Does anyone here know what kind of SAT score one would need to be competitive at Vanderbilt University? Do they consider scores differently for different programs? Or is it school-wide?
To give you an idea of the kind of scores that might be competitive at Vanderbilt University, you might want to consider the annual reported middle 50% SAT range for admitted students. For the 2024-2025 application cycle, the middle 50% SAT range for admitted students was 1490-1570. That means that 25% of admitted students scored below a 1490, and 25% of admitted students scored above a 1570. These scores are generally thought to be competitive.
Regarding your question about whether they consider scores differently for different programs, admission to Vanderbilt University is done by each of the four undergraduate schools: College of Arts and Science, School of Engineering, Peabody College of Education and Human Development, and the Blair School of Music. Each school has its own selection process.
This doesn't mean you need a higher or lower score for different schools, but the competitiveness might vary a bit based on which school you're applying to. However, all four schools will be looking for students who have demonstrated strong academic ability, and a strong SAT score is one way to do this.
Remember, though, that while a good SAT score is an important part of your application, it's not the only thing that admissions committees will consider. They'll also look at your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and other achievements and experiences. Aim high, but also keep in mind that Vanderbilt takes a holistic approach. Good luck!
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