been on probation. Once you are off probation, you are welcome to submit an application to study abroad.

You will make your own air/ground transportation plans. Some program providers will assist with ground transportation from the airport to the campus. These costs are not included in the program fee.

Housing arrangements for students enrolled in direct-credit study abroad programs vary according to the local provider. Vanderbilt requires students to reside in program-provided housing where available, for issues of program design, safety and security. Most direct-credit programs offer such arrangements, and many offer several options from which to choose. Students enrolled in Vanderbilt-approved programs may seek independent living arrangements only where program-provided housing is unavailable.

We encourage all students to choose the housing options that allow them to interact most intensively with their host societies.

All non-exchange programs feature on-site Resident Directors. Resident Directors help the students in all areas from academic counseling to dealing with culture shock and are available 24 hours a day for students abroad. All exchange programs have international staff available to provide similar support though they might not have someone on call 24/7.

Exchange programs are based on specific agreements between a host institution and VUSE and do not involve a program provider such as CIEE, Butler-IFSA, etc. With exchanges, students at each institution study at the other institution. Students pay tuition at their home institution and then receive a tuition scholarship at the host institution. Instead of paying a program provider to arrange housing, the student works directly with the host institution to arrange housing. Exchange students pay fees other than tuition directly to the host institution.

Visit GEO's “Costs” page for more information and to access a cost calculator that will give you estimates specific to your program(s) of interest. You should take only courses that will transfer back as part of your individual graduation requirements, so no credit is lost. Visit the Global Education Office for more information or speak with your financial aid officer to best understand how to apply your financial aid to study abroad.

Regular financial aid applies to direct credit study abroad programs during the academic year. It does not apply to programs in the summer or to any programs offered outside of GEO. However, there are a number of fellowship programs that can assist with summer study abroad, including the VU Global Summer Fellows program. Click here for info about a variety of funding mechanisms.

DEADLINES: The deadline for most spring semester study abroad programs is generally early September while the deadline for most fall semester study abroad programs is generally late February. Note that some programs have earlier deadlines such as the National University of Singapore; check the GEO website for each program. Note that some programs, like the GA Tech Lorraine program, use a rolling-admissions approach and typically fill up far before their deadline.

REQUIREMENTS: Applications are completed online through the GEO website and may require submission of additional items. Most applications will ask for personal data, essay or short answers, and professor recommendation(s). Some may ask for passport photos and a photocopy of your passport. See Global Education Office website for the application requirements for each program provider.

Application Process: Transfer

Vanderbilt University is always looking to add dynamic, academically motivated students to our residential community – and transfer students are no different. Each fall, approximately 275 transfer students join the Vanderbilt Community, contributing their talents, interests, and experiences. If you are admitted and choose to enroll, you’ll find our community to be diverse, welcoming, and academically enriching as you complete your undergraduate degree. You are strongly encouraged to meet our March 15 priority application deadline .  While we’ll continue to review applications on a rolling basis over the late spring/early summer months, we typically stop accepting new applications by May 1.

If after reviewing the information on this page you still have questions, please  contact your admissions officer . We assign admissions officers based on the high school from which you graduated.

Application Checklist for Transfer Applicants

• All required parts of the Common Application Transfer Application or  Coalition, powered by Scoir transfer application, including the personal essay and short answer
• $50 nonrefundable application fee, or fee waiver for qualified students
• Official high school transcript (must show date of graduation)
• Whether on the college transcript or noted in the application, we must have documentation of spring coursework/schedule for 2024.
• If not enrolled for spring 2024, please note this on your application in order for your transcript to be considered complete.
• Common Application Transfer College Report
• Coalition, powered by Scoir Transfer College Report
• Two academic teacher letters of recommendation (we strongly prefer that at least one letter is from a college professor/instructor)
• Optional for students applying for fall 2024 entry: SAT or ACT scores (SAT code: 1871 / ACT code: 4036)

Additional Requirements

All transfer applicants must complete the application checklist for transfer applicants when applying to Vanderbilt. See the sections below for additional application requirements for each of Vanderbilt's undergraduate schools as well as for international applicants.

