vanderbilt supplemental essay prompts

Personal Essay and Short Answer Prompts

Personal essay prompts.

To help us get to know you in the application review process, you are required to submit a personal essay. For insight and advice about how to approach writing your personal essay, see our Expert Advice page. 

• Common Application first-year essay prompts
• Common App transfer essay prompt: Please provide a personal essay that addresses your reasons for transferring and the objectives you hope to achieve.
• Coalition, powered by Scoir first-year and transfer essay prompts

Short Answer Question

For both first-year and transfer applicants, we ask you to complete a short answer essay (approximately 250 words) based on the following prompt:

• 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.

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How to Write the Vanderbilt University Essay 2024-2025

Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, Tennessee, and is a selective research university comprised of three undergraduate colleges: the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the top-ranked Peabody College of Education and Human Development.

Vanderbilt prides itself on its balance between high academic standards and a supportive, involved student community, and is consistently ranked as having some of the happiest students in the country. With an admissions rate that has fallen to less than 5% for the Regular Decision round in recent years, acceptance is highly competitive and deeply coveted.

For the 2024-2025 application cycle, Vanderbilt requires one supplemental essay, which references the school’s exceptional reputation. Let’s break the prompt down, and learn how to write an outstanding essay that will set you apart within Vanderbilt’s highly competitive applicant pool.

Read this Vanderbilt essay example written by a real accepted student to inspire your writing!

Vanderbilt University Supplemental Essay Prompt

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., please provide your response in approximately 250 words. (200-400 words).

The prompt falls under the Diversity Essay archetype, which means Vanderbilt wants to learn how your background or identity has impacted your worldview and, in turn, your approach to life. Colleges use this prompt because they want to build classes that are diverse along many dimensions, not just the standard ones people associate with diversity.

What makes your background diverse could be your race and ethnicity, gender, language, socioeconomic class, illness and disability, country of origin, culture, religion, or even interests or hobbies. Think about these factors and identify the different communities you’re a part of. 

Remember to consider aspects of your identity like competing on a team or even participation in an internet forum – even if these features may seem silly, our hobbies and personal passions can be just as meaningful as more traditional traditional communities, and can sometimes even do more to set you apart, as other students are less likely to write about them. The only thing that matters is choosing something that has significantly impacted your development.

Then, consider the emotions you feel about being part of that community, or claiming that identity, and any personality traits you might have developed as a result. Alternatively, do you have any distinctive skills or talents because of your background? Brainstorm two to three formative or otherwise significant experiences you’ve had because of your membership in this community to help you get inspired.

A quick note if you intend to write about your racial background: in June 2023, the United States Supreme Court struck down the use of affirmative action in college admissions. The ruling, however, still allows colleges to consider race on an individual basis, which is one reason many schools are now including diversity prompts as one of their supplemental essay prompts. 

If you feel that your racial background has impacted you significantly, this is the place to discuss that. Of course, you are more than welcome to discuss something else, but do be aware that if you don’t discuss your racial background here (or in your personal statement), Vanderbilt will be unable to factor that aspect of your identity into their decision.

Regardless of which attribute of diversity you choose, you should strive for individuality and specificity in your response. Remember, college essays are an opportunity to showcase your unique life perspective. You don’t want to waste this opportunity by writing down some bland dictionary definitions or cliché statements. 

Instead, think of what diversity means to you personally, and some aspect of your life that reflects that value. From there, think of personal anecdotes or stories about how diversity has contributed to your growth or development as a person – remember that showing, rather than simply telling, your points will make your essay much more compelling.

Follow the advice below in order to avoid common mistakes: 

Don’t solely write about negative experiences. You may have had negative experiences as a result of your background or identity. While it’s generally fine to mention adversity, college essays usually want to see a positive outcome or lesson at the conclusion, to make your story one of growth and resilience, rather than solely hardship.

Example: “Growing up as a first-generation Egyptian-American, I always felt out of place, and struggled to balance the expectations of my parents with the reality of being raised in the U.S. I remember being embarrassed when they spoke to me in Arabic in front of my friends, which made me want to distance myself from my culture. I never really fit in with the other kids at school, and this made me feel isolated. 

Because of these struggles, I developed a strong sense of independence and learned how to take care of myself. However, these experiences have also left me feeling disconnected from both my Egyptian roots and American culture. At Vanderbilt, I hope to find a community where I finally feel like I belong and can start fresh.”

Although this writer does briefly touch on independence and self-sufficiency, which are positive traits, and vaguely gestures at hoping for a fresh start at Vanderbilt, the overall tone of the essay is negative. As a result, admissions officers may wonder what they took away from this experience that will allow them to thrive in college.

