Vanderbilt University
A private research university in Nashville with a strong Greek and residential culture, a generous financial aid program, and an undergraduate experience anchored by its Commons first-year living-learning community.
- Next deadline
- Nov 1, 2026Early Decision
- Essays
- 1Prompt
- Supplement
- Required2026-2027 cycle
- Platform
- Common AppAccepted platform
- Selectivity
- 6.7%Highly selective
- Enrollment
- 7,111Mid-size undergrad
Build your Vanderbilt University application plan
Track the deadline, review every supplemental essay prompt, and shape each response around one clear admissions story.
Application deadlines
Supplemental essay prompts
- Supplement250 words2026-2027
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.
How to approach Vanderbilt University's supplemental essays
Choose a role before you draft
Decide what this essay should add to the application: evidence, range, bridge, or a new window into your life. Avoid repeating the Common App essay in miniature.
Use this as a blank structure for a Vanderbilt University supplement response, then replace every bracket with your own specifics.
- Open on [specific scene, object, problem, or conversation].
- Show what [choice/action/constraint] reveals about how you think.
- Connect that trait to [school program, community, lab, class, or value].
- End with the contribution you want to make at Vanderbilt University, not a compliment.
Need more help with this application?
Use our guides to plan your supplement, sharpen your Why Us research, and review your draft before you submit.
Frequently asked questions
How many supplemental essays does Vanderbilt University require?
Vanderbilt University has 1 supplemental essay listed for the 2026-2027 application cycle, in addition to the shared application essay.
Does Vanderbilt University accept the Common Application?
Yes — Vanderbilt University accepts the Common Application.
What is Vanderbilt University's acceptance rate?
Vanderbilt University's most recently reported acceptance rate is 6.7%.
When is Vanderbilt University's next application deadline?
Vanderbilt University's next listed application deadline is the Early Decision round on November 1, 2026.
What does Vanderbilt University's supplement essay prompt ask (250 words)?
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.
Sources and verification
We prioritize Vanderbilt University's official admissions pages for school-specific prompts and deadlines, then use application-platform and federal sources as cross-checks. This record was last verified on July 19, 2026 for the 2026-2027 cycle.
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