Vanderbilt admits transfer applicants to one of our four undergraduate schools: the College of Arts and Science, School of Engineering, Peabody College of Education and Human Development, or Blair School of Music. On your application, you’ll specify to which school you are applying, and for both Peabody College and the Blair School of Music, you will indicate the academic program (you are admitted into a major at both Peabody and Blair).

The largest of our four undergraduate schools, the College of Arts and Science is home to 48 disciplinary and interdisciplinary majors that encompass the humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences. Students seeking a second bachelor’s degree are not eligible to apply to the College of Arts and Science.

There are no additional required items for applicants to the College of Arts and Science.

The Peabody College of Education and Human Development regularly ranks among the top graduate schools of education in the United States. Peabody excels in preparing students for classroom teaching, research, service, and many other fields. If you apply to Peabody College, you must specify your major. Your fit for your intended major and the space we have available in that major will factor heavily into our decision. Students seeking a second bachelor’s degree are not eligible to apply to Peabody College.

There are no additional required items for applicants to Peabody College.

The Vanderbilt University School of Engineering proudly educates students who change the world and make it a better place through technology. While you are not admitted to a specific major in the School of Engineering, a strong background in science and math (specifically college-level courses in Physics, Calculus, and Chemistry) is critical for competitive applicants. The School of Engineering expects admitted transfer students to have completed physics, calculus, and chemistry at the time of admission (or be currently completing). Students seeking a second bachelor’s degree may apply to the School of Engineering, but it is encouraged that you speak with the Engineering Dean’s office to determine your best academic plan – and if a second undergraduate degree is the most appropriate route.

There are no additional required items for applicants to the School of Engineering.

The Blair School of Music offers world-class music training in a strong liberal arts environment. Vanderbilt has the only music school in the top twenty-ranked universities whose music school is solely for undergraduates, and Blair students enjoy a 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 5:1 student-to-practice-room ratio.

All applicants to Blair must complete the Blair School of Music Application in addition to the Coalition Application or the Common Application.

Please visit  blair.vanderbilt.edu/admissions/apply  for all details and latest information regarding application requirements for Blair applicants.

Blair School of Music Application Required Materials:

• One artistic recommendation (with space for an additional, supplemental artistic recommendation)
• Music resume
• Repertoire list
• Prescreening video

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Blair School of Music Application  cannot be accessed until your Common Application, Coalition application (powered by Scoir), or QuestBridge application has been submitted and your MyAppVU portal has been created. Once your portal has been created, you can access the Blair School of Music Application through the “Application Checklist” section.

Vanderbilt values the global perspectives international applicants bring with them to campus.

• International applicants will be prompted to complete an international section of the Common Application
• Applicants whose first language or language of instruction is English are not required to submit English proficiency exam scores.
• Applicants who score above 26 on the ACT English section or above 630 on the SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing section are not required to submit English proficiency exam scores.
• English proficiency exams must be sent from a testing agency or high school official directly.
• English proficiency exams will not be superscored.

All application pieces must be provided in English. Transcripts and recommendation letters not originally in English must be officially translated by the high school or certified translator; applicants may not provide their own translation of materials. An EducationUSA advising office can assist students with translation.

Applicants must submit an official high school transcript, including all high school classes and grades or marks to date.  Submitting only leaving exams will not complete your application.

Note: The University has no need-based aid available for international transfer applicants who are not U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. Transfer admission will not be offered to international applicants requesting financial aid or with demonstrated financial need.

Additional requirements for permanent residents:

• Green cards should be uploaded with your application. Green cards are manually processed by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and may take up to 5 business days to show as complete on your portal.
• Only valid, current green cards will be accepted and will complete the green card requirement on the checklist. 