There are a few different ways this student could fix this problem. For example, they could spend more time fleshing out the positive qualities they developed as a result of this experience, or they could go into more detail about the community they’re hoping to find at Vanderbilt, by citing particular clubs or programs that they think will help them find the community they’ve been missing.

Either of these approaches would show what the student has learned from overcoming this hardship, rather than keeping the focus solely on the hardship itself.

Don’t use a cliché topic like immigration, traveling, or moving. These events are very common, and it’s fine if they’re part of your background, but don’t make the entire essay centered around these clichés.

Example: “My journey as an immigrant from Mexico to the United States has shaped every aspect of who I am today. When I was six years old, my family moved to the U.S. in search of a better life. We faced many challenges, including learning a new language, adapting to a different culture, and dealing with financial hardships. 

Despite these obstacles, my parents always encouraged me to work hard and never give up on my dreams. Their sacrifices motivated me to excel in school and become the first person in my family to attend college. I am proud of my heritage and the hard work it took to get here. 

At Vanderbilt, I plan to continue this journey of success and make my parents proud by achieving great things. I hope to join cultural organizations that celebrate diversity and share my story with others to inspire them to overcome their own challenges. My experiences as an immigrant have taught me resilience, and I am eager to bring this determination to Vanderbilt.”

Of course, we don’t want to discount how impactful immigrating to a new country can be. The problem is not that the experience isn’t meaningful enough – rather, it’s that many other people have had a similar one, and taken away similar lessons from it. 

Instead of focusing on these clichés, you could briefly provide context about immigrating from Mexico, and then focus on a less common aspect of your experience and give a more personal takeaway. For example, you could talk about how playing soccer with the kids in your neighborhood gave you a shared cultural touchpoint that was invaluable as you were acclimating to life in the US.

Don’t write a laundry list of identities and demographics. Like we already said, this prompt isn’t just about who you are; it’s about what you’ve experienced that made you who you are, and how you see the world because of this part of yourself. Make sure to provide deeper analysis – most of the essay should be about your reflections and growth, and the evolution of your worldview, not just the traits themselves. Remember – quality over quantity.

Example: “My identity is a combination of many different aspects. I am a first-generation Vietnamese-American, a daughter of immigrant parents, and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. I also come from a low-income background, which has taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. Additionally, I’m a female student who is passionate about pursuing a career in STEM, a field where women are often underrepresented. 

Each of these identities has played a role in shaping who I am today. Being Vietnamese-American has connected me to my cultural roots, while my experience as a first-generation college student motivates me to succeed. My LGBTQ+ identity has taught me to embrace who I am, and my low-income background has given me the determination to overcome obstacles. I believe that all these aspects of my identity will allow me to contribute to the diversity at Vanderbilt.”

Because this student is so focused on covering all aspects of her identity, we get only a shallow understanding of each one’s significance to her broader life. If she were to have instead focused on just, say, being part of the LGBTQ+ community, she would have had room to provide examples of how she came to accept this part of herself, for example by describing her friends’ kindness when she came out to them.

We know there’s more than one feature of your life you’ll want to highlight in your response, and leaving things out can feel frustrating. But unfortunately, word counts are an unavoidable part of the college application process.

Generally, you should only briefly introduce the culture, background, community, or other driver of the values you’re exploring in your essay. You should be specific and clear about which community or group you’re referencing, but you then want to quickly dive deep into its impact on your life as a whole.

This deep dive should make up most of your essay. Analyze your current and past emotions about this aspect of your identity, and how it has shaped your worldview. With the limited word count, prioritize including information about the impact of your values and background over the mere nature or description of your identity.

Finally, given Vanderbilt’s inclusion of their “dare to grow” motto, you should demonstrate how your background has emboldened you to grow personally, and how it will continue to do so at Vanderbilt. Think about times you exhibited leadership or kindness, or took a risk, and connect these instances to the part of your identity you’re focusing on. A growth-oriented mindset is key here, so be sure to highlight the way your background helped you evolve in your personal values, ambitions, and accomplishments.

Also  note that the prompt specifically asks you to relate your chosen background to possible contributions to the Vanderbilt community. Depending on what you’re writing about, it might be beneficial to research extracurricular campus groups at Vanderbilt or in the Nashville area that align with your identity. Including these specific details demonstrates your deep interest in the school, and commitment to being an active member of its tightly knit community.

Now, let’s explore a possible example of a strong response to the prompt:

“Every weekend, our small apartment in Queens transformed into a hub of activism. Friends and neighbors would gather around our worn dining table, their voices rising and falling in animated Arabic as they discussed the latest political unrest in Egypt. I often found myself translating news articles or drafting letters to officials on behalf of my parents, who had fled political persecution decades earlier. Although I was born in the U.S., the struggles of my parents’ homeland shaped me profoundly, instilling in me a deep sense of responsibility to fight for justice.” 

