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August 19, 2022

Vanderbilt Owen MBA Essay Tips and Deadlines [2022-2023]

Vanderbilt’s MBA program is small, collegial, collaborative, and very close-knit. The school has been called a “hidden gem” because it ranks in the top 5% to 10% of all business schools in the world but is often overlooked in favor of the M7 schools. However, those who do some research may find that this is the right place for them. Candidates applying to Vanderbilt often want a small program where the curriculum can be tailored to their needs. It is a place where you truly will know everyone from those in your class, the faculty and staff, and even students in other schools at Vanderbilt, such as law and medicine. The school values diversity in all forms and wants students who will be engaged and have an impact on society. 

The school lists eight core values but these are the most important:

• We are competitive, not cutthroat.
• We solve problems collaboratively.
• We lead with ideas, not egos.
• We challenge the status quo.

Keep these in mind when writing your application statements and also during the interview. 

You can find a lot of very interesting and revealing facts about Vanderbilt by visiting the website .

Vanderbilt Owen prides itself on its excellent Leadership Development Program (LDP), which has been in existence for over 16 years. Every student can participate in this innovative program which uses the Hogan assessment as a first tool to understand personality characteristics. The LDP staff go over the results of the Hogan with students on an individual basis and then recommend one of the three tracks offered to work on leadership skills. The school employs over 37 professional executive coaches to work with students –and alumni.

In this post:

• Application tips
• Class profile
• Application deadlines

Owen Graduate School of Management 2022-23 MBA application tips

The application has been slightly modified this year and is one of the more “user-friendly” applications in that the essays are very short yet designed to get to know who you are. In an effort to clarify the whole process, Vanderbilt has prepared The Ultimate Guide to the MBA Admissions Process , a free, downloadable booklet that removes some of the mystery from the process. 

The required elements of the application are test scores, academic transcripts, , letter of recommendation, two statements, and one video response. 

Test scores

Vanderbilt accepts ether the GMAT, GRE or the Executive Assessment (EA), and in many cases will grant a test waiver. There is a simple form to complete to request a test waiver before you submit your application. However, if your undergrad grades are weak, you would be advised to send in a test score to improve your chances, especially to show that you can do the quant work. International candidates must submit either TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo unless they meet the exemption requirements. [Read: Test-Optional MBA Programs: Everything You Need to Know ]

Letter of recommendation

Only one letter of recommendation is required, and it should be from a current or recent direct supervisor. The recommender may complete either the Vanderbilt form or use the GMAT Common Letter of Recommendation form. It is not wise to submit a letter from a former professor– Admissions wants to know more about your work experience and interaction with others. They can see your academic prowess from your transcripts!

Academic transcripts

Copies of academic transcripts from each university attended must be included with proof of a four-year bachelor’s degree or the equivalent. If you are admitted, you would then need to provide official transcripts to the school. 

Owen written statements (short essays)

This year there are only two required written statements of 150 words each:

• What are your short-term career goals after obtaining your MBA and what functional area do you plan to study while in the MBA program? What are some specific skills that you want to develop during your time in business school that will help you achieve your career goals? 
• Please highlight something about yourself that isn’t already captured in the application. 

In responding to Statement 1, be as specific as possible as to industry (consulting, finance, manufacturing, marketing, etc.), and functional area (i.e., operations, brand management, commercial banking, human resources, etc.). They want to see that you have really given this some thought and have examined their program to see which specific courses or Research Centers will help you achieve your goals. Also think about what skills you have already developed, what other skills you need to acquire to change or advance in your chosen career path, or what weaknesses you want to strengthen. Mention specific courses that will help you do this. That said, they will not hold you to this goal, because they know that there will be many new opportunities for you to consider. But you do need to have a general idea because companies start recruiting in person about the second week of school and the time flies past. 

The essay is short because they want to see if you can produce a precise and meaningful statement, not one full of fluff. Brevity is a plus in business communication – show them you can do that by thinking of this as your written “60-second elevator pitch”.

What they are asking in Statement 2 should be evident, but many candidates veer off into repeating the accomplishments on their resume or from one of the optional statements. That is not what they are asking! They want to know something about you that is NOT in the application. This can be crafted as a very short story about something that is important to you, an event that shaped who you are or a challenge you overcame. It is not a reiteration of your job skills or why you want an MBA. 

Optional explanatory statement

There is an optional statement, and it is truly optional. This gives you the chance to explain low grades in undergrad, or why you are not using your current supervisor as a recommender, or why you have any gaps in employment. Don’t use this section to whine about your test score. It is what it is, and if you didn’t bother to retake the test to try and improve your score, then that says a lot.

Optional interesting fact

Finally, there is an optional statement of 400 characters :

”Share an interesting or fun fact about yourself.”

Again, this is to get to know you better and it should be something fun! Like “I’ve visited every major league baseball stadium in the US.” Or “I wanted to be doctor when I was a child and destroyed all my sister’s dolls while practicing surgery.” You get the idea?

Video Response

The last component is the Video Response. These are easy questions, designed to gauge your personality, creativity, and communication style. You can have three attempts to record your response, but each attempt will present a different question. You have 30 seconds to prepare your answer and 90 seconds to record it. 

As with all videos remember: have good lighting, test your video and audio, dress appropriately (business casual). Try to record in front of a bare wall, not your messy bedroom, and lock the door so your roommate won’t walk through after a shower! 

The Interview 

Interviews are by invitation and are granted after a preliminary review of your entire application. You will be given access to a calendar to schedule a date that is convenient for you, but you must complete the interview within the dates given for each Application Round. The interviews are “blind”, meaning that your interviewer will have only your resume. They will not have seen the rest of your application, essays, tests scores, etc. This is to give everyone a level playing field to start with. During the school year, interviews are generally done by second-year students who have been extensively trained to do this. During breaks, summer, or in cities outside of Nashville, one of the admissions staff will do the interview. Vanderbilt does not use alumni interviewers at this time. The questions are primarily behavioral in nature.

Don’t take this lightly – prepare for the interview by knowing your resume, have stories that highlight your skills, personality and impact, be able to coherently discuss your goals, and why Vanderbilt is the place for you. You really must evidence knowledge of the school, the curriculum, and student clubs and how each will play a part in your development. 

Vanderbilt-Owen has several research centers , and if one happens to be in your area of interest, you should check it out and be ready to talk about it during your interview.

– The Financial Markets Research Center

– The Center for entrepreneurship

– The Center for Healthcare Market Innovation

– The Turner Family Center for Social Ventures

– The Insights Lab

To conclude, your “fit” with the school is probably the most important criteria that will be evaluated because this is a small program and as they say, one bad apple can ruin the whole barrel. They obviously care about your academic preparation too, and offer pre-term activities to prepare you for the rigorous quantitative classes in the first semester. 

Vanderbilt Owen at a glance

Class size: 182

Age Range: 23-40

Average years work experience: 5.7

Average GMAT score: 690

Median Undergraduate GPA: 3.3

Class of 22 Internship Offers: 100%

U .S. News Ranking 2022: #23

See more about Vanderbilt’s rankings here and Career Statistics here .

Check out the B-School Selectivity Index for more stats about top MBA programs.

For expert guidance with your Vanderbilt MBA application, check out Accepted’s  MBA Application Packages , which include comprehensive guidance from an experienced admissions consultant. We’ve helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to top MBA programs and look forward to helping you too!

Vanderbilt Owen 2022-23 MBA application timeline

Application deadlines are similar to other schools, except that Vanderbilt does offer a 4th round in May.

Source: Vanderbilt website

More resources for Owen applicants

Not sure if Owen is the place for you? If you are in the research stage, these resources can help guide you: 

• The MBA Selectivity Index
• Top 10 or Bust: Dispelling 2 MBA Myths
• M7 MBA Programs: Everything You Need to Know
• Which MBA Program is Right for Me? The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an MBA Program

Wherever you decide to apply, you will need a stand-out application, extraordinary essays, and incredible interview skills. Our expert admissions consultants will work with you one-on-one to make sure you present your best self. Check out our  MBA Services Packages  and get on the road to being ACCEPTED!