Additional Information

Admission to Vanderbilt as a transfer student is highly competitive and based on a number of factors, but it all begins with your academic performance. Typically, admitted transfer students have a GPA of a B+/A- or higher, competitive test scores (if submitted), involvement in their current college community, and a compelling reason why Vanderbilt is the right place for them to complete their undergraduate degree. Your application essay is often a good place to help us understand your reasons for transfer and why you feel Vanderbilt can better help you achieve your academic goals. Students from accredited institutions are welcome to apply for transfer admission. Vanderbilt considers you a transfer student if you have completed the equivalent of at least 12 semester hours of credit after completing high school (high school degree or GED). Courses taken as dual-enrollment do not count towards these hours if those credits are being used to graduate from your high school program. Admitted transfer students are required to be enrolled for at least four semesters (60 credit hours) to earn a degree from Vanderbilt University.

Since we are a residential campus community, our admission process gives preference to students who have been able to show full-time engagement and full-time enrollment in a similar campus community at their current institution. All parts of the application (academics, test scores if submitted, extracurricular involvement, essay, recommendation letters etc.) will be considered as we make our decisions. Because you apply to a specific school at Vanderbilt, fit for and available space within a particular school or academic program will also be considered.

Interviews are not offered to transfer applicants, but our office remains available to answer questions you may have about the application process or our campus community and academic opportunities.

Vanderbilt meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, including transfer students. Our admissions process is need-blind for US citizens and eligible non-citizens.  Read more  about the three important commitments we make to admitted students through Opportunity Vanderbilt. Please also note:

• Vanderbilt reserves the right to be need-aware from the waitlist.
• Merit-based financial aid is not available to transfer applicants.
• The University has no need-based aid available for international transfer applicants who are not U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. Transfer admission will not be offered to international applicants requesting financial aid or with demonstrated financial need.

For more information on need-based financial aid, visit the  Office of Student Financial Aid and Undergraduate Scholarships  website.

Academic credit earned at accredited institutions is evaluated on a course-by-course basis. Work transferred to Vanderbilt from another institution will not carry with it a grade point average.

The Office of the University Registrar manages the transfer credit evaluation process. For information and instructions, please see the Transfer Credit Course Review website .

For fall 2023, Vanderbilt plans to provide on-campus housing to all incoming transfer students. Visit the Housing and Residential Experience  site for more information.

Applicants who wish to take advantage of veterans benefits at Vanderbilt University should visit  registrar.vanderbilt.edu/va/  or  www.gibill.va.gov .

Vanderbilt University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program. Learn more .

The application requirements for Veterans and Active Military are the same as for other transfer students. See the "Application Checklist" above for details of what is required. Once admitted, students are required to file additional paperwork in order to receive veteran benefits.

Admitted transfer students should visit the Transfer Orientation website for the most pertinent resources regarding dates and deadlines, orientation, and much more.

Accelerator Admissions

Program highlights, accelerator summer business immersion | june 2-22, 2024.

Accelerator® Summer Business Immersion is a certificate program that equips students with business knowledge, hands-on experience through a real client project, and career preparation. This program is designed for current undergraduate students and recent graduates. Students from all institutions and majors are welcome to apply. We always look to foster a diverse and inclusive environment.

• We look for students with a strong record of achievement, a thirst for knowledge and the ability to bring energy and a positive attitude to this intense program.
• Current freshman and sophomores make exceptional candidates and use this opportunity to launch their careers.

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA

Applicants must have completed at least one year of college studies and be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student. Additionally, recent college graduates up to 2 years out of school will be considered for admission. Applicants must also be in good academic standing.

Ideal candidates will be collaborative in their work style and have a strong desire to improve their communication, professional presence, as well as consultation and marketing skills.

Attn: Vanderbilt University Students

As a current Vanderbilt student, you’re eligible to take advantage of Accelerator® Summer Business Immersion to help meet your Immersion Vanderbilt Experience requirement. Contact us  to learn more.

