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Follow along to learn when you can expect your Vanderbilt decision.
Vanderbilt University is one of the most prolific schools in the Southeast and is ranked No. 14 in Best National Universities. If you’ve applied or are considering applying, you’re probably wondering when Vanderbilt decisions come out.
If you’re ready to explore Vanderbilt’s gorgeous campus, this guide will cover when Vanderbilt decisions come out, what you need to know about each application timeline, and more.
Founded in 1873, Vanderbilt University is a prestigious private research school dedicated to academic excellence and collaboration. This is Vanderbilt’s mission statement:
“Our mission lies in the quest to bring out the best in humanity—pushing new ideas into the frontiers of discovery, challenging the limits of what’s possible and working diligently in the service of others.”
Vanderbilt’s mission shows it’s committed to nurturing each student’s curiosities, critical thinking skills, compassion, and community spirit.
Three main pillars summarize Vanderbilt's unique culture:
Vanderbilt has four undergraduate schools, although many students study across disciplines to “feed their passions and inspire new ways to address issues and impact the world.” The schools are:
Undergraduate research is another hallmark of the Vanderbilt experience. For example, these are some recent student research projects from the School of Engineering:
If you have an inquisitive mind and long to be a part of a tight-knit college culture, Vanderbilt may be an excellent addition to your school list. If you're interested in Vanderbilt but you haven't applied yet, take a look at our complete guide on how to improve your application.
So, when do Vanderbilt decisions come out? The answer depends on when you apply. There are three decision plans for first-year applicants: Decision I, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision. While Vanderbilt hasn't supplied concrete dates for the 2022/2023 cycle, this is what we know so far.
This is the first round of Early Decision. Dates to be aware of include:
The second round of Early Decision gives applicants more time to submit their applications:
Regular Decision follows the same timeline as Early Decision II, except you will receive your admissions decision later:
Transfer applicants must all follow the same application timeline:
These programs come with pros and cons: the best program for you depends on your wants and needs.
Although many Vanderbilt applicants will choose to apply through RD, ED I has its benefits and cons.
Source: Vanderbilt
ED I is best for students who know that Vanderbilt is their first-choice college, can start their application early and submit it on time, and who are comfortable with Vanderbilt's financial aid package.
ED II is similar to ED I but is pretty unique as far as Early Decision programs go.
ED II is unique because you’ll submit your applications in the same timeframe as RD applicants, but you’ll receive your admissions decision sooner. This program is also binding, meaning you must accept your offer if you’re accepted: you can’t choose another school.
Most applicants choose the Regular Decision pathway. Regular Decision pros and cons include:
If you’re not confident that Vanderbilt is your first choice, Regular Decision is a better option for you. This pathway is best for students who want to keep their options open.
Transfer applicants don’t have much choice: there’s only one application timeline. As such, the same pros and cons won’t apply. Transferring to Vanderbilt University is right for you’re currently enrolled in a college and know that Vanderbilt is your dream school.
Given Vanderbilt’s relatively small undergraduate population, the school is transfer-friendly, accepting approximately 220 to 240 transfer students each fall.
If you have more questions about when Vanderbilt decisions come out and more, check out these FAQs.
While we don’t have an exact time yet for the 2022/2023 cycle, decisions for Regular Decision applicants were available at 5 p.m. CT.
Vanderbilt has sent likely letters in the past. Likely letters indicate that a student is likely to be accepted at the school they applied to. However, receiving a likely letter does not mean your acceptance is guaranteed; not receiving a letter also doesn't mean you won't be accepted.
Recent class profile data shows that Vanderbilt’s Regular Decision acceptance rate is 4.2%.
The Early Decision acceptance rate is 15.7%.
Since approximately 220 to 240 transfer students enroll at Vanderbilt each fall, we consider the school transfer-friendly. Vanderbilt states the school is "always looking to add dynamic, academically motivated students to our residential community – and transfer students are no different.”
Over the last five years, an average of 12% of each incoming class was admitted off the waitlist. If you get waitlisted after applying through Regular Decision, there’s still a chance you’ll get accepted.
The only difference between these ED plans is that you can submit your application later (and learn your admissions decision later) than you would through ED I.
Don’t panic if your application is deferred: this means your application is still impressive, but the admissions committee wants to review it alongside RD applicants. Vanderbilt only started deferring applicants starting in 2021.
While it may feel like forever until you receive your admissions decision, try to keep yourself busy as you wait. Now that you know when Vanderbilt decisions come out, you can evaluate your plans for the future.
If Vanderbilt is on your college list, we wish you the best of luck with your application!