Dr. Christie St-John has over 25 years of experience as MBA admissions director, career coach and Chief Military Recruiter at Vanderbilt University and Tuck School of Business, consultant at Université de Nice, and adjunct faculty at Vanderbilt. Christie has a deep knowledge of MBA and graduate admissions. Want Christie to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!

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• Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management Essay Analysis, 2023–2024

August 15, 2023

Jeremy Shinewald

In addition to completing a short video, applicants to Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management must submit two brief (200-word) statements as part of their application. The first prompt is professionally focused and requests that candidates expound on their intentions for their career after graduation and explain what capabilities they already possess that will position them for success. The second, very open-ended prompt asks simply for applicants to share more about themselves. The brevity and scope of the program’s required statements do not offer much opportunity for creativity, but we encourage applicants to try to make their responses as personal as possible to help them stand out better among the multitude of similar submissions Owen will receive. The school’s optional “explanatory statement” prompt allows candidates who might need to clarify any elements of their profile to the admissions committee to do so. Our more in-depth analysis of Owen’s statement prompts and video component follows.

Statement 1: Tell us about your post-MBA career goals by describing  two concurrent paths you plan to explore while in the Vanderbilt MBA program. What skills have you developed that will help you achieve your career goals? (200 words)

With this question, Owen is asking for a standard element of a traditional personal statement—one’s short-term career objective—with the addition of one rather nonstandard component—a second short-term career objective. In a way, the admissions committee is asking you about your Plan B without your having to specify which goal you consider your Plan A. Candidates often feel they must be totally unequivocal in their career goals to impress the admissions committee, but in this case, Owen actually wants you to speculate on and articulate multiple options. The admissions committee understands that sometimes even the best-laid plans do not play out as expected, and they want to know that you are also aware of this possibility. Even more, they want proof that you are prepared to switch gears and commit to a different path, if necessary—and that you are fully capable of doing so. The key in answering this question is showing that both goals you present are equally connected to your skills, interests, and ambitions, so that neither seems to come “out of left field,” so to speak. For example, you would probably have a difficult time convincing the admissions committee that you hope to enter either technology consulting or human resources, because these industries, for the most part, require entirely different skills and personalities. Both options you present must be plausible and achievable.

Owen also wants to know what you already bring to the table with respect to your potential to be successful in reaching your goals. To be convincing (and to best work with your limited word count here), you need to highlight skills that are relevant and helpful to both paths you have presented, rather than specifying different capabilities for each goal. This is a chance for you to demonstrate that you understand what is required of someone in the professional roles or industries you are targeting and have the self-awareness to know which of those requirements you already meet. 

As we noted, this question concerns some of the core topics covered in a traditional personal statement, so we encourage you to download your free copy of the mbaMission Personal Statement Guide , which helps applicants write this style of essay for any school. This complimentary publication offers detailed advice on approaching and framing these content, along with multiple illustrative examples.

Statement 2: Please highlight something about yourself that isn’t already captured in the application. (200 words)

First, let us emphasize the word “highlight” in this prompt. This is not the place to explain a gap in your resume or a shortcoming on your transcript. Save such stories (if you have them) for your explanatory statement. Instead, this is an opportunity to share something meaningful about yourself that you believe would make a positive impression on the admissions committee and that they would otherwise not get the chance to learn. Ideally, what you present in this short statement is something that reveals how or why you would be a good fit with the Vanderbilt program, though we caution you to not overtly frame your response that way. Simply craft a brief submission that presents an illuminating new aspect of your candidacy that is somehow relevant to the Vanderbilt community and/or offers evidence that you would be successful as a student there and in your post-graduate professional life. Your goal is to provide some key additional information for the school to use in deciding whether to include you in its next incoming class. 

Take time to consider everything the admissions committee will already be able to learn about you via the other parts of your application, from your statistics and resume to your recommenders’ contributions. With this statement, you want to round out that information in a positive way that pushes your candidacy forward in the direction of acceptance. Focus on ensuring that your response is authentic and natural, and do not use it to pitch your candidacy, express your admiration for the program, detail your career goals, or pander to the school.  

Optional Explanatory Statement: You may provide an additional statement to explain anything you think is important for the Admissions Committee to know about you that is not already addressed elsewhere in your application. Many applicants use this statement to explain significant gaps in full-time employment, lack of recommendation from a current supervisor, or subpar academic performance. 

With this rather “catchall” prompt, Owen obviously wants to give applicants an opportunity to clarify any potentially problematic elements of their profile, but the admissions committee is likely not interested in long-winded expositions or unnecessary filler. So do not view this as a chance to squeeze in another accomplishment story or pander to the school in any way, and only take advantage of the optional essay if you have complementary information the admissions committee truly needs to hear to be able to fully and fairly evaluate you as a candidate. For help in deciding whether and how to respond to this kind of prompt, download a free copy of the mbaMission Optional Essays Guide .    

The video response is a chance for you to provide a glimpse of the authentic you, speaking without a script. The video questions are designed to be easy to answer and help us to get to know you as a person. You will have time to prepare your response and the application will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to record your answers.

First, take a deep breath. We understand that video essays can be intimidating and nerve-racking, but the admissions committee is truly not trying to scare you or set you up to fail. Video essays are generally meant to provide a more dynamic representation of an applicant’s personality than can be conveyed in a written essay. Owen is not looking for the next prime-time anchor or expecting an Oscar-worthy performance—the school just wants to get a sense of your spoken communication style, personality, and perhaps demeanor. Because the different questions you might encounter are not provided in advance, the admissions committee is likely also using the video as a way of gauging how you deal with the unexpected, think on your feet, and convey relevant answers in a time-conscious way. This is, after all, similar to what you will be doing in the Owen classroom as an MBA student.

When the time comes to record your video submission, you will receive a question and then be given 30 seconds to prepare your response. You then have 90 seconds to record your response. If you are not satisfied with your submission after reviewing it, you can actually record another video to replace it. The twist, however, is that you will not be asked the same question, and you are limited to just three attempts, so you cannot simply keep repeating the process until you perfect your response. Take care to not be too exacting, or you might paint yourself into a corner.

Again, you will not know ahead of time what question(s) you will receive, but this does not mean you cannot prepare in advance. You could, for example, ask a friend or family member to help you get ready by asking you questions and providing feedback on the content and presentation of your responses. To find practice questions, consider Googling “MBA interview questions” and/or downloading a free copy of the mbaMission Interview Guide , which includes a list of 100 questions commonly posed in MBA admissions interviews. This will give you a feel for what delivering an oral response within the school’s 90-second timeframe feels like (ideally without speaking at lightning speed!). As you practice, strive to minimize your use of filler words and phrases (e.g., “um,” “uh,” “like,” “you know”) so that you are less likely to depend on or default to them when the time comes for your actual video submission. Do not feel that you must fill the entire 90 seconds if you do not have good content with which to do so, but also, take care to not be too brief. This is the admissions committee’s chance to get to know you better as an animated, three-dimensional person, so do not shortchange them on getting to see how you speak and behave.

And do not panic. If you make a small mistake or bungle your words, just pause, smile, and get back on track. If you make a more significant blunder—perhaps you run out of time before you have finished answering the question or totally draw a blank and fail to provide any real answer at all—take comfort in knowing that you can try again. 

Let us reassure you that none of the questions will have a “correct” answer, and you are not going to be judged on how energetic or enthralling you are in delivering your response. You should speak as naturally as possible so that the admissions committee can get a feel for your true character and bearing. If possible (meaning you can do so without forcing the issue), sharing a story from your life that helps illustrate or support your answer will make your response even more compelling. Otherwise, simply breathe, relax, and give the school insight into the unique individual you are. Respond to each query honestly and as smoothly as you can (despite any nervousness you might be feeling), and be yourself.