How to Apply

You are about to take the first step toward enhancing your professional potential, expanding your career possibilities, and discovering a new community of bright people from all over the world.

Application Requirements

A complete Accelerator application includes the following:

• Completed Online Application
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts
• Statement of Purpose
• Video Question Response

If you have any questions about the admissions process, please contact us .

WANT TO TALK ONE-ON-ONE?

Tuition, loans & scholarships.

With Accelerator, you will walk away with practical learning, real-world experience, and a new network of recruiters, business faculty, MBA students, and business executives. This is an investment worth making.

Tuition: Summer 2024

Program cost: $7,800.

• Program supplies and course materials
• All meals and snacks throughout the program
• Activities and excursions

Housing cost (optional): Approx. $1,100

• Lodging in preferred Vanderbilt residence hall. Students who already have housing arrangements in Nashville will have the option of living off-campus at their own expense.

Early Bird Discount, Deposit, and Final Payment

An early bird discount of $500 will be applied to admitted students in the early deadline. Please note this discount is applied to the final balance and not the deposit.

A non-refundable $1,000 deposit is required to secure and confirm your enrollment into the program. It is due on the respective deposit deadline for the round that you applied.

Final payment and balance is due in full by May 1.

*Tuition and housing costs are subject to change. Additional expenses may include your travel to/from Nashville for the program and dry cleaning/laundry service.

Vanderbilt University provides a resource, FASTChoice , to help students and families find loans for non-degree programs such as Accelerator.  FASTChoice is a tool for comparing private loan lenders through which our students have borrowed during the past three award years. 

The lenders are listed in random order, and the information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge.  Before viewing the private lender list, you will be prompted to complete the Borrowing Essentials section, an interactive overview of basic borrowing information to help you make the best decision.  If you return to the private lender list at a later time, then you can choose to opt out of viewing the Borrowing Essentials section again.

Scholarships

Limited scholarship awards are available. Applicants who demonstrate exceptional potential in their application and financial need will be considered.

Application Deadlines

Our application closes after the last deadline. Applications for summer 2024 will open on August 16. If you have questions about our program or the application process, please contact us.

Typically, decisions are released within 2 weeks of application submission. Applications are accepted and reviewed after the Round 4 deadline on a rolling basis if seats remain.

*$500 early bird discount

Accelerator Class Profile For Summer 2023

• 53 Class Size
• 6% Recent Graduates
• 23% Rising Seniors
• 45% Rising Juniors
• 26% Rising Sophomores

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Are you curious about what it’s like to be an Accelerator student a Vanderbilt? Want to know more about our client projects, team experiences, living in Nashville, or the culture? We encourage you to reach out to our Accelerator Ambassadors and learn how Accelerator is life-changing.

CONTACT OUR ACCELERATOR AMBASSADORS

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• ACCELERATOR TEAM

Program Information

Absolutely. Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university. During the application process, please request the accommodations needed, and we will work with you to meet your requests and ensure that your experience is rewarding.

Absolutely. Accelerator welcomes international students from all majors.

Definitely. Accelerator is open to students from colleges and universities around the country and the world. Student majors range from arts & sciences, music and engineering to economics and business.

Dress is business casual during classes and meetings, but business professional clothing, as well as casual, comfortable clothing, will be required on occasion. You will be given a list of necessary items prior to arrival.

Accelerator is designed to be a small, selective program allowing participants, faculty and business leaders to have multiple opportunities to interact with one another. Because of this personal involvement, the total enrollment for each Accelerator class will be kept between 60-80 students from diverse educational backgrounds, areas of interest and achievements. The mix of students ranges from rising sophomores to recent graduates up to two years out of school.

While Accelerator will help develop some of the business skills you will need in an MBA program, the admissions processes are completely unrelated. Accelerator provides you the opportunity to form relationships with Vanderbilt MBA professors should you decide at a later time to apply to the Owen Graduate School of Management.

