Vanderbilt University rests a mile from the city of Nashville, Tennessee. This exciting Southern metropolis has been called “the friendliest city in America” and declared one of the best American locations to raise a family. Here you’ll find a unique blend of traditional southern hospitality coupled with metropolitan amenities set against a backdrop of warm weather.

Vanderbilt University is known for its rigorous selection process and values many of the same criteria as Ivy League institutions when assessing potential students, such as academic excellence and extracurricular accomplishments.

For most high school students, Nashville’s prestigious Vanderbilt University is the ultimate dream school. However, only 7% of applicants are accepted. Despite these discouraging odds, if Vandy remains your dream college, know that transfer admission is a viable path to actualizing this goal!

Vanderbilt 2023-2024 Transfer Acceptance Rate

Out of 2,932 transfer applicants in the fall of 2023, Vanderbilt University accepted 553 individuals, resulting in a transfer acceptance rate of 18.9% for the 2023-2024 application year.

Vanderbilt 2022-2023 Transfer Acceptance Rate

In the 2022-2023 transfer cycle at Vanderbilt University, there were 2,833 applicants, and the university admitted 471 of them, leading to a transfer acceptance rate of 16.63%.

Vanderbilt 2021-2022 Transfer Acceptance Rate

Of the 2,450 transfer applicants to Vanderbilt in 2021, only 430 were accepted – a modest acceptance rate of 17.6%. However, over the past few years, Vanderbilts transfer admission rate has varied drastically, ranging from 17% to 37%.

Interestingly, it may be more advantageous to transfer to Vanderbilt University rather than submit the first-year application. The admission rate for freshman applications is generally between single digits and has been perpetually declining over the last five years.

Vanderbilt Transfer Supplement