2023-2024 B-Schools Outside the Top 15 Business School Essays MBA Essay Tips Vanderbilt University (Owen)

Tags: business school essay MBA application essays optional essay Vanderbilt Owen

Upcoming Events

• Mar 26, 2024 Your 2024 MBA Application Action Plan (Online)
• Apr 25, 2024 Assessing Your MBA Profile (Online)

Upcoming Deadlines

• Mar 25, 2024 Dartmouth Tuck (Round 3)
• Mar 25, 2024 London Business School (Round 3)
• Mar 26, 2024 Texas McCombs (Round 3)
• Mar 26, 2024 Vanderbilt Owen (Round 4)
• Mar 28, 2024 Berkeley Haas (Round 4)
• Apr 1, 2024 Penn State Smeal (Round 4)
• Apr 2, 2024 Penn Wharton (Round 3)
• Apr 3, 2024 Columbia (Round 3)
• Apr 3, 2024 Northwestern Kellogg (Round 3)
• Apr 3, 2024 Virginia Darden (Round 3)
• Apr 4, 2024 Chicago Booth (Round 3)
• Apr 4, 2024 Michigan Ross (Round 3)
• Apr 8, 2024 MIT Sloan (Round 3)
• Apr 9, 2024 Stanford GSB (Round 3)
• Apr 9, 2024 Yale SOM (Round 3)
• Apr 10, 2024 Cornell Johnson (Round 3)
• Apr 12, 2024 UCLA Anderson (Round 3)
• Apr 15, 2024 USC Marshall (Round 3)
• Apr 29, 2024 Toronto Rotman (Round 4)
• Apr 29, 2024 UNC Kenan-Flagler (Round 4)
• Apr 30, 2024 Georgetown McDonough (Round 4)

Click here to see the complete deadlines

2023–2024 MBA Essay Tips

• Berkeley Haas School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• BU Questrom School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Cambridge Judge Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Chicago Booth School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Columbia Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management Essay and Examples
• Dartmouth Tuck School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Duke Fuqua School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Emory Goizueta Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• Esade Essay Tips and Examples
• Georgetown McDonough School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Harvard Business School 2+2 Deferred MBA Program Essay Analysis 2024
• Harvard Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• HEC Paris Essay Tips and Examples
• HKUST Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• IE Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• IESE Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• INSEAD Essay Tips and Examples
• International Institute for Management Development (IMD) Essay Tips and Examples
• Ivey Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• London Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• Michigan Ross School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• MIT Sloan School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
• Northwestern Kellogg School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
• Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• NYU Stern School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Ohio Fisher College of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Oxford Saïd Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• SMU Cox School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Stanford Graduate School of Business Application Essay Tips and Examples
• Texas McCombs School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management Essay Tips and Examples
• The Wharton School Essay Tips and Examples
• Toronto Rotman School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
• UCLA Anderson School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
• UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• USC Marshall School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• UVA Darden School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• UW Foster School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Villanova School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Yale School of Management Essay Tips and Examples

Click here for the 2022–2023 MBA Essay Tips

MBA Program Updates

• Berkeley-Haas
• Boston University (Questrom)
• Cambridge Judge Business School
• Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)
• Columbia University (Columbia Business School)
• Consortium for Graduate Study in Management
• Cornell University (Johnson)
• Dartmouth College (Tuck)
• Duke University (Fuqua)
• Emory University (Goizueta)
• George Washington University (GWSB)
• Georgetown University (McDonough)
• Harvard University (Harvard Business School)
• IE Business School
• IESE Business School
• Indian School of Business
• Indiana University (Kelley)
• Ivey Business School
• London Business School
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)
• New York University (Stern)
• Northwestern University (Kellogg)
• Notre Dame (Mendoza)
• Ohio State University (Fisher College)
• Oxford University (Saïd Business School)
• Penn State Smeal College of Business
• Rotman School of Management
• Saïd Business School
• Southern Methodist University (Cox School of Business)
• Stanford University (Stanford Graduate School of Business)
• University of California Los Angeles (Anderson)
• University of Cambridge (Judge)
• University of Chicago (Booth)
• University of London (London Business School)
• University of Michigan (Ross)
• University of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler)
• University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
• University of Southern California (Marshall)
• University of Texas at Austin (McCombs)
• University of Virginia (Darden)
• Vanderbilt University (Owen)
• Villanova School of Business
• Yale University (School of Management)

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

A Strong Vanderbilt Essay Example from an Accepted Student

Consistently ranked as one of the best schools in the nation, Vanderbilt University is world-renowned for exceptional academics. A top-tier reputation leads to a highly selective admissions process, so to get into Vanderbilt, you need more than just strong grades and test scores—you need stellar essays that set you apart from other academically excellent applicants.

In this post, we will share a real essay submitted by an accepted Vanderbilt student. We will go over what this essay did well, and where there is room for improvement.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our Vanderbilt essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

Essay Example – The Power of Story

At an intersection in Oakwood, an elderly Asian man walks on the sidewalk. Behind him, a man in a black hoodie follows. Without warning, the man in the black hoodie pushes the Asian man to the ground, his face landing flat against the sidewalk, motionless.

Pausing the video, I watch my friends’ faces flicker between confusion, anger, and hurt. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes became personally painful for my Asian American friends. We encountered news of elderly Asian Americans violently thrashed and berated with slurs. But beyond our circle, conversations about these occurrences were absent. And despite the South Asian community being relatively safe from these crimes, I shared the sobs of my friends. 

A few years ago, I joined a nonprofit that empowers minorities to be civically engaged citizens. Engaging with this group of passionate individuals, I was inspired by their unrelenting dedication to improving others’ lives through community-building.

Eager to foster solidarity among Reno’s AAPI community in light of these tragedies, we pioneered a march against hate, where we invited student speakers to share their stories of racial discrimination. Listening to my peers’ journeys, from finding confidence as an immigrant to navigating implicit bias in the classroom, I became captivated by the power of story. 

Bonding over the commonality in our journeys and in our activism, I yearn to persist in championing the use of dialogue to build community in the face of adversity at Vanderbilt.

What the Essay Did Well

This “Extracurricular Essay” does a great job of telling a story. The beginning draws the reader in by including details like “ an intersection in Oakwood ,” and “ a man in a black hoodie ,” to help us visualize the scene. In the next paragraph, we realize that we are watching this situation through the eyes of the student. By first providing readers with the terrible situation directly, the student arouses our own emotions, which allows us to immediately understand the student’s shock and anger once we realize we are actually in their shoes.

The second paragraph goes on to provide good background on the student’s personal connection to the situation, which allows readers to understand their motivation for engaging in the extracurriculars described in the third and fourth paragraphs. By showing us the pain their friends felt (“ I watch my friends’ faces flicker between confusion, anger, and hurt ”) and explaining that this issue was at the forefront of their mind, but ignored  by many others (“ But beyond our circle, conversations about these occurrences were absent ”), we get a tangible sense of the student’s connection to the issue.

Then, the essay shifts to discussing the student’s extracurricular activity. The point of this kind of essay is to help admissions officers see that you are involved in your activities to grow and learn  about the world, rather than pad your resume. Because the student took the time to explain their passion for AAPI activism and demonstrate their compassion for others in the previous paragraph, we can clearly see that this nonprofit is genuinely meaningful to them.

Finally, although this essay just asks about an extracurricular, this student was still able to infuse elements of their personality into the essay in the way they told it. From the details included, we know this student is compassionate, an activist, and values justice and diversity. Being able to show the reader all that without telling us these aspects of their personality outright makes for an engaging, informative essay.

What Could Be Improved

The biggest thing this essay needs to improve is the shift in focus from the cultural context of the first two paragraphs to the student’s involvement in the extracurricular itself. Right now, that transition is rather abrupt, so although the topics are related, the reader is left to tie them together on their own.

For example, while the detail in the introduction describing the instance of hate is captivating, in such a short essay, that space could be used much more wisely. A better hook would immediately place the reader in the extracurricular activity, possibly like this:

“ STOP ASIAN HATE. PROTECT ASIAN LIVES. I AM NOT INVISIBLE. Hundreds of cardboard signs blocked out the strong Reno sun, the feeling of change hanging in the air. My throat sore and mouth parched after hours of chanting, I couldn’t help but smile knowing that we made this march possible. ”

With this introduction placing the reader in the middle of the action (a technique called “in medias res”), the rest of the essay could then be spent providing more details about what the student did as a part of the nonprofit. They tell us they “ pioneered a march against hate, where we invited student speakers to share their stories of racial discrimination,” but a stronger extracurricular essay would delve into the specific role the student played in planning these events.