The program operates six days a week over the span of three weeks. A day typically starts with classes that will be directly correlated to an upcoming or existing project. A typical afternoon/evening will have students participating in project launches or breakout sessions with teammates to work as consultants for the participating companies. Students will ultimately present their strategic business recommendations to top executives from the participating companies at the conclusion of a project. Additional activities include networking opportunities and guest speakers.

Accelerator is an intensive 3-week business boot camp for undergraduates and recent grads from all majors who are looking to gain insight into the intricacies of the business world through 40 hours of business classes and 150 hours of consulting for leading companies. In three weeks, you will help resolve real-life issues in marketing, logistics, finance, operations, and branding.

Accelerator offers participants the unique opportunity to build critical business skills that cannot be learned in a typical summer internship and you'll receive career coaching and leadership development to help you grow personally and professionally. During the program, you will utilize "grab it and go" business learning by applying what you learn in the classroom to solve real problems for a variety of companies. Upon completing the program, you will emerge with an understanding of different career paths, business knowledge, a professional network, and the confidence to enter the business world.

The Accelerator program will be held during the summer. The program operates six days a week over the span of 3-weeks. Accelerator is held in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management.

Admissions Information

No. GMAT scores are not required for admission to Accelerator.

Yes! Students from all majors (English, music, engineering, art, history, sciences, etc.) are encouraged to apply to the program.

You may submit an unofficial transcript with your application package initially. Please request that your school send an official transcript to this address:  Owen Graduate School of Management  Vanderbilt University  Accelerator—Vanderbilt Summer Business Institute  401 21st Avenue South  Nashville, Tennessee 37203

No. We do not offer hard copies of the application. You must complete our online application.

Applicants must have completed at least one year of college studies. Additionally, recent college graduates up to two years out of school will be considered for admission. Accelerator looks for students with a strong record of achievement, a thirst for knowledge and the ability to bring energy and a positive attitude to this intense program. See our Class Profile for more information.

No. Your academic track record, your essay, your short video, and your references will be sufficient for our Admissions Committee.

Complete and submit an online application .

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• Celebrating Vanderbilt’s inspiring achievements during Sesquicentennial year

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Latest Stories

• VUMC to partially close two lanes of traffic on 21st Avenue South
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May 23, 2024, 12:30 PM

By all measures, Vanderbilt University pushed to the forefront this academic year as an innovator and leader in solving the world’s most pressing challenges.

A few examples of the multiple ways that Vanderbilt dared to grow are the launch of Dialogue Vanderbilt , the beginning of work to establish a new interdisciplinary college to advance discovery in computer science, and the breaking down of barriers to college affordability with expansion of the university’s no-loan financial aid.

In addition, generations of Commodores got a glimpse of Vanderbilt’s promising future with Dare to Grow events across the country.

With this year’s Commencement now in the books — 4,323 undergraduate and graduate and professional students received diplomas—take a moment to celebrate the university’s extraordinary accomplishments this academic year as one of the nation’s elite research institutions.

New deans welcomed

The 2023–24 academic year brought fresh leadership and growth opportunities to five of Vanderbilt’s schools and colleges, with dean appointments for Tim McNamara in the College of Arts and Science, Yolanda Pierce at the Divinity School, Melissa Rose at Blair School of Music, Krish Roy at the School of Engineering, and Tom Steenburgh at Owen Graduate School of Management. The deanships of McNamara and Rose continue their many years of leadership and service to Vanderbilt.

Discovery Vanderbilt sends Vanderbilt research soaring

The university’s landmark investment in Discovery Vanderbilt is bringing impressive returns in just a few years with the launch of state-of-the-art centers and institutes.

• Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research , which conducts “frontier research” to understand how the brain controls behavior and illuminate how it changes with addiction.
• Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery , which aims to translate advances in basic science to new treatments by “de-risking” innovative approaches for the treatment of serious brain disorders.
• Vanderbilt Center for Research on Inequality and Health , which studies the health impact of economic and social inequality, population health science, LGBTQ+ health policy and gun violence.
• Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator for Political Economy and Regulation , which works to extend Vanderbilt’s strengths in public policy and solve complex public policy challenges.

• Vanderbilt Institute for National Defense and Global Security , to be led by retired Army Gen. Paul M. Nakasone, a keynote speaker at the 2023 Vanderbilt Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats .

College of Connected Computing to welcome its first students in fall 2026 Vanderbilt is working to establish a new interdisciplinary college dedicated to computer science, AI, data science and related fields that impact nearly every aspect of life today. The College of Connected Computing will assist in preparing future students with the skillsets they need to pursue careers in technological fields while bringing together cutting-edge computing-based scholarship from across campus.

A faculty-led Connected Computing Task Force chaired by Krish Roy, Bruce and Bridgitt Evans Dean of Engineering is working to identify key characteristics for the college and inform the inaugural dean search. This marks Vanderbilt’s first new college since Blair School of Music merged with the university in 1981.

Quantum Potential, marquee video series, debuts

An award-winning video project hosted by Radiolab founder and Vanderbilt faculty member Jad Abumrad offers a behind-the-scenes peek at the Vanderbilt scholars, scientists and students whose discoveries are ultimately life-changing.

One of the videos, “ AI Unearths Untold Stories: Slave Societies Digital Archive ,” won three awards at the 2024 Association of Research Libraries Film Festival . It highlights the groundbreaking work of Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor of History Jane Landers and Daniel Genkins, digital library architect and curator of the Slave Societies Digital Archive , using artificial intelligence and computer science techniques to scan through thousands of historical documents to assemble the world’s largest collection of records documenting the history of Africans and their descendants across the Atlantic World.

Read Abumrad’s Q&A with Vanderbilt Magazine about the meaning of Quantum Potential .

Opportunity Vanderbilt, the university’s pioneering no-loan program, expands

This year the university committed to offering full-tuition scholarships to admitted students of families whose annual income is $150,000 or less. Scholarships for these same families typically include funds to support housing, food, travel and other college expenses. And many families with incomes above $150,000 still qualify for financial aid.

Opportunity Vanderbilt has helped boost student diversity, academic excellence and alumni giving. Approximately 54 percent of Opportunity Vanderbilt donors are alumni, and 65 percent of undergraduate students in 2023 – 24 received some form of financial assistance.

The Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center opens this fall

Vanderbilt will be the new home for a world-class education, outreach and research opportunity focused on primary school children with dyslexia, thanks to an unprecedented gift from Hal and Marjorie Hollis Roberts of Lakeland, Florida.

In September 2023, Chancellor Daniel Diermeier joined members of the Roberts family for the announcement and ceremonial tree-planting, “symbolizing the power and beauty of growth,” Diermeier said, “… most important, the growth of the children whose lives will be so profoundly shaped by the work we officially begin here today.”

The Robertses’ contribution to Dare to Grow , Vanderbilt University’s $3.2 billion campaign, will help transform the lives of children in Middle Tennessee and around the world who face incredible challenges from a language-based learning disability. The Roberts family cited Peabody College’s outstanding reputation and research for their decision to donate to Vanderbilt.

Impact Symposium celebrates 60th anniversary

Since its beginning in 1964, Vanderbilt University’s Impact Symposium has been managed by the student-run Vanderbilt Programming Board , with a goal of bringing leaders and intellectuals to campus to encourage discussion on issues impacting the world.

Speakers through the years have included the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., William F. Buckley, Robert F. Kennedy, Timothy Leary and many others. The 60th annual symposium in March 2024 featured Anderson Cooper and Ziwe Fumudoh. Cooper is the great-great-great-grandson of university founder Cornelius Vanderbilt, a CNN anchor and a correspondent for 60 Minutes on CBS. Fumudoh is a comedian, writer and satirist best known for her commentary on politics, race relations and young adulthood.

