Vanderbilt University is an institution geared towards challenging its students academically in order to ensure a successful future. However, there are resources such as 24-hour tutoring and extensive office hours to help with the rigorous work. With talented professors, stellar academic and research opportunities and an environment that fosters personal growth (not to mention spectacular food), there's a reason that Vanderbilt University students were rated the happiest in the nation.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
If you're looking to get into Vandy, keep in mind that you need not only top grades but also meaningful (quality over quantity, unless the quantity is too small) community service and extracurricular experience. Show them that you care deeply about things unrelated to your GPA or class rank as well.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Top notch academics and the rigor to go with them. When people say the first semester is the most difficult, they are not kidding. Adjusting to the rigor of the classes here means studying steadily- no cramming- and maybe even a bit of *gulp* tutoring. All is well, there are many resources on campus the help you along in your classes to certify that your GPA does not tank.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
All the freshman live on a part of campus called the Commons in 10 different houses. About half of the houses are older but renovated and the other half were newly built in 2007. By living with other freshmen exclusively, it creates a sense of community where everyone is pretty much going through the same struggles. The houses compete all year to win the Common's Cup- a tradition that builds further community within respective houses.
PSA: North house rocks
Describe the food and dining at your college.
There are two main dining halls on campus- one on the Commons and another on main campus called Rand. Both offer a variety of foods daily from Korean beef short-rib to pasta fagioli to chicken quesadillas. The larger dorms, such as Branscomb and Kissam, also offer cafeterias in their interiors open to all students. The Taste of Nashville program provides students with money each semester to dine at a variety of restaurants within walking distance from campus.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Although Nashville is considered the home of country music, there is much more to offer than a Brad Paisley concert. Many artists like J. Cole come through Nashville monthly either on tours or other work in music city. There is also a live theater near campus that holds musicals and even a symphony- all at a discounted price for students. Many restaurants are within walking distance of campus and downtown Nashville is but a 10 minute bus ride away. On campus, clubs and organizations host a number of different activities for students to participate in from cultural showcases to acapella performances to live bands. Have I mentioned that the Melodores, the first collegiate group to ever win the Sing Off, are Vandy students?
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The Vanderbilt campus is a natural arboretum, which means there are a variety of animals on campus. For one, the squirrel population outnumbers that of student by a 3:1 ratio. On a rainy evening, try walking around the Commons dining hall and don't be surprised when a cute, fluffy bunny dashes across your path.
For finals, Vanderbilt offers a variety of activities to help students de-stress. One of these is a De-Stress Fest where massages, manicures, pedicures and food are provided for students to take the edge of finals week.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Students who want to work and play hard
Students interested in study abroad and diversity studies
Future educators, engineers and prospects in the medical field
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
While Vanderbilt does have a very fast response system and good security, it is an open campus located in a large city; therefore, there are security issues that will occur occasionally.
Vanderbilt University is an institution geared towards challenging its students academically in order to ensure a successful future. However, there are resources such as 24-hour tutoring and extensive office hours to help with the rigorous work. With talented professors, stellar academic and research opportunities and an environment that fosters personal growth (not to mention spectacular food), there's a reason that Vanderbilt University students were rated the happiest in the nation.
If you're looking to get into Vandy, keep in mind that you need not only top grades but also meaningful (quality over quantity, unless the quantity is too small) community service and extracurricular experience. Show them that you care deeply about things unrelated to your GPA or class rank as well.
Top notch academics and the rigor to go with them. When people say the first semester is the most difficult, they are not kidding. Adjusting to the rigor of the classes here means studying steadily- no cramming- and maybe even a bit of *gulp* tutoring. All is well, there are many resources on campus the help you along in your classes to certify that your GPA does not tank.
All the freshman live on a part of campus called the Commons in 10 different houses. About half of the houses are older but renovated and the other half were newly built in 2007. By living with other freshmen exclusively, it creates a sense of community where everyone is pretty much going through the same struggles. The houses compete all year to win the Common's Cup- a tradition that builds further community within respective houses. PSA: North house rocks
There are two main dining halls on campus- one on the Commons and another on main campus called Rand. Both offer a variety of foods daily from Korean beef short-rib to pasta fagioli to chicken quesadillas. The larger dorms, such as Branscomb and Kissam, also offer cafeterias in their interiors open to all students. The Taste of Nashville program provides students with money each semester to dine at a variety of restaurants within walking distance from campus.
Although Nashville is considered the home of country music, there is much more to offer than a Brad Paisley concert. Many artists like J. Cole come through Nashville monthly either on tours or other work in music city. There is also a live theater near campus that holds musicals and even a symphony- all at a discounted price for students. Many restaurants are within walking distance of campus and downtown Nashville is but a 10 minute bus ride away. On campus, clubs and organizations host a number of different activities for students to participate in from cultural showcases to acapella performances to live bands. Have I mentioned that the Melodores, the first collegiate group to ever win the Sing Off, are Vandy students?
The Vanderbilt campus is a natural arboretum, which means there are a variety of animals on campus. For one, the squirrel population outnumbers that of student by a 3:1 ratio. On a rainy evening, try walking around the Commons dining hall and don't be surprised when a cute, fluffy bunny dashes across your path. For finals, Vanderbilt offers a variety of activities to help students de-stress. One of these is a De-Stress Fest where massages, manicures, pedicures and food are provided for students to take the edge of finals week.
Students who want to work and play hard Students interested in study abroad and diversity studies Future educators, engineers and prospects in the medical field
While Vanderbilt does have a very fast response system and good security, it is an open campus located in a large city; therefore, there are security issues that will occur occasionally.