Whether you’re captivated by its renowned research facilities, collaborative atmosphere, or dedication to community, Vanderbilt is a school that attracts people from all walks of life. Top-performing students in all fields come to Vanderbilt to pursue their passions. As one of the top schools in the nation, Admissions Officers at Vanderbilt look for students who would add to the campus’ vibrant community and emerge from their studies as industry leaders. Every aspect of a student’s application needs to be optimized. To help students stand out in the admissions process, here’s InGenius Prep’s guide to answering the Vanderbilt supplemental essays 2024-2025.
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Vanderbilt Supplemental Essays 2024-2025
Short Answer Question (approximately 250 words)
Vanderbilt University’s motto, Crescere aude, is Latin for “dare to grow.” In your response, reflect on how one or more aspects of your identity, culture, or background has played a role in your personal growth, and how it will contribute to our campus community as you dare to grow at Vanderbilt.
This is a new supplemental essay prompt for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle. This prompt is also Vanderbilt’s take on the “community/background” essay question that many schools ask to get a sense of a student’s history and personality.
For this question, Admissions Officers at Vanderbilt want to know the aspects that make you a unique candidate. Think about an aspect of yourself, your background, or your identity that has shaped your perspectives. What have you experienced throughout your schooling that has made you the student you are today? Consider how those traits will contribute to the community at Vanderbilt. Whether it’s through bringing your unique perspective to the table or by supporting those around you with their endeavors, think about what it is about you that will improve Vanderbilt.
To show your appreciation and commitment to the school, be sure to mention how you will leverage resources at Vanderbilt to continue your journey of personal growth. Research the opportunities that Vanderbilt offers and use them as examples of why Vanderbilt is the perfect school for you.
When writing, be sure to make your response unique to Vanderbilt. One of the biggest pitfalls for students is using the same responses for multiple schools. Admissions Officers easily notice when essays are recycled from other schools or prompts, and that will greatly diminish your chances of acceptance. Although this prompt is Vanderbilt’s take on an existing concept, don’t make broad generalizations about the school. For a university of this level, Admissions Officers are looking for real specifics. Delve deep into the aspects of Vanderbilt, its community, and your personality that you believe all align and make that the cornerstone of your essay response.
Additional Tips for Writing the Vanderbilt Supplemental Essays 2024-2025
Now that you’ve taken a look at the prompt for the Vanderbilt supplemental essays, here are a few tips to help your brainstorming process:
- Think about your leadership roles and commitments: When brainstorming your responses, you have to be strategic. What you reflect on should not only be unique but also exemplify your commitment and biggest assets. If you were a general member of a really unusual club for half a year, it’s not the best selection if you didn’t do much. Vanderbilt looks for community leaders who are dedicated to their field. Write about an extracurricular where you’ve been involved for an admirable period of time and taken initiative. Just saying you were a leader isn’t enough either—show your leadership through anecdotes and tangible achievements in your essay.
- Be wary of your other essays: Since you’re reflecting on your background, you should ideally capitalize on the short space provided to describe your growth as a student. That being said, your Vanderbilt supplemental essay for 2024-2025 is your chance to expand upon—instead of repeating—what you’ve written earlier in the Common Application. Admissions Officers expect each component of your application to convey new information about you. Mentioning the same things you’ve touched upon elsewhere in the Common App is not strategic. Read back on what you’ve written in your personal statement before you write the essay so that you can make sure that all of the information you’ve provided is new.
Your supplemental essays are a chance to give Admissions Officers insight into your personality. They will only select those they know will add to the community at Vanderbilt and be a positive influence on the institution. To stand out with your supplemental essays, research Vanderbilt’s values, goals, and the programs it offers, and use your supplemental essays to set yourself up as the best candidate for admission.
For more information on supplemental essays and college application counseling, InGenius Prep’s Former Admissions Officers are here to help! We’ve coached thousands of students toward acceptance at the top U.S. schools. Whether it’s Vanderbilt, Berkeley, or Princeton, we can help you enhance your application and give you the best chance of admission into your dream school. Book a free strategy call today and become one of the 6,000 students we’ve coached into the top U.S. schools.