Mark Byington named head coach for Vanderbilt men’s basketball

Mark Byington, who joined Vanderbilt in late March, has a passion for helping student-athletes thrive and a demonstrated record of winning games.

Last season he led James Madison University to the NCAA tournament, the AP Top 25 Poll, and its most successful four-season stretch in more than 30 years. In announcing the new hire, Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletic Director Candice Storey Lee described Byington’s competitiveness, intensity and love for the game.

Sydney M. Savion named vice chancellor for people, culture and belonging

In the new role of vice chancellor for people, culture and belonging, Sydney Savion will help Vanderbilt staff reach their full potential and gain a greater sense of purpose and belonging in their work.

With more than 20 years of experience in executive leadership roles, Savion is charged with shaping best practices related to leadership and employee development, culture and belonging, compensation and benefits, health and wellness, equal access, policy guidance and university strategy. She retired as a commissioned officer from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years of reserve and active service and most recently worked at Google.

Dialogue Vanderbilt launched to foster civil discourse

Teaching students and the broader community the importance of knowing how to constructively discuss challenging topics is among the goals for Dialogue Vanderbilt .

During this sharply divided time among citizens concerning political candidates and societal issues, Dialogue Vanderbilt takes on the vital task of working to restore civil discourse. The initiative also provides a platform for research on how to strengthen free speech globally and develop practical, evidence-based solutions for addressing polarization.

Dialogue Vanderbilt, through the Unity Project  and The Future of Free Speech and Open Dialogue Visiting Fellows programs, hosted the Symposium on AI, Free Speech and Human Rights , with guests ranging from Liz Cheney and Bret Stephens to Don Abram and Oksana Markarova , and elevated research on topics ranging from unity and democracy to AI and free speech .

Vanderbilt traditions

Of course, the academic year was enhanced with many annual Vanderbilt traditions, such as Welcome Week , Founders Walk , Family Weekend and Reunion , with more than 3,500 alumni and their guests celebrating the university’s Sesquicentennial .

More than $42.7 million was raised in conjunction with Reunion to support Vanderbilt and contribute to the university’s historic $3.2 billion Dare to Grow campaign.

These highlights of Vanderbilt’s 2023–24 academic year spark excitement for the university’s future, and preparations for next year’s goals are already underway—including welcoming the fantastic Class of 2028.

Keep Reading

Daring to Grow: The stories that shaped Vanderbilt in 2023

Dialogue Vanderbilt marks first academic year in action

Vanderbilt to establish a college dedicated to computing, AI and data science

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• Education Technologies
• External Story
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• The Vanderbilt Story
• Trans-institutional Programs
• Undergraduate Residential Experience
• Center for Research on Inequality and Health
• College of Connected Computing
• dare to grow
• Dialogue Vanderbilt
• Discovery Vanderbilt
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• Mark Byington
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FutureVU: Sustainability

Vanderbilt and Civic Design Center’s impact on Nashville’s urban evolution

Posted by hamiltcl on Friday, May 24, 2024 in News .

For over 24 years, the  Civic Design Center  has stood as a beacon for community-driven urban planning projects and programs. Based in downtown Nashville, this nonprofit organization draws expertise from diverse professional and academic sources, including Vanderbilt University, to engage community members in the envisioning and shaping of the city. Since its formation in 2000, the Civic Design Center has maintained a strong bond with Vanderbilt.

Originating from grassroots opposition to a highway project in the 1990s, the Center emerged not just as an advocacy group but as a symbol of what collective vision can achieve. Former Nashville mayor and current adjunct faculty member  Bill Purcell  envisioned a civic design center that would form a new narrative in urban planning, with a mission to bring design-focused change that would endure for generations.