Similarly, rather than ending the third paragraph by just telling the reader that they became “ captivated by the power of story ” through listening to others, this student could have demonstrated how that power tangibly affected their own actions, by adding a sentence along the lines of: 

“ Inspired by the stories I had heard, I encouraged my friends to submit their own stories as opinion pieces to our school newspaper, while I created flyers for the march that included photos of myself as a child, to humanize our movement .” Notice how this version both shows us what the student did and provides more insight into their character.

With a word count this low, you need to understand exactly what the prompt is asking for, and make sure everything you say is helping provide that. Background context is important, but if the prompt is asking about your extracurriculars, most of the essay should be dedicated to your actual involvement in the extracurricular.

Where to Get Feedback on Your Essay

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. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Vanderbilt University Essay Examples

Vanderbilt Essay Examples – Introduction

If you’re looking for Vanderbilt essay examples and Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples, you’ve come to the right place. Vanderbilt is a private research university located on a beautiful campus in Nashville, Tennessee. Vanderbilt puts students in the heart of Nashville, a city known for its thriving music scene and foodie culture. With 70 majors across four academic schools, Vanderbilt offers rigorous academic options for students looking to study in any discipline .  

In this article, we’ll go over some Vanderbilt essays that worked. We’ll provide several Vanderbilt essay examples for you to review. Then, we’ll discuss why these Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples succeeded.   

Vanderbilt Supplemental Essay Requirements

Before we get into the Vanderbilt essay examples, let’s first take a look at the Vanderbilt supplemental essay requirements. Then, we’ll discuss our Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples in more detail.

In addition to the Common Application essay, Vanderbilt also requires one short essay based on one of two essay prompts.

Vanderbilt Essay Requirements:

Short answer essay 1 (250 words):.

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?

Short Answer Essay 2 (250 words):

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.

Past Vanderbilt essay prompts

In the past, Vanderbilt has required one longer essay focusing on extracurricular activities. The Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples in this guide reflect that older prompt. That said, they can still be helpful to you as you approach the current style of the short Vanderbilt supplemental essays. We are sure you will find the Vanderbilt essay examples below are quire similar to an essay you might write for the second prompt.

In this guide, we’ll focus on the Vanderbilt essay examples from previous years. We will also present you with tips on how to use these Vanderbilt essay examples to write your Vanderbilt supplemental essays. Through studying these Vanderbilt essay examples, you can learn how to write the best possible Vanderbilt supplemental essays. 

Vanderbilt Essays that Worked

Now that we’ve covered the Vanderbilt supplemental essay questions and how they’ve changed over the years, let’s move on to some real Vanderbilt essay examples. 

Vanderbilt Essay Examples #1

This August, a member of an organization where I volunteer became a headline: 16th trans woman killed in 2019. Every time I leave this organization, I pray that everyone lives another week. After losing this person, I’m not prepared to lose another loved one. 

Immediately after this person’s passing, I was scared of returning to my organization. With time, I started to accept that I couldn’t save this person and that I can’t give anyone at this organization the life they deserve. However, that didn’t mean I couldn’t make a difference. 

After strategizing with my friends, I started a project that didn’t give homeless communities what outsiders thought they wanted, but what they actually needed. Because my city is so spread out, well-known organizations are inaccessible. 

I engineered an online resource guide so anyone experiencing homelessness can access needed assistance. My guide discusses ways to acquire free/subsidized metro passes and groups organizations by type and geographic area, highlighting lesser-known ones without a substantial online presence. But contributing to words on a webpage isn’t everything. My goal for my work at the organization where I volunteer is to help all of them see themselves the way I see them: deserving, valuable, and resilient. 

I didn’t just want to cater meals for the young people at my organization. I wanted to cook them myself. Each week, I take requests for what I should prepare for the following Saturday. Members need to know someone cares about them enough to spend hundreds of hours in the kitchen for them. 

I didn’t just want to host drives for this organization after I witnessed the demoralizing effects of low-quality donations. Believing you are worthy is difficult enough after your family throws you onto the streets, but it becomes almost impossible when you’re only given everyone else’s scraps. 

After these conversations, I started a clothing revitalization initiative where I use outside materials or other donations to up-cycle usable parts of low-quality clothing donations. That way, our members receive only the best possible items. I don’t want poor donations to make them feel less than what they are. 

I couldn’t save this person. I can’t give anyone at my organization the life they deserve. But I can still make a difference. A bowl of pasta and a pair of jeans might not be much, but it’s the little things like these that help me honor her.

Why this essay worked

The first one of our Vanderbilt essay examples is an extracurricular activities essay example. In this Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples, we learn that this student cares deeply about their community. The student puts a lot of thought into how best to give back to their local community of houseless people. 

Another reason why the first of our Vanderbilt essay examples worked is because it demonstrates leadership and impact . When writing your Vanderbilt supplemental essays make sure to write about an activity where you have made an impact or been a leader. This Vanderbilt essay example explains how the student identified a problem within their community and created solutions for it. They created an online database so houseless people could more easily access resources, prepared home-cooked meals for people in need, and started a clothing revitalization initiative. 

Depth and breadth

In this one of three Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples, we learn that this applicant doesn’t just care about giving back in theory. Instead, we learn they are committed to creating new initiatives that will improve the lives of vulnerable populations. 

This example of one of our Vanderbilt essays that worked also employs a thoughtful structure . It starts with a hook , continues into the body of the essay, then ends by bringing the reader back to the initial hook. In this Vanderbilt essay example, the “hook” is a headline about the murder of a member of the homeless shelter where the student volunteers. This hook shocks and draws in the reader at the same time. In doing so, it provides an emotional tether to the story. 

Ultimately, this Vanderbilt supplemental essay example tells a well-structured story. It shows us how a student took initiative to make an impact in their community. 

Now let’s take a look at the second of our Vanderbilt essay examples. This one will explore another set of characteristics that made this a Vanderbilt essay that worked. 

Vanderbilt Essay Examples #2

Hundreds of eyes rested on me, the chatter of the crowd slowly descending into silence. My hand clenched around the wooden stick, a “tambo,” and a shallow exhale escaped between my teeth. Today was the day I would get my black belt. My Italian friends looked on, expectant. I gave a slight bow, signifying the start of the “kata,” a series of moves, like an imaginary fight.

I opened my eyes and suddenly I wasn’t in an Italian high school gym, surrounded by hundreds of strangers. I was back in Berkeley, on the familiar dojo mat, practicing for the thousandth time. Retreat, high block; diagonal strike, strike, reverse — and my body fell into a familiar pattern, a rhythm indelibly etched into my muscles.

My tambo whipped and whooshed through the air with deadly precision. I felt myself bow again, and realized it was over. A beat of dead silence, and then applause erupted, filling the gym to the ceiling. Pride swelled inside me, my taut muscles relaxing. A wide grin settled on my face. It was for moments like this that all the hard practice, all the bruises and accidental kicks to the face, all the long nights of training, the endless repetition, the exhaustion – that it was all worth it. 

When I began martial arts, I thought it would end as my other brief stints with gymnastics and fencing had: with the realization that I wasn’t cut out for it. But one fateful Tuesday in August, the summer before eighth grade, I was dropped off for my first class. I learned how to escape a wrist grab: turn your arm in the direction of the attacker’s thumb and shift sideways. I was enthralled.

As I learned how energy could be shifted and redirected, as my techniques became swift and powerful, I knew I had found my sport. The easy flow of a hip throw and the powerful intensity of a stamp kick became my life for one hour, four days a week. I became part of the dojo community, friends with people of all ages. I flew to Atlanta for the training camps where I ate, slept, and breathed back rolls, side drops and front kicks.

Earning my black belt after years of commitment felt right, a symbol of my passion and dedication. While some people play soccer or baseball, I am an artist. A martial artist.

The second of our Vanderbilt essay examples does not focus as intensely on leadership or impact. However, one crucial feature makes this one of the Vanderbilt essays that worked: it keeps the “personal” in “personal essay .” 

The aim of the Vanderbilt supplemental essays is to get an in-depth look at one of your extracurricular activities so that the Vanderbilt admissions committee can learn more about you. This one of our Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples is essentially the opposite of a resume: it goes into great detail about one aspect of this student’s life. This one of our Vanderbilt essay examples demonstrates genuine, invested interest in martial arts. 

