It's time to rethink college tours
Traditional campus tours feel impersonal and can leave you with more questions than answers. You’re just a face in the crowd following a scripted tour led by a random guide. Is this really the best way to make one of the biggest decisions of your life?
SchoolScoops is the smarter, more personal way to tour colleges
Private and personalized tours
With traditional tours you’re just a number in a big group, making it hard to ask the questions that matter most. With SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats you can ask all the questions that are important to you.
Choose your own guide
On a typical college tour, the school assigns you a guide. SchoolScoops lets you pick a guide who matches your academic interests, hobbies, and personality. You'll get authentic insights and advice from someone who truly gets you.
No scripts, just scoops
Traditional campus tours are essentially a sales pitch—the guide works for the school and their job is to show you the highlights. SchoolScoops guides don’t work for their school, so there’s no sales pitch—just genuine advice to determine if the school is a good fit.
Find the school for you
Choosing where to go to college is a major decision and a huge investment. SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats go beyond the basics to help you make a well-informed college decision.
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Connect with a student of your choice for personalized advice and insider insights during a 1-on-1 video chat
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What customers are saying
Get to know Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University is a premier private research institution that fosters academic excellence across the sciences, business, engineering, arts, and humanities, grounded in a strong liberal arts tradition and a commitment to innovation, leadership, and community impact.
Overview
Vanderbilt University, founded in 1873, is a private research university located in Nashville, Tennessee. It offers a broad array of undergraduate and graduate programs across ten schools and colleges.
Size
Vanderbilt University has a total enrollment of approximately 13,700 students, including around 7,000 undergraduates and 6,700 graduate and professional students.
Acceptance rate
Vanderbilt University has an acceptance rate of about 7% and an early decision acceptance rate around 15%. Among admitted students who submitted scores, half have an SAT between 1480–1570 or an ACT between 34–35.
Cost
For the 2024 academic year, Vanderbilt University’s undergraduate tuition is $63,610, with graduate tuition varying by program. Approximately 65% of undergraduates receive financial aid, and the average need-based scholarship award is over $59,000.
Ranking
According to U.S. News & World Report, Vanderbilt University is ranked #18 out of 436 National Universities. The rankings are based on factors such as graduation rates, faculty resources, academic reputation, and student outcomes.
Academics
Vanderbilt University offers a wide range of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs across its ten schools and colleges. With an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the university emphasizes close collaboration and mentorship between students and professors.
Traditions
Vanderbilt University is known for its beloved traditions, including Anchor Dash for first-year students, the lighting of the campus during Holidays at Vanderbilt, Commodore Quake, Rites of Spring music festival, and Founders Walk to welcome new students. These events foster a strong sense of community and school spirit.
Campus landmarks
Vanderbilt University’s most iconic landmarks include Kirkland Hall with its signature clock tower, the expansive Alumni Lawn, Peabody Esplanade, the Jean and Alexander Heard Library, and Vanderbilt Stadium. These landmarks showcase the university’s historic architecture and scenic, park-like campus in the heart of Nashville.
Student body
Over 85% of Vanderbilt University students come from out-of-state, with strong representation from states like California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Illinois, as well as a diverse population of international students from around the world.
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Become a guideYour Vanderbilt questions, answered
How do I take an admissions tour of Vanderbilt University?
You can take an admissions tour of Vanderbilt by registering for an "Information Session & Campus Tour" through their Undergraduate Admissions website, which includes a presentation and a student-led walking tour.
What is the GPA required to get into Vanderbilt?
While Vanderbilt does not publish a minimum GPA, admitted students generally have exceptionally strong academic records, often with unweighted GPAs well above 3.8 or 3.9 on a 4.0 scale. Successful applicants typically demonstrate a challenging curriculum and high performance.
What are the popular majors at Vanderbilt?
Popular majors at Vanderbilt include Economics, Human and Organizational Development (HOD), Biological Sciences, Computer Science, and Engineering disciplines. The university offers over 70 majors across its four undergraduate schools, allowing for interdisciplinary study.
Where is Vanderbilt University located?
Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, Tennessee, just a short distance from the city's vibrant downtown. Its campus is often described as a beautiful, park-like arboretum within an urban setting.
What are the housing options like at Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt has a strong residential college system, particularly for first-year students who live together in The Commons, fostering community. Upperclassmen live in a variety of residential colleges and traditional dorms, with a high percentage of students living on campus throughout their four years.
Does Vanderbilt University have a strong alumni network?
Yes, Vanderbilt boasts a highly engaged and supportive alumni network that spans various industries and global locations. This network provides valuable mentorship, internship, and career opportunities for current students and graduates.
What are the study abroad opportunities at Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt offers extensive study abroad opportunities through its own programs and affiliations with other institutions worldwide. Students can choose from a wide range of academic programs in diverse locations, integrating global experiences into their degrees.
How easy is it to get around Vanderbilt's campus and Nashville?
Vanderbilt's campus is highly walkable, and its compact nature makes it easy for students to navigate between classes and residential areas. Nashville's public transportation, rideshare services, and the university's "Vandy Vans" shuttle system provide convenient options for exploring the city.
Does Vanderbilt offer private campus tours?
Yes, through SchoolScoops, you can book a private campus tour led by a student guide of your choice.
Interested in other schools?
SchoolScoops also offers tours and video chats at many other schools
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