To shepherd the budding organization toward its goals, Vanderbilt University loaned  James Sandlin  to serve as the first executive director. Sandlin worked alongside the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Mark Schimmenti, who took on the role of the first design director. These early leaders exemplified the Center’s emphasis on collaborating with higher education institutions.

In 2004, the research of the advocacy group culminated in the publication of  The Plan of Nashville: Avenues to a Great City , a comprehensive strategy for the urban future of Nashville, published by Vanderbilt University Press.

“Vanderbilt has been one of our strategic partners since the very beginning of the Civic Design Center’s history,” shares Gary Gaston, MED’17, Civic Design Center CEO. “The breadth at which we collaborate across university departments is a model of academic and nonprofit collaboration.”

“The impact of our combined efforts has significant positive ripple effects on the quality of life for Nashvillians of all ages. Our mentees, interns and fellows from Vanderbilt have each left their mark on the city and we know they continue to do great things as they move forward in life,” Gaston says.

A Vanderbilt alumnus, Gaston earned a master’s degree in community development and action from Peabody College of education and human development.

The long-standing partnership has continued through the contributions of Vanderbilt faculty and staff serving on the Center’s board of directors, including current board member  Eric Kopstain , vice chancellor for administration.

This collaboration extends beyond administrative ties, enriching both students and the community. Vanderbilt students serving as interns and research fellows find themselves immersed in real-world projects with tangible impacts, enhancing their academic journeys and preparing them for future leadership roles in civic engagement.

“So many of our students have had opportunities to learn through involvement with the Civic Design Center while we work toward shared goals of more civic participation and more sustainable and equitable urban development,” adds Peabody College professor of human and organizational development and director of graduate studies  Brian Christens .

Among the notable initiatives facilitated by this partnership are the  Design Your Neighborhood  and  Nashville Youth Design Team  programs, empowering local youth to actively shape their city’s future through education, research and advocacy. Katy Morgan, PhD‘22, and current doctoral students Kayla Anderson and Megan McCormick have been instrumental in creating and developing these initiatives.

Civic Design Center Education Director Melody Gibson partnered with Morgan, Anderson and McCormick, along with Professor Brian Christens, and the Vanderbilt Institute of Visual Research’s  Natalie Robbins  and  Stacy Curry-Johnson  on a  recent study  that examined the influence of the built environment on youth well-being. The Nashville Youth Design Team conducted a Youth Wellness survey among middle and high school students across Davidson County. The survey data served as the basis for a  spatial analysis  that provided insights into how various environmental factors influence youth well-being in Nashville.

According to Gibson, “The Civic Design Center has been able to use the research capacity from the Peabody graduate students and implement it into our daily programming, which has allowed our community engagement to be continually grounded in research and community empowerment over the years.”

The Civic Design Center’s influence also extends to the School of Engineering. Professor  Lori Troxel ’s engineering students have collaborated with the Center on innovative civil engineering solutions to encourage sustainable and community-focused urban development projects including urban parks, affordable housing opportunities and revitalizing underutilized city road connections.

In 2012,  Joe Bandy ’s sociology class, Environmental Inequality and Justice, collaborated with the Center on a study of various Nashville neighborhoods and their environmental health factors. This community-based research informed the Center’s publication,  Shaping the Healthy Community: The Nashville Plan , released in 2016.

These examples are just a small window into the decades of partnership between Vanderbilt and the Civic Design Center. This collaborative alliance has been instrumental in connecting the university to the Nashville community in a period of significant growth and change in the city, championing urban design solutions that facilitate both continual learning and civic engagement.

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40 Facts About Elektrostal

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 21 May 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy , materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes , offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

Elektrostal's fascinating history, vibrant culture, and promising future make it a city worth exploring. For more captivating facts about cities around the world, discover the unique characteristics that define each city . Uncover the hidden gems of Moscow Oblast through our in-depth look at Kolomna. Lastly, dive into the rich industrial heritage of Teesside, a thriving industrial center with its own story to tell.

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