Immersed in the narrative

Do you notice how when you’re reading this Vanderbilt supplemental essays example, you feel like you’re right there with the student in the gymnasium? The entire first half of this one of our Vanderbilt essay examples describes the victorious moment when the student finally got their black belt. The student does an incredible job making the reader feel like we’re right there with them. As you read the second of our Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples, note the use of detail: sights, sounds, smells. We know exactly how the student feels, physically and mentally, as they begin this nerve-wracking performance. 

The second of our Vanderbilt essay examples also numbers among our Vanderbilt essays that worked because it demonstrates a change in the student’s perspective. Where previously they thought that they weren’t cut out for sports, taking martial arts classes allowed them to learn commitment and dedication. The student is now able to think of themselves as an “artist.” 

For the next one of our Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples, we’ll examine a different take on what makes this essay one of the Vanderbilt essays that worked. 

Vanderbilt Essay Examples #3

I was lost. Utterly and completely lost. After wandering the narrow, cobblestoned streets of Viterbo, Italy for almost an hour, I could confidently say that I had no idea which way was home. On this second day of school in a new country, I had yet to learn these winding, medieval streets; the city’s labyrinthine design was intentional, to confuse invaders and outsiders. At that moment, that was me – an outsider.

Eventually I found my way home, to the apartment I would live in during the coming months. It was not the last time I would be lost (due to my lack of navigational skills), but as the weeks passed, I slowly let go of my identity of  “outsider” and embraced my new home. 

Learning the language was the first step. Being surrounded by it helped, but I still spent hours memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules. And of course I made mistakes — asking to towel-dry the gelato instead of sample it (asciugare vs. assaggiare), and telling my host mother she was going to take a shower instead of informing her that I was (fai vs. faccio).

I recognized that learning a language is not a process that can be forced or rushed; it is a progression of knowledge that builds on itself, a mastery that cannot be feigned. I would receive no prize for speaking the best Italian, only the satisfaction of knowing that I was able to communicate in another language. Perhaps that is why languages appeal to me so much.

I don’t master a skill to prove that I am better than someone else. I do it for me. My reward for learning a language is being able to talk to so many more interesting people, to think from a different perspective, to order extra basil on a pizza margherita.  

As I learned the formal and informal, gerunds and impersonals, I began to understand the world of beautiful sounds I lived in. And by understanding, I embraced more fully the new culture of my life. The double kisses I gave and received began to feel natural, and the unintentional forehead bumps abated.

My daily cappuccino became as much a part of my routine as brushing my teeth.  I could now walk through the town’s winding streets without a second thought, knowing where each previously-indistinguishable alleyway led. My new school helped me with this assimilation — as we translated the Aeneid in class, I saw scenes from it brought to life in marble while visiting the Vatican; my childhood obsession with Greek myths was rekindled in Sicily as I gazed in awe at the colossal temples we had studied in Art History.

The richness and abundance of Italian history and it’s tangible remnants constantly surrounded me. Each magical location I visited, each Italian friend I met, and each plate of pasta I ate folded me deeper into the culture of La Bella Italia.

Living abroad taught me many things. Perhaps the most important lesson is that each maze I encounter will resolve itself with time and effort. No incredible skill, no deeper understanding, no complete mastery will come on the first day.

As a child, I would erupt in frustration when I didn’t immediately understand a math concept, or when an ornament dropped from the Christmas tree because of my hastiness to decorate. But I now understand that no matter how hard I work or strain to understand, true learning requires time for new information to simmer and stew, and finally solidify into knowledge. Patience.

As I look ahead to the next few years of my life, I know that I will have my fair share of labyrinths to tackle, whether they be challenging classes or completely new cities and campuses. I could read the textbook or memorize a map, but to learn and understand the complexities of multi-variable calculus or which café serves the best sandwiches, I’ll need to engage in the class and explore the city. And I can’t wait.

For the third of our Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples, we travel with a student to Italy, where they discover that learning a new language might take patience, but it comes with a great reward. It differs in certain ways from our other Vanderbilt essay examples, but it nonetheless succeeds.

So, what makes this one of our Vanderbilt essays that worked?

In the third of our Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples, this student does a great job of reflecting on what they have learned. When writing your Vanderbilt supplemental essays, you’ll discuss your extracurriculars in detail, albeit in fewer words. The third of our Vanderbilt essay examples goes into great detail of what it’s like to learn a language. It also highlights what this student learned about themself in the process. 

Packed with personal detail

Your Vanderbilt application should showcase as much about you as possible. Think about how much more the Vanderbilt admissions committee can learn from this Vanderbilt supplemental essays example than a transcript that simply states: “Italian – One Semester.” 

The Vanderbilt admissions committee hopes to understand your story as a person and a candidate from your application. Just like the students did in these Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples, think about your Vanderbilt supplemental essays as one puzzle piece in your application. When only looking at your SAT scores and Common App essay, what does your application leave out? What piece of your personality, passions, or values does not appear? Once you identify that piece, you have a great basis for your Vanderbilt supplemental essays. Then, you’ll be one step closer to writing one of the Vanderbilt essays that worked.

Writing Extracurricular Activities Essays

Our Vanderbilt essay examples and Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples fall within the category of “Extracurricular Activities Essays.” This essay prompt might ask you something like: “Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.”

In the past, the Vanderbilt supplemental essays have consisted of one long essay about extracurricular activities. According to our advisors from Vanderbilt , the Vanderbilt admissions committee really values applicants who make an impact in their communities. They look for students who are passionate about non-academic activities, as you’ve seen from our Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples. The extracurricular essay allows you to showcase who you are outside of the classroom. Our extracurricular activities essay examples do just this. 

This year, of the two shorter Vanderbilt supplemental essays, one is about extracurricular activities. So, make sure to review our Vanderbilt essays that worked as you write. That way, you can see Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples that successfully described the applicants’ extracurriculars. 

A common essay prompt

The extracurricular activities essay is a common college essay prompt. To learn how to get into Vanderbilt, you should master this style of essay. Learning more about the extracurricular activities essay won’t just help you with Vanderbilt admissions; schools like Stanford , Northwestern , University of Florida , and Princeton all ask for similar essays that focus on extracurricular activities. With our Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples, you’ll learn how to write great extracurricular activities essays for all universities. 

When the Vanderbilt admissions committee reads your Vanderbilt supplemental essays, you want them to come away with a basic understanding of who you are, what you value, and what you would bring to the Vanderbilt community. These Vanderbilt supplemental essays, the extracurricular activities essay in particular, provide the opportunity to share more detail about yourself and your interests.

Tell a story

Additionally, the extracurricular activities essay allows you to showcase growth and demonstrate what you have learned through your involvement in leadership roles within your community. The best essays tell a story about a personal realization or change. The extracurricular activities essay is a great place within the Vanderbilt supplemental essays to accomplish this. 

Vanderbilt essay reflection questions: 

• Does your Vanderbilt application essay expand meaningfully on an activity you mention in your application?
• Do you use your extracurricular activity to reveal more about who you are and what matters to you?
• Do you describe why your chosen activity was important to you in concrete and specific terms?
• Does your reader learn more about you by reading your Vanderbilt extracurricular essay?

If your Vanderbilt supplemental essay answers all of these questions, you’re one step closer to writing a great extracurricular activities essay. If you’re still stumped, don’t worry. Return to our extracurricular activities essay examples for guidance. 

How to use these Vanderbilt essay examples to write your Vanderbilt supplemental essays

Keep in mind that the Vanderbilt application process is competitive. Ranked number #13 in the United States by the U.S. News & World Report, Vanderbilt is described by the website as a “most selective” school. With such a high ranking, it’s no surprise that the Vanderbilt acceptance rate is quite low: under 5% . To learn how to get into Vanderbilt, you will need to take advantage of their holistic admissions process by writing stellar essays.

This year, when writing your Vanderbilt supplemental essays, you will need to focus on answering two questions in 250 words. Though our Vanderbilt essay examples were extracurricular activities essay examples, we can still learn a lot from Vanderbilt essay examples on how to write successful Vanderbilt supplemental essays.