Here the writer begins with a vivid hook to provide a narrative to their essay. Specific details about translating news articles and drafting letters in a busy, chatter-filled apartment construct a tangible picture of their background and its values. Furthermore, the Egyptian community they describe their family being part of in Queens implies that the writer has a significant connection to a cultural group in their hometown, and prioritizes being part of one.

“When I was fourteen, I organized my first protest in support of the Arab Spring. It was a modest gathering of around twenty people, but it ignited a passion in me. Seeing the impact we could have, even on a small scale, made me realize the power of collective action. This experience drove me to join a youth-led advocacy group in New York, where I spearheaded campaigns to raise awareness about immigrant rights and helped secure legal aid for families facing deportation. I became the voice for those who couldn’t speak for themselves, just as my parents had once relied on others to speak for them.”

The writer continues by detailing examples of their leadership and boldness within the context of their cultural and ethnic background, thus clearly showing how this aspect of their identity has driven their personal growth. As their activism grows in scale from a small gathering to participation in a formal advocacy group, they also grow personally into a bolder, more involved Egyptian-American activist.

“At Vanderbilt, I’m eager to bring my passion for social justice to the campus community. I envision joining the Vanderbilt Political Review and participating in the Ingram Scholars Program to further my advocacy work. I also want to contribute to the growing immigrant population in Nashville by working with local organizations to support refugee resettlement efforts. I know that at Vanderbilt, I will find a community that shares my commitment to daring to grow through action, and I am excited to continue the work that began around my family’s dining table.”

Finally, the writer makes an authentic connection to Vanderbilt by envisioning themself participating in specific campus and local groups related to the causes they first became involved with through their cultural background. As a whole, this example is profoundly personal with plenty of details, and is also forward-facing, with a clear demonstration of how the writer will use their background and individual values to engage with the Vanderbilt and broader Nashville communities.

The best essays will provide a reflective, personal narrative that looks not just into the past, but also towards a future of engagement and contribution at Vanderbilt. Authenticity, detail, and growth should be the pillars of your response.

CollegeVine wishes you the best of luck in your admissions process!

Where to Get Your Vanderbilt University Essay Edited For Free

Do you want feedback on your Vanderbilt essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

Need feedback faster? Get a free, nearly-instantaneous essay review from Sage, our AI tutor and advisor. Sage will rate your essay, give you suggestions for improvement, and summarize what admissions officers would take away from your writing. Use these tools to improve your chances of acceptance to your dream school!

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How to Write the Vanderbilt Supplemental Essay: Examples + Guide 2024/2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is the vanderbilt supplemental essay prompt.

• How to write the supplemental essay for Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt University cares about its students, and they must be doing something right—they are ranked #2 on The Princeton Review’s home to the happiest college students! Perhaps it’s their emphasis on creating community through residential colleges or their opportunities for diverse learning via cross-disciplinary research. Or, maybe, it’s because students in their first year get to storm the football field during the first home game! Regardless, Vanderbilt’s happy students form a diverse community, and through these supplemental essays, Vanderbilt is looking to learn about your own uniqueness, and how you’ll add to that diverse community. So be bold and show Vanderbilt your curiosities, your communities, and your ways of working with a pool of diverse thinkers!

Want to get a better sense of what Vanderbilt is looking for? 

You’ll find an extensive, by-the-numbers look at Vanderbilt’s offerings, from enrollment and tuition statistics to student life and financial aid information on its Common Data Set . For deep insights into how this private research university envisions its role and how it wants to grow and evolve, read its academic strategic plan for the next five years (it even has its own website!). Reading through this will give you a strong idea of what Vanderbilt values.

BUT, please don’t just copy and paste chunks of the plan into your essay because a) that’s plagiarism and it's basically an academic crime, and b) anyone could do that. 

Think about this: What aspects of Vanderbilt’s plan speak to you? Does anything you read make you want to get in a time machine and skip the rest of high school so that you can “travel to Guatemala to repair medical equipment” or “write and produce a musical” as part of Vanderbilt’s commitment to Immersion Experiences? What resonates with you? Keep reading to find out how you can connect the dots. 

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. Please provide your response in approximately 250 words.

How to Write The Supplemental Essay Prompt for Vanderbilt

This is a pretty standard “How will you contribute…” prompt—for a full guide to those prompts (and other kinds of “diversity” prompts), head here . Here’s a shorter  version:

In this essay prompt, Vanderbilt wants to understand how your life experiences have prepared you to contribute to their diverse student community. Let's break down the key components of the prompt to guide your approach.

Which of your life experiences have had the most impact on your personal development? This essay offers the opportunity to delve into specific experiences that have shaped your perspective on life, education, and more.

