Vanderbilt Admissions 2024-2025
Vanderbilt University recently released their Common Data Set for 2024-2025, offering valuable insights into what it takes to be admitted to this highly selective institution. Let's examine the data to understand who gets into Vanderbilt and what factors matter most in their admissions process.
Vanderbilt's Extreme Selectivity
Vanderbilt's admission statistics demonstrate its position among America's most competitive universities:
Total applicants: 45,409
Admitted students: 2,662
Enrolled students: 1,630
Acceptance rate: 5.9%
Yield rate: 61.2% (percentage of admitted students who chose to enroll)
With fewer than 6 out of every 100 applicants receiving an offer, Vanderbilt continues to be among the nation's most selective universities.
Academic Profile of Admitted Students
The academic credentials of Vanderbilt's Class of 2029 are exceptional:
Test Scores
SAT Composite (middle 50%): 1510-1560
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 730-770
SAT Math: 770-800 (note the 75th percentile approaches the maximum score)
ACT Composite: 34-35
ACT English: 35-36
ACT Math: 32-35
ACT Reading: 34-36
ACT Science: 33-36
Only 27.4% of enrolled students submitted SAT scores and 24.6% submitted ACT scores, as Vanderbilt maintained a test-optional policy for this admissions cycle.
GPA and Class Rank
Average high school GPA: 3.89
35.9% had a perfect 4.0 GPA
53.1% had GPAs between 3.75-3.99
90% were in the top tenth of their high school class
94% were in the top quarter of their class
99% were in the top half of their class
These statistics demonstrate that virtually all Vanderbilt admits are at or near the top of their high school classes academically.
Early Decision Advantage
Vanderbilt offers two rounds of binding Early Decision:
Total ED applications: 5,363
ED admitted students: 825
ED acceptance rate: 15.4% (compared to 5.9% overall)
This significant difference highlights the strategic advantage of applying Early Decision for students who are certain Vanderbilt is their first choice.
Interesting Demographic Information
Vanderbilt's first-year class shows considerable diversity:
International students: 11.2%
Hispanic/Latino: 11.4%
Black or African American: 9.2%
White: 39.0%
Asian: 18.5%
Two or more races: 5.7%
American Indian/Alaska Native: Less than 1%
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: Less than 1%
Unknown: 4.4%
What Matters Most in Vanderbilt Admissions
The Common Data Set reveals exactly how Vanderbilt ranks different admission factors:
"Very Important" Factors
Rigor of secondary school record
Class rank
Academic GPA
Application essay
Extracurricular activities
Character/personal qualities
"Important" Factors
Standardized test scores
Recommendation(s)
Talent/ability
"Considered" Factors
Interview
First generation status
Alumni/ae relation
Geographical residence
State residency
Volunteer work
Work experience
"Not Considered" Factors
Level of applicant's interest
Religious affiliation/commitment
What These Ratings Mean for Applicants
Vanderbilt's factor ratings reveal their holistic approach to admissions:
Academics are fundamental: The rigor of your curriculum, class rank, and GPA are all "very important" - you need to challenge yourself with the most demanding courses available and excel in them.
Essays matter tremendously: Rated as "very important," suggesting that Vanderbilt values your ability to communicate your story effectively.
Character and personal qualities are crucial: This underscores Vanderbilt's interest in who you are beyond your academic achievements.
Extracurricular distinction matters: Being rated as "very important" suggests that Vanderbilt values significant achievement or contribution in your activities, not just participation.
Test scores are "important" but not "very important": Even though admitted students have outstanding scores, Vanderbilt rates standardized tests as less critical than your academic record, essays, and personal qualities.
Notable Observations
Several other details from the Common Data Set stand out:
Retention rate: 96% of first-year students return for their sophomore year, indicating extremely high student satisfaction.
Six-year graduation rate: 93.5%, showing that once admitted, the vast majority of students successfully complete their degrees.
Transfer admission: 3,202 transfer applications resulted in 698 admissions (21.8% acceptance rate) with 359 enrollments, providing an alternative path for some students.
Application fee: $50, which can be waived for students with financial need.
Deferred admission: Students can postpone enrollment for up to 2 years if admitted.
What This Means for Future Applicants
For students aspiring to Vanderbilt, these numbers highlight the importance of:
Academic excellence: Taking the most challenging courses available and excelling in them.
Authentic engagement: Developing genuine interests and making meaningful contributions through extracurricular activities.
Character development: Demonstrating positive personal qualities through your actions and impact.
Powerful writing: Crafting essays that reveal your authentic voice and perspective.
Strategic application timing: Considering Early Decision if Vanderbilt is your clear first choice, given the significant statistical advantage.
Remember that while these statistics provide insight into Vanderbilt's admissions process, they don't tell the full story of what makes a successful applicant. Vanderbilt seeks students who will contribute to their community in diverse and meaningful ways, not just those with perfect numbers.
Need help applying to Vanderbilt for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle? Contact Cosmic College Consulting for expert guidance through this highly competitive process.