The Vanderbilt essay examples that we have discussed largely focus on answering the second question; as such, they are extracurricular activities essay examples. So how can we apply what we’ve learned through these Vanderbilt essay examples to answer the first of the Vanderbilt supplemental essays as well?

Reflect on moments of change

The first of the Vanderbilt supplemental essays questions encourages you to reflect on diversity and difference. Even though we haven’t covered how to answer this question directly in our Vanderbilt essay examples, all of our Vanderbilt essays that worked reflected on moments of change and lessons that the student learned. Wait, that sounds familiar– this is exactly what the first essay question asks you to reflect on!

The supplemental essay is a crucial component of your Vanderbilt application. Supplemental essays, are a way for the Vanderbilt admissions committee to get to know you better as an applicant. Each of the Vanderbilt supplemental essays is a way for you to showcase your passions, your skills, and what makes you unique. Since the Vanderbilt acceptance rate is only 5%, you want to use your supplemental essays to help you stand out. 

Vanderbilt Essay Examples: Five Key Tips

If you’re still wondering how you can use these Vanderbilt essay examples and Vanderbilt essays that worked to help you write your supplemental essays, here’s some tips: 

Vanderbilt essays that worked tips

1. show your personality.

In each of these Vanderbilt essay examples, we learn so much more about the student’s passions that we would from just reading a resume. Take the opportunity in your Vanderbilt supplemental essays to show the admissions committee something unique about you!

2. Keep structure in mind

Whether you open and close your essay with the same hook like the writer did like the first of our Vanderbilt essays example, or start strong with a “ show don’t tell ” anecdote like in the second of our Vanderbilt essays that worked, a thoughtful structure keeps your reader engaged. 

3. Be specific

Imagine if in reading the second one of our Vanderbilt essay examples the student had said “Even though I was nervous, I showed off my moves, and then was awarded the black belt.” That’s a much less engaging retelling. Instead of skipping over details, the writer of that essay tells us exactly where they were during the black belt test, what their body felt like, what moves they did, who was there watching them, and how they felt throughout. Detail makes your essay way more interesting! 

4. Talk about a moment where you learned something or changed

Just like a story, even the shortest essays should have a beginning, middle, and end. In your Vanderbilt supplemental essays, you should start at a place, and describe a change before you reach your resolution. You can see our student do this in our third essay example: the student begins the essay completely lost in Italy, then learns Italian, and is able to fully explore the city in a way they never imagined they could. 

Our Vanderbilt supplemental essays examples aren’t the only resources out there. Check out this CollegeAdvisor article on how to get started within your writing process. 

Other CollegeAdvisor Resources on Extracurricular Activities 

When thinking about how to get into Vanderbilt, there are many factors to take into account. First, consider: the Vanderbilt application requirements, the Vanderbilt acceptance rate, SAT scores , and grades. Another aspect of your Vanderbilt application is your extracurricular activities .

After reading these fantastic Vanderbilt essay examples, you might be wondering: what kind of extracurricular activities should I list on my Vanderbilt application? 

As part of the Vanderbilt application requirements on the common app, you should list your 10 most significant extracurricular activities. But what makes an extracurricular activity significant? 

A strong extracurricular activity is one in which you have demonstrated leadership, impact, and have spent many hours participating. Some students make the mistake of trying to join a bunch of new clubs senior year. It is obvious to admissions when students try and get more extracurriculars for their Common App at the last moment. Instead, focus on spending more time and achieving leadership positions in the extracurriculars you already participate in.

In our extracurricular activities essay examples, you can see how passionate the students are about their activities. Use these extracurricular activities essay examples as inspiration for what kind of extracurriculars you can pursue. You can also look into what extracurriculars Vanderbilt offers and what life is like on campus. Then, you can use that to inform your extracurricular activities in high school. 

Extracurricular Activities Essay Examples

If you’re looking for more resources on extracurricular activities, CollegeAdvisor can help. Check out this article on how to showcase extracurricular activities in your college application. 

How to Showcase Extracurricular Activities In Your College Applications

Vanderbilt Supplemental Essay Guides & Vanderbilt Resources

If you’ve read our Vanderbilt essays that worked and you’re still feeling unsure, don’t worry! We have lots of different resources to help you as you prepare your Vanderbilt application. 

For more essay guides, check out this article that offers more advice on writing supplemental essays for Vanderbilt. If you’re looking to get a merit scholarship from Vanderbilt, check out the link below. In this article we discuss how to master the merit scholarship essays . 

Vanderbilt University Merit Scholarship Essay Guide

Once you’ve brainstormed, taken inspiration from our Vanderbilt essays that worked, and written your first draft, it’s time to edit. Our webinar on essay editing can help. And if you need inspiration, read our profile on Jacqueline Huang, a student who successfully got into Vanderbilt.

Client Success Stories: Jacqueline Huang

Vanderbilt Essay Examples – Final thoughts

We’ve given Vanderbilt an A+ rating as a college for its fantastic academics, diversity, and value. But if you want to know how to get into Vanderbilt and impress the Vanderbilt admissions committee, you need to take a look at the Vanderbilt application requirements. Don’t be discouraged by the low Vanderbilt acceptance rate. Using these Vanderbilt essay examples, you can put together a great Vanderbilt application.

We hope that in reading these Vanderbilt essay examples you gain a better understanding of what makes a great supplemental essay.

This article was written by  Rachel Kahn . Looking for more admissions support? Click  here  to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how  CollegeAdvisor.com  can support you in the college application process.

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Vanderbilt Owen MBA Program 2023-2024: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Leaders

Are you considering a transformative journey in the world of business education? Look no further than the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Business, where an enriching and dynamic full-time MBA program awaits you. In just two years, you can immerse yourself in an unparalleled academic experience, where practicality, adaptability, and excellence converge to shape your future.

Key Highlights of Vanderbilt’s MBA Program

Vanderbilt’s MBA program distinguishes itself with a commitment to hands-on, real-world projects and a curriculum that adapts to your unique learning goals. This exceptional approach makes Vanderbilt the top choice for students who crave a laser-focused business education that encompasses a wide spectrum of disciplines. The renowned faculty at Vanderbilt is known for their unwavering dedication to your success, offering personalized attention that fosters growth. Moreover, a multitude of career-oriented opportunities are at your disposal, ensuring that your ambitions find a nurturing home here. Vanderbilt University, established in 1873, has a rich history of providing top-notch education. The MBA program is an extension of this legacy, maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence. When you choose Vanderbilt, you are joining a community that has consistently ranked among the best in the nation.

In the realm of esteemed institutions, Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management distinguishes itself as a haven of diversity and academic distinction. Annually, the institution welcomes students from over 100 nations, fostering a mosaic of perspectives and experiences that defines its unique learning environment.

Key Aspects of the Vanderbilt MBA:

Pedagogical Excellence:

The faculty at Vanderbilt Owen embodies academic prowess and is committed to furnishing a comprehensive education extending beyond traditional textbooks.

Customizable Academic Path:

The MBA program at Vanderbilt is characterized by its inherent flexibility, allowing students to tailor their curriculum to align with precise career objectives. Concentrations in finance, marketing, healthcare, and entrepreneurship offer students a versatile selection to align their education with professional aspirations.

Experiential Learning Emphasis:

Recognizing the transformative impact of hands-on experience, the MBA program accentuates practical learning through internships, consulting projects, and global immersions, ensuring adept preparedness for the intricate challenges inherent in the contemporary business landscape.

Class Profile

Comprising 153 students, the Class of 2025 represents a diverse amalgamation of talents and experiences.

Boasting a median GPA of 3.34 and a median GMAT score of 700, the class stands poised for academic distinction.

With 29% female representation, 31% international students, and an average of five years of professional experience, the cohort contributes richly to the academic discourse.

Scholarships

Dean’s Scholars Program:  Exceptional students are accorded a full tuition scholarship coupled with an additional $15,000 annual stipend, exemplifying the institutional commitment to fostering academic brilliance.

OneOwen Inclusion Award:  This award venerates students who embody the core values of Trust, Transparency, Accountability, Inclusiveness, Collaborative Community, and Innovation and Learning.