How will you contribute? Make sure your answer to this question is clear. How have these experiences positioned you to make an impact at Vanderbilt? What do you bring to the school and community (in ways that maybe others don’t)? While it doesn’t have to be truly unique, it’s great to aim in that direction: the best response will highlight a contribution that only you (or maybe you plus a few other applicants) would think to make.

Again, one important aspect with this prompt is its focus on your contribution to the Vanderbilt community.

Another detail to note is Vanderbilt’s encouragement to show where you come from—the people, places, and things that have shaped who you are today. This is your chance to connect your unique upbringing, in a very broad sense of the word, with what has helped make you unstoppable. So take it.

While there are many things outside of “community” that might fit this prompt, if you’re looking for a way to brainstorm ideas, that’s a good place to start. (Especially since “community” and “identity” tend to overlap a lot. But keep in mind that you’ll want to include some “how will you contribute” details in your essay—this isn’t just a “tell us about a community” prompt.)

For a full guide to “community” essays , head there.

Here’s how to brainstorm possible essays:

Step 1: Brainstorm (all about you).

Do the “ If You Really, Really Knew Me ” Exercise.

Step 2: Research the college (learn all about them).

Make a copy of the “Why us” Essay Chart 2.0 , research the school you’re writing your essay for, and fill in the first two columns. 

Once you’ve done these exercises, you’ll have a better sense of: 

YOU: A bunch of different talents/skills/identities/qualities that you’ll bring to a college campus, and

THEM: A variety of programs/courses/clubs/affinity groups that your college offers.

Step 3: Connect you… to them (i.e., the college you’re applying to). 

Make connections between what the school offers and what you’re interested in.

Here’s an example essay (written for MIT’s version of this prompt) with analysis:

“I don’t have a mommy – and no, I was not adopted.”  This was an early attempt, (albeit from a five-year old’s perspective), to proudly explain to my classmates that I had two dads (yes they are gay!) and was conceived via invitro-fertilization. Looking back, this statement undoubtedly triggered several conversations around my classmates’ dinner tables. Years later, I learned how my simple declaration broadened many family’s perspectives.  I was raised as part of a community that proudly celebrates diversity and encourages change through personal interaction. My parents and I are not the kind to go to protests. While we greatly respect those loud voices, we find influencing others on a personal level can be a more effective way of instigating change. Throughout my formative years, being part of one-on-one personal interactions within a predominately heterosexual community allowed me to witness the dismantling of stereotypes one person at a time. At MIT, I aspire to perform similar roles, broadening perspectives and strengthening the LGBTQ+ climate through personal relationships. By being open with my gender identity, having a great sense of humor, and embracing my peers and professors in thoughtful, relaxed one-on-one conversations, I hope to develop strong bonds founded in mutual respect. Just as MIT can be considered the home of science, MIT should be a home for the LGBTQ+ community. My dream is to form relationships that have a cascading effect at MIT through developing new champions and strengthening the climate for LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff. (247 words) Tips & Analysis: 

Share (a core part of) your world view. We’d recommend thinking about everything that Vanderbilt is getting elsewhere, through your personal statement, activities list, and additional info section. Then assess: what aren’t they seeing yet? Remember, your essays’ primary function is to help a reader see who you are, what you value, what you bring to their campus and community. This essay uses the prompt as an opportunity to share a core part of their growing up, and how that shaped their values (celebrating diversity, encouraging change, personal engagement)

Half for you, half for them. Give or take—it doesn’t have to be a perfect 50/50 split. But notice that about 60% of the word count here is used to share specific details and insight gained from the student’s background. Then, about 40% is used to connect to specific aspects of the college community that the student wants to engage with, and how they want to do so (using specific examples and verb phrases) in order to show how they’ll contribute to the school. Be sure you’re including a decent amount of word count that gets really specific with how whatever aspects of background/identity you’ve discussed in the first half will allow you to add to the lives, perspectives, and understanding of other students in the second half. (And for more on how to mostly show, but probably tell a little in college essays , head there.)

And here’s a nice example essay written for a similar prompt from Colgate University:

Aside from my inherent love for bagels, my Jewish background has led me to become more embedded in my community, joining Jewish activists and building a website on Holocaust education. In the 1930s, 36 members of my family were lost to the Holocaust, and that fact has led me to carry on the memory of my ancestors through tradition—with my Bar Mitzvah—as well as with an educational lens—teaching others about the Holocaust and about specific stories of survivors. Feeling disconnected from Jewish activism, I decided to become an educator on the Student Leadership Board of the Seattle-based Holocaust Center for Humanity last year. Each week, we met to discuss present-day instances of oppression and discrimination across the world, and finished the year by building a website to share the story of a Holocaust survivor.  Being on the board connected me to a network of other passionate Jewish activists, and helped me to channel the pride for my culture and ancestors into visual media that reaches many viewers. At Colgate, I hope to find myself surrounded not only by like-minded Jewish students, but by a diverse group of people with whom I can learn and make connections. (196 words)

Tips & Analysis

Highlight a core identity. In the example essay, the applicant highlights their Jewish heritage and the profound impact it has had on their life choices and commitments. This is a great way to approach this prompt—think of communities/identities that you claim, pick one that Vanderbilt isn’t seeing elsewhere, and show how that aspect of you + your experiences will allow you to contribute to the Vanderbilt community. Similarly, for the Vanderbilt prompt, ensure you shed light on the aspects of your background that have shaped your identity. This could be cultural, familial, or personal attributes that have molded you into the individual you are today.

Provide concrete examples of impact. Just as the sample essay vividly narrates the applicant's journey in Jewish activism, so you’ll want to offer specific instances that exemplify the impact your background has had on your decisions and pursuits. Whether through personal experiences, engagements, or projects, share specific moments where your background has led you to initiate meaningful actions. In short, show us .

Connect to the college's community.  The sample essay could be stronger if the writer reflected even more on how they might continue to nurture their identity at Vanderbilt. How can you do that? Address how your background, values, and commitments align with Vanderbilt's vision and how you intend to extend these connections on campus to foster learning and shared growth. For example, perhaps you plan on joining (or creating?) relevant student clubs, volunteering at a local museum, or finding innovative ways to connect with students who share a similar background.

Emily (she/her) is a writer, instructor, and college specialist based in Wilmington. She received her BA in English and Communications from the University of Chapel Hill and her MFA from UNC Wilmington. She has taught writing at both the high school and college level, where she has helped students find their voices.  Her personal writing appears across multiple literary journals. When she is not essay coaching or writing, she is boxing, surfing, or reclined by the water with a good book.

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Vanderbilt University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 1

You Have: 

Vanderbilt University 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 250 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Community ,   Diversity

Vanderbilt decided to keep it short and sweet, so we’ll follow suit. A one-question supplement means you’ve got one shot at perfection. No pressure, though.

Vanderbilt Essay Prompt Breakdown

For both first-year and transfer applicants, we ask you to complete a short answer essay (approximately 250 words) based on the following prompt:, 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..

Vanderbilt wants to know what has made you into the person you are today. What you focus on here can really run the gamut, but it should be something that you feel will not only speak to your personal growth journey, but also help you to contribute to Vandy’s community in a unique way. Is there anything you can teach your classmates about your culture, identity, or background that they might not already know? What has influenced your identity? What do you believe and how will your life experiences bring something of value to the community at Vanderbilt? To make an impact, you’ll want to take some time for reflection before you begin writing this essay. How have you dared to grow in the past, and how will you continue embodying Vandy’s motto on campus? 

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Vanderbilt Supplemental Essays 2024-25 – Prompts and Advice

August 23, 2024

With an acceptance rate of just 5% for the 2024-25 entering class, Vanderbilt has become one of the more selective schools in the United States. It’s easy for prospective applicants who can claim a 99th percentile score and a position near the top of their high school class to feel overly confident when applying to a university of this ilk. Yet, it is critical to realize that, in 2024, the median SAT at Vandy is over 1500, and just about every admitted student finished near the top of their high school class. This brings us to the topic of this blog – the Vanderbilt supplemental essays.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into Vanderbilt? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Vanderbilt University: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

When applying to Vanderbilt, you can’t just rely on your fabulous grades and test scores to carry you toward an eventual acceptance letter. You need those credentials, of course, but you also need to pour every ounce of effort into other components of the application in order to separate yourself in the eyes of the admissions committee. The Common App and supplemental essay present just that opportunity.

Below is Vanderbilt’s supplemental essay for the 2024-25 admissions cycle along with our advice for composing a winning essay.

Vanderbilt Supplemental Essay Prompt

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.

Please provide your response in approximately 250 words.

Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity (Eminem beat starts to ramp up)…While many highly-selective colleges offer two, three, or even more supplemental prompts, Vandy only offers this single essay. In it, they want you to briefly discuss how an aspect of your identity, culture, or background has influenced you (and how it will enable you to contribute to Vanderbilt). So, the question is, how to make your response to such a basic prompt really count?

Firstly, take note of the wide-open nature of this prompt. You are essentially invited to talk about any of the following topics:

• A perspective you hold
• An experience/challenge you had
• A community you belong to
• Your cultural background
• Your religious background
• Your family background
• Your sexual orientation or gender identity

Vanderbilt Supplemental Essay — Continued

Although this prompt’s open floor plan may feel daunting, a good tactic is to first consider what has already been communicated within your Common App personal statement and activities list. What important aspect(s) of yourself have not been shared (or sufficiently discussed)? The admissions officer reading your essay is hoping to connect with you through your written words, so—within your essay’s reflection—be open, humble, thoughtful, inquisitive, emotionally honest, mature, and/or insightful about what you learned and how you grew.

You’ll then need to discuss how your background/identity/experiences have influenced how you hope to contribute to Vandy’s social or academic community. For example, perhaps growing up in Northern California has made you passionate about post-wildfire ecosystem restoration, which you hope to pursue further through Vanderbilt’s environmental science program. Or, perhaps your experience as a tutor has made you interested in continuing that effort at Vandy , or the discrimination you watched your sibling face after revealing their gender identity has informed your desire to be part of initiatives, events, and trainings facilitated by the K.C. Potter Center for LGBTQI Life .

To that end, be sure you address how you will take advantage of Johns Hopkins’s immense resources. These resources could be inside and/or outside of the classroom. You can accomplish this by citing specific  academic programs ,  professors ,  research opportunities , study abroad programs ,  student-run organizations , etc.

How important are the Vanderbilt supplemental essays?

The essays (both the Common App essay and supplemental essay) are “very important” to the Vanderbilt admissions committee . This places them in the same category as: GPA, standardized test scores, class rank, the rigor of your secondary school record, extracurriculars, and character/personal qualities. In short, the Vanderbilt supplemental essays are among the most important factors to the University when evaluating your application.

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• College Essay

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A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

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Vanderbilt University Supplemental Essay Prompts: 2024-2025

Vanderbilt University has released its 2024-2025 supplemental admissions essay prompts for applicants to the Class of 2029. This year, in addition to The Common Application ’s Personal Statement, Vanderbilt requires applicants to answer one supplemental essay prompt in approximately 250 words. So what is this year’s prompt? Wonder no more!

2024-2025 Vanderbilt Essay Question

Vanderbilt’s supplemental essay prompt for applicants to the Class of 2029, which applicants are to answer in about 250 words, is as follows:

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.

Vanderbilt’s admissions committee has posed a hybrid question of applicants to the Class of 2029: it’s a part background and part Why Vanderbilt prompt.

Of course, the “identity, culture, or background” aspect of the prompt is in line with the moves of many elite colleges following the Supreme Court’s ruling outlawing Affirmative Action . Since these schools are no longer permitted to ask about a student’s race on an application, they’ve instead taken advantage of Chief Justice John Roberts’ loophole by encouraging applicants to write about their identity, culture, or background in their essay writing. When they can glean a student’s race in this essay (in so far as it relates to the student’s narrative), Vanderbilt’s admissions committee can work to admit a diverse cohort of students to the Class of 2029.

For the second part of the prompt, the Why Vanderbilt component, students should showcase how they’ve done their homework on Vanderbilt by including sentences that only apply to Vanderbilt’s activities and culture — not to any other college in the land. Students should not approach the Why Vanderbilt component of this essay like a game of Mad Libs in which they replace specifics of one college for Vandy specifics. Instead, they need to show they’ve captured Vanderbilt’s enduring specifics and demonstrate how they’re contributing their unique identity, culture, and background to these enduring specifics. For example, if a student is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, what LGBTQ+ organizations will a student get involved in at Vanderbilt, and what kind of work will they do through such organizations?

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Vanderbilt Essays

If you’re interested in optimizing your case for admission to Vanderbilt by submitting the most compelling essays possible, fill out Ivy Coach ’s consultation form , and we’ll be in touch to delineate our college admissions counseling services for seniors.

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How To Write The Vanderbilt Supplemental Essay + Examples

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 4/25/24

If you need help writing the Vanderbilt supplemental essay, read this guide to learn everything you need to know about it, including essay prompts and examples! 

You may feel pressured before applying because of Vanderbilt’s competitive applicant pool. Don’t worry; everyone must start somewhere. If you need more assistance, read our comprehensive guide to getting into Vanderbilt University . 

As you start building your college list , you must decide what you look for in a school. You must balance the college application process well and spend enough time on each school. If Vanderbilt is on your college list, read this article to learn how to write the Vanderbilt supplemental essay. 

We will break down the question, share tips on answering the prompts, and provide examples of successful essays.

Vanderbilt University Supplemental Essay Prompts 2023-2024

In addition to the essay requirements for the Common, Coalition, and QuestBridge Apps, Vanderbilt has one required supplemental essay. Having to write one essay has its benefits and disadvantages. You can focus on your response and make it as excellent as possible. However, you may prefer to have more options to consider before writing.

The following prompts can be found on the Vanderbilt admissions page .

“Vanderbilt University values learning through contrasting points of view. We understand that our differences, and our respect for alternative views and voices, are our greatest source of strength. Please reflect on conversations you’ve had with people who have expressed viewpoints different from your own. How did these conversations/experiences influence you?”

“Vanderbilt offers a community where students find balance between their academic and social experiences. Please briefly elaborate on how one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences has influenced you.”

Both of these supplemental essay prompts have a 250-word limit. Make sure you choose the essay prompts you know you can answer well! 

How to Write Each Essay Prompt For Vanderbilt University

Here, we’ll cover how to write each essay prompt for Vanderbilt University. 

How to Write Vanderbilt University Supplemental Essay #1 + Analysis and Tips

Vanderbilt University prompt #1 : “Vanderbilt University values learning through contrasting points of view. We understand that our differences, and our respect for alternative views and voices, are our greatest source of strength. Please reflect on conversations you’ve had with people who have expressed viewpoints different from your own. How did these conversations/experiences influence you?” 

Analysis of prompt #1 : This prompt wants you to reflect on conversations you’ve had with people who have expressed viewpoints different from yours. The prompt is looking at how you handle discussions with people with different viewpoints. 

This prompt can also be considered a diversity essay, which Vanderbilt includes because the school values all walks of life. 

Here are some tips to help you write this prompt:

1. Tip #1: Choose a Conversation : To choose the best conversation to talk about in your essay, ask yourself the following questions:

• What are my beliefs and values?
• How do others respond to these beliefs?
• What is one belief I have that others contest or oppose?
• How has this belief changed over time?
• Has anyone influenced this belief? 
• What points of the opposition can I agree with?
• Why is it important to discuss differing views on things?

Remember, you aren’t simply relaying a conversation with a friend to the committee. You’re explaining how you respond to opposing views, demonstrate respect for differences, and, most importantly, how you grow because of them! 

2. Tip #2: Identify the Different Viewpoints : Clearly explain the contrasting viewpoints you encountered. Highlight the key differences between the viewpoints without judgment. You'll want to convey your ability to engage with diverse perspectives and how those interactions have shaped your thinking.

3. Tip #3: Highlight What You Learned : Explore how the conversation expanded your understanding of the topic. Discuss any new information or perspectives that you gained. Vanderbilt is looking to see if you’re willing to learn from opposing views, so if you learned anything from the conversation, make sure to add it! 

How to Write Vanderbilt University Supplemental Essay #2 + Analysis and Tips

Vanderbilt University prompt #2 : “Vanderbilt offers a community where students find balance between their academic and social experiences. Please briefly elaborate on how one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences has influenced you.”

Analysis of prompt #2 : This essay asks you to talk about one of your extracurriculars, so it should be an activity or experience that matters the most to you. Vanderbilt values extracurricular activity and emphasizes students having a balance when it comes to their academics. 

1 . Tip #1: Choose an Extracurricular : Start with a self-reflection and brainstorming session instead. Put together a list of everything you do outside of your schoolwork, even if it’s not with a formal club or job. It may be an initiative you started, a volunteering experience, or an internship. 

Your response should not list your extracurriculars since you have already done that in another part of your application.

2. Tip #2: Highlight Transferable Skills : Identify and highlight the skills you gained from the experience that are transferable to both academic and social settings. This could include teamwork, leadership, communication, or organizational skills.

3. Tip #3: Discuss Impact on Academic Performance : Explain how participating in the extracurricular activity or work experience positively impacted your academic performance. This could be through improved focus, discipline, or understanding of your learning style.

Examples of Vanderbilt University Supplemental Essays That Worked

Below, you’ll find some Vanderbilt University supplemental essays written by successful applicants who were admitted to the school! Let’s look at each one and discuss what worked about it.

Sample Essay #1

Prompt : “Vanderbilt offers a community where students find balance between their academic and social experiences. Please briefly elaborate on how one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences has influenced you.”

“I never would’ve thought joining my school’s DECA chapter would catalyze my entrepreneurial aspirations. Yet, three years later and now a [POSITION] of said DECA chapter, I’ve channeled this ever-growing tenacity toward not only being a fierce competitor, but also a fierce leader. Aside from defining my high school experience, DECA has helped me find my place in school and given me the bigger-picture purpose necessary to help me develop into who I want to be, who I’ve already been all along: an entrepreneur. 

As a freshman, I was daunted by the task of producing a business proposal that’d cover all aspects of a business, including financial statements I’d never even heard of before. However, I soon found myself thriving by taking on the role of a potential franchisee, working on each section of my business proposal separately and putting them together to watch my business grow on paper, like pieces of a puzzle fitting into place. Embroiled in the encapsulating realm of entrepreneurship, I was inspired by my first year in DECA to immerse myself in the world of business, seeking to involve myself in additional academic and real-world business-esque opportunities and experiences. 

Within the chapter, I’ve made strides as an officer and now a [POSITION] to increase our member engagement and provide resources for members to help guide them through their business proposal construction process. Recently, tasked with the responsibility of building a chapter website, I’ve channeled my problem-solving and marketing skills gleaned from DECA into constructing an innovative platform that communicates our chapter’s mission, conveys important dates for meetings and competitions, displays samples of officers’ past proposals, as well as highlights Great Neck North DECA alumni. 

With each new year, each new business proposal thrusts me into a new level of competition: from qualifying for the state competition as a timid freshman to qualifying for the international competition during my sophomore year to confidently presenting and defending my most recent business proposal as a competitor in the final round at the international competition during my junior year. Outside of competition, each new year in DECA has thrust me into a new level of exploration, personal growth, and mentorship as I continue to absorb as much business-related knowledge as possible while savoring my time in DECA as both a leader and a competitor, ultimately allowing me to flourish as both a student and a future entrepreneur.”

Why Essay #1 Worked

This is a great essay because the writer captures their feelings about joining DECA and how much it has impacted them. The essay also illustrates the DECA chapter’s mission, which helps showcase that the writer believes in it. 

Sample Essay #2

“Driving intoxicated in the waning hours of the night, he recklessly swerves in and out of lanes until he finally loses control and rams his car into a tree. Save for a few cuts and bruises, he escapes unscathed. His sister’s lifeless body is discovered the morning after the crime–or was it a crime? The light knock of the gavel summons the courtroom to its feet; parents, teachers, coaches, spectators and competitors all stand as the single hour that months were spent preparing for commences.

Having not placed in the regional tournament in a decade, Mock Trial was regarded as little more than a team just barely keeping its head above water, far past its glory years when I first joined the school’s organization. My admiration for the club stretched far beyond simply checking my name off as a member–being content with mediocrity would have no place as long as I was on the team. And so to prevent it from disappearing into oblivion, I began with myself, spending hours learning, polishing and perfecting the skills necessary to succeed. With this, not only did I grow tremendously as an individual and a competitor, but I also gained the respect and admiration of my teammates, earning a leadership role.

Revamping the way Mock Trial operated quickly became a full time job. But, within a year, we were able to secure a spot in the top three of the regional tournament and lift the organization back into prominence. So when the trial starts, have no doubt that the top is the only place we aim. ‘Your honor, opposing counsel, and members of the jury….’ Show time.”

Why Essay #2 Worked

This essay immediately grabs your attention with a detailed reenactment of a crime scene that is a mock trial tournament. The student shows us what this extracurricular means and how they have grown alongside it. They are specific in their accomplishments within the activity, which is a great way to leave a lasting impression . 

Get More Sample Essays Here!

Examining successful supplemental essays is an excellent method for uncovering effective strategies. Explore numerous samples in our comprehensive college essay database below to discover a wide range of examples!

Do you still have questions about the Vanderbilt supplemental essays? Below, we have frequently asked questions. 

1. What Is Vanderbilt University’s Acceptance Rate? 

Vanderbilt’s acceptance rate is 5.1% . Out of the 41,336 applicants in the 2024 cycle, only 1,512 were admitted. 

2. How Is the Admissions Process for Vanderbilt University? 

Vanderbilt uses a holistic admissions process , meaning one element does not make or break an application. The school considers all student evaluation factors, from test scores and grades to extracurricular activities and leadership roles. 

3. What Kinds of Applications Can I Submit for Vanderbilt? 

You can apply for Vanderbilt using the Common App, Coalition App, and QuestBridge program. Choose the right application system for you, as Vanderbilt has no preference. Carefully follow the instructions on their respective site. 

4. What Are the Other Application Requirements for Vanderbilt? 

Apart from the requirements of each application system, you must submit high school transcripts, a counselor's letter of recommendation, two teacher recommendations, and an application fee of $50. Fee waivers are available for qualified students, and standardized test scores are currently optional. 

5. Are There Any Other Supplemental Materials for First-Year Applicants? 

If you apply for Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music, you must complete a separate application besides the Coalition or Common App. You must also submit at least one artistic recommendation, a headshot, a music resume, a repertoire list, and a pre-screening video. You can find more details on the Blair Admissions Page .

Final Thoughts 

The Vanderbilt supplemental essay asks you to focus on an experience with opposing views or an extracurricular activity that matters to you, whether it be a school club, job, internship, or volunteer experience. 

Since you only have one prompt to show the admissions committee your story, be thoughtful in your response and choose a topic that highlights your values and goals.

Writing an excellent essay is only one part of your application, so follow our ultimate guide on applying to Vanderbilt. Remember, the best essay is one where you can proudly share a meaningful conversation or activity that impacted your perspective for the better. 

Focus on what you want to show the admissions committee, not what you think the committee wants to read. You will craft a stellar essay if you draw on your unique experiences.

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