The Holistic Vanderbilt MBA Experience

Campus Life:

Beyond the scholastic realm, Vanderbilt’s campus teems with a plethora of clubs, events, and organizations, facilitating meaningful connections and fostering a vibrant campus culture.

Nashville: A Nexus of Opportunities:

Situated in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, the campus affords students proximity to a city renowned for its contributions to music, healthcare, and business—an invaluable resource for networking, internships, and exploration across diverse industries.

Vanderbilt Owen Application Process

• Admissions occur through three rounds spanning mid-October to early April, with a continuous admission process thereafter.
• Prospective candidates must fulfill comprehensive application requirements encompassing forms, essays, résumé submission, letters of recommendation, a $200 application fee, and unofficial transcripts.
• Submission of GMAT scores, and where applicable, TOEFL/IELTS scores, is imperative.
• Interview participation, either in-person or via webcam, is mandated in the admission process, with applicants encouraged to schedule engagements at any stage.

Admission Deadlines

Application Checklist: What You Need to Apply

To ensure a smooth application process, make sure to have the following:

• Online Application
• Application Fee
• Official GMAT or GRE test scores
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Written Essay
• Video Essay
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores (for international applicants)

Dive into the essay analysis for Vanderbilt MBA 2023-2024  Here

The Interview Process

The interview is a critical part of the admissions process at Vanderbilt; Owen Graduate  School. Once you’ve submitted your application and essay, you might be invited for an interview. Here’s how to prepare:

• Know Your Application: Be prepared to discuss your application, essay, and any other submitted materials.
• Research the School: Familiarize yourself with the school’s values, programs, and culture.
• Common Interview Questions: Practice answering common interview questions to articulate your motivations and goals effectively.
• Mock Interviews: Consider conducting mock interviews with a mentor or admissions consultant to gain confidence.
• Ask Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. This shows your genuine interest.

Impressive Career Outcomes

The Class of 2023 has achieved remarkable success, with graduates securing an average salary of $168,000 . This outstanding outcome is a testament to the remarkable opportunities and exceptional education provided by Vanderbilt Owen’s MBA program.

In your journey towards pursuing a full-time MBA program, the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Business shines as a beacon of academic excellence, practical experience, and a commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Offering a dynamic curriculum, real-world projects, and a close-knit faculty, this program is designed to empower you with a concentrated business education across a spectrum of disciplines. With a diverse student body and impressive career outcomes, Vanderbilt Owen is the destination for those seeking a transformative educational experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• The full-time MBA program at Vanderbilt Owen can be completed in two years.
• Vanderbilt’s MBA program is known for its flexible curriculum, real-world projects, and a close-knit faculty, providing a highly focused business education across diverse disciplines.
• Vanderbilt University boasts a diverse and inclusive community, enrolling approximately 13,800 students from the United States and over 100 other countries each year.
• The Class of 2025 comprises 153 students with a median undergraduate GPA of 3.34 and impressive GMAT scores. It’s a diverse class with 29% women and 31% international students.
• Vanderbilt Owen offers prestigious scholarships, including the Dean’s Scholars Program and the OneOwen Inclusion Award.
• Application procedures include submitting essays, transcripts, recommendation letters, and GMAT or GRE scores. Interviews are required, and Vanderbilt Owen encourages candidates to schedule interviews, either in-person or via webcam.
• Graduates from the Class of 2023 secured an impressive average salary of $168,000.
• You can apply for scholarships by being an exceptional candidate. The Dean’s Scholars Program is awarded to standout students, and the OneOwen Inclusion Award recognizes those who embody Vanderbilt’s core values.
• Yes, international students are welcome to apply. Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores are required for non-native English speakers.
• Vanderbilt Owen stands out for its personalized attention, real-world projects, and inclusive community. It’s the ideal choice for those seeking a holistic business education.

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The Vanderbilt Owen Interview – What to Expect + Sample Questions

Oct 6, 2023

How the Vanderbilt Interview Works 

Who is vanderbilt looking for, how can you prepare for your interview, what to do if you get a question you weren’t prepared for, effectively tell your story during your vanderbilt owen interview.

As one of a handful of STEM-designated MBA programs, Vanderbilt is at the top of the list for an increasing number of applicants who seek to pursue a career in the US. 

With this increased interest, however, it is more difficult than ever to find a place at Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management. 

That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to help you use your Owen interview to stand out. We’ve rounded up not only our best tips but have also included sample mock interview sequences to ensure you give your Vanderbilt interview your best shot. 

Making sure you shine during your Vanderbilt interview is no easy task. 

Vanderbilt interviews, since they are conducted by the admissions committee, tend to be highly personalized and based on your whole application . During the interview, the interviewer is also trying to gauge how solid your motivations for wanting to pursue an MBA are and how interested you seem in the Vanderbilt program. 

Interviewers often ask many standard MBA interview questions, as well as questions designed to test just how collaborative you really are. You can also expect numerous follow-up questions. 

Our clients who have interviewed with Vanderbilt in the past say that the interviewer was very friendly and demonstrated a genuine interest in their answers. Though questions do tend to focus on standard MBA interview questions, be ready for anything. 

Who will interview you?

You will interview with a member of Vanderbilt’s admissions committee. If you are unable to travel to campus or to a hub city, you may request a Skype interview. Completing your interview via Skype will in no way negatively impact your application. 

Will the interviewer have read my application?

Yes. The interviewer will have read your entire application. Past reports indicate that interviewers develop specific questions based on your application, so make sure to take the time to review what you presented. 

How long will the Vanderbilt interview last?

30-45 minutes. 

“Our size and focus allows us to interact with students, alumni and recruiters as individuals so that we can better understand and help each achieve their goals. We are intensely and proudly competitive with the best. But we also shape leaders who understand that collaboration is essential in today’s connected economy. We develop businesspeople who can lead and manage change, drawing not only on what they learn here about business but also what they learn about themselves.” Vanderbilt Owen Admissions

Every year, Vanderbilt’s admissions team has the difficult task of selecting a small number of outstanding professionals for its class of around 150 students. With a strong emphasis on diversity, there is no “typical” Owen student, yet the average admitted student does tend to have a 680 average GMAT score.

Beyond the impressive statistics, though, Owen is looking for candidates who want to make a positive impact on the world through their careers. That’s why, in addition to strong academic performance (demonstrated through the GMAT and university grades), Owen possesses numerous programs to support diversity, including initiatives for women, LGBTQI+ candidates, international candidates, and minority candidates. 

Though no interview is 100% predictable, Vanderbilt interviews do tend to center around a fairly standard list of MBA interview questions. As such, we have prepared some model questions below that previous candidates have received in their past Vanderbilt interviews. 

SAMPLE VANDERBILT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

The questions below are drawn from our clients’ interview reports, as well as from sites like clearadmit.com . Though these are not all the potential questions you could possibly receive during your Vanderbilt interview, preparing for these (and any follow-up questions you think you might be asked) should give you a very solid foundation for your interview. 

STARTING UP QUESTIONS

• Tell me about yourself. (Expect follow-up questions)
• What do you do in your current job?
• Can you briefly speak about your childhood and your upbringing? 
• Can you tell me about one memorable event from your childhood?
• What do your parents do and where do they live?
• Why did you choose your university?
• What was your undergraduate experience like?
• What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
• Name three firms you would like to work at after your MBA.
• Why did you quit your previous job?
• Why do you want an MBA?
• Why Vanderbilt?
• What contribution will you bring to the classroom?
• What excites you the most about Vanderbilt?
• What do you hope to gain from our community?
• What other schools have you applied for? If you get into all of them, how will you choose where to go?
• Have you visited campus? Spoken with alumni?

LEADERSHIP & TEAMWORK

• Tell me about a time when you didn’t get along with your team. What did you do?
• Tell me about one instance when you disagreed with your boss and how you handled the situation
• How do you explain leadership?
• What is your leadership style?
• Tell me a leader you admire. 

MISCELLANEOUS BEHAVIORAL

• Tell me an example of when things didn’t work out as you planned. 
• Tell me about a time when you were pushed to your limits at work.
• How would your friends describe you?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What weakness have you been working on?
• Describe a situation where you used your network to achieve something. 
• Summarize yourself in a single sentence. 
• How do you deal with diversity?
• Is there anything else you would like us to know about you? / Is there anything you wish I had asked you?
• Questions for me?

We have found that answering real interview questions on the spot is a much better means of preparation than reading lists of interview questions for most candidates.

We highly suggest you take a look at mock interview questions and sample interview responses before your interview . 

Our MBA Resource Center has dozens of real interview mocks from Owen, as well as detailed guides to help you prepare for questions ranging from “Why our MBA program?” to “Tell us about a time you failed.”

The Ellin Lolis Consulting MBA Resource Center is your one-stop shop for interview success. Click to join !

If you’re still not quite confident with your interview skills, our interview experts can help you craft your answers or prepare you for the Vanderbilt Owen interview through mock interviews tailored to your profile. 

Despite your most diligent preparation, you will almost always receive a question you had not prepared. 

First, stay calm and take a deep breath. You have already made it this far in the process, and one question will not trip you up!

Second, make sure you directly answer the question the interviewer asked you. For example, if the interviewer asks you about a time you had to deal with a difficult manager, make sure to tell a story about a difficult manager and how you handled the situation. 

If you’re having trouble thinking of an answer or an example to support your answer , however, take a drink of water to give yourself a few more minutes to think. If you really can’t think of an example from your personal or professional experience, you can use a hypothetical answer about how you would act in a certain situation. 

Finally, assume that the interviewer is testing how you think on your feet and respond to questions you didn’t prepare in advance . Though your answer might not be as polished as if you’d had weeks to rehearse it, smile and confidently give your answer to show you can respond to any question they throw at you. 

One of the most common mistakes we see in MBA interviews is that candidates fail to tell compelling, well-constructed stories about their profiles while also nailing the basics. 

Striking this balance between sharing STAR-format examples that show off your background while also presenting strong answers to questions like “Why do you want an MBA?” is a challenging task that requires significant thought and preparation. 

Because of this, it’s no surprise that, on average, 50% of interviewed applicants walk away without an offer . 

This is why our interview preparation process here at Ellin Lolis Consulting is known as the best in the industry. We offer customized 1:1 support that ensures you’re able to turn your application’s strengths into compelling answers that show fit and sell your profile in any type of interview.

Forget simulation platforms or long lists of tips – our 1:1 preparation focuses on playing to your strengths and overcoming your weaknesses to turn you into an interview expert . Hire our interview services here. VIP packages that allow you to work directly with Ellin sell out quickly, so make sure you sign up today !

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Vandy Bloggers

Class of 2028 Regular Decision Summary Statistics

Posted by Jay Watson on Thursday, March 28, 2024 in General Information , VU Admissions Statistics .

Vanderbilt’s culture of innovation and discovery relies on each of these new students contributing their abilities and perspectives and working together to solve the world’s most complex problems. We are eager to see what they are able to accomplish at Vanderbilt!

Our admitted students were selected from an exceptionally talented applicant pool of over 45,000 applicants. Even for those of you who did not receive good news from us today, we are honored that you took the time to submit your application, and we recognize your hard work in the applications process. This strength of our applicant pool, and our commitment to enrolling 1,600 students, means that our process must be highly selective. It is precisely because these decisions are so difficult to render that we put so much time such careful consideration into our selection process.

Below, we provide a brief statistical summary of the results of our Regular Decision admissions plan for the Class of 2028.

Regular Decision applications:  41,336 Admitted:  1,512 Admit Rate:  3.7%

Regular Decision Class of 2028 Admitted Student Profile Number of U.S. States represented: 48 Number of citizenships represented: 59 Percent international: 13.4% Percent who identify as first-generation: 18% Percent from a rural or small town: 10.6% Percent of students in the top ten percent of their graduating class:  90.8%* SAT Middle 50% Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 750-800** SAT Middle 50% Math: 780-800** ACT Middle 50%:  34-36** *based on high schools that provide rank **based on students who submitted testing

We’re grateful to everyone who applied, as well as to the parents, teachers, counselors, and others who supported applicants through their advocacy. Thank you.

To the newest Vanderbilt Commodores, we say congratulations! We invite you to our admitted student programs to join your future classmates and explore all that Vanderbilt has to offer.

• Anchor Day Saturday, April 13 – Celebrate becoming a Commodore, connect with faculty and new friends, and learn how you’ll grow at VU!
• MOSAIC Weekend + Anchor Day April 12-14 – The MOSAIC Multicultural Student Recruitment Program is an overnight visit program for a select group of admitted students from diverse backgrounds, offered in conjunction with Anchor Day.
• Coffee with the Commodores Learn more about topics including academics, student life, Nashville, and more.
• ’Dore for a Day Shadow a current Vanderbilt student for an afternoon: attend class, eat lunch, and explore campus.
• Vanderbilt and You Connect with other new Commodores from your area while chatting with VU alumni and admissions representatives.
• Online Admitted Student Events Learn more about topics including academics, student life, Nashville, and more.

We’ve also been excited to see many of you sharing your news on social media with the hashtag #vu2028 – we can’t wait to see more!

From everyone at the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, congratulations and welcome to Vanderbilt!

Tags: admissions decisions , admitted students , Anchor Days , Class of 2028 , College Admissions , regular decision

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Big 4 Internships: Vanderbilt MAcc Students Reflect on their Experiences

By Arial Starks

The Vanderbilt Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program provides students with an incredible return on their investment through the many resources and opportunities they have access to while in the program. One distinguishing factor of the Vanderbilt MAcc is the built-in opportunity for students to gain hands-on internship experience during the 12-month program. 

Each year, MAcc students are recruited into one of the Big 4 accounting firms: PwC , Deloitte , EY , and KPMG , for paid internship positions, where they gain real industry experience in a controlled environment. Often these 10-week internships can turn into full-time job offers for students after graduation. Each year, we survey these students to learn how the Big 4 internships are beneficial to them and to better gauge how these experiences have had an impact on their career journeys. Below are some of the highlights from this year’s survey results. 

Hands-On Experience with the Big 4

Grace Cutting

One aspect of the internships students reported enjoying the most was being an integral part of the Big 4 teams they were assigned to.

“My favorite aspect was getting to know the other members of my engagement team,” says Grace Cutting, who interned at EY’s Nashville office. “They did a great job of including me in their conversations and making me feel like an integral part of the team. I also really enjoyed getting to apply the things I learned in the classroom setting in a real-world environment.”

Melanie Doughty

Many students appreciated the opportunity to network with accounting professionals and pick their brains on the culture of the industry.  “My team was really supportive of my learning and growth during my internship and made sure there was time to coach me on different testing as well as the purpose behind it for the industry,” says Melanie Doughty, who interned at PwC in Louisville, KY.

Preparedness Pays Off: The MAcc Curriculum

After going through the internships, many students noted that the Vanderbilt MAcc curriculum set them up to have a successful experience.

Kyle Eckerle

“One way the MAcc program helped prepare me for my internship was by providing a very transparent image of what interning at a Big 4 firm would look like,” says Kyle Eckerle, who interned with KPMG in Boston. “One class in particular during Mod 1, Audit Institutions and Processes, was very helpful in breaking down the audit process and allowed us to gain a better understanding of what we would encounter during our internships. Additionally, I thought the MAcc program’s approach to recruiting ultimately helped prepare us for our internships. Having social events with each Big 4 firm was a great way for us to network and practice communication skills that would become critical during the internship.”

Rebecca Calvert

Students like Rebecca Calvert, who interned with EY in Indianapolis walked away from their Big 4 internship feeling more prepared to enter the world of accounting after graduation, “I feel that I am better equipped in that I have experienced a busy season and will know what to expect going into my full-time career.” 

Words of Wisdom for Future MAcc Candidates

After experiencing a Big 4 internship firsthand, David Jurgensmeyer, who interned with Deloitte in Chicago, IL offered this advice to prospective MAcc candidates:  “Make the most of it [Big 4 internship]. Don’t be afraid to put time on peoples’ calendars to network and grab coffee and pick their brain for advice and wisdom.”

To learn more about how the Big 4 is setting students up for career success, click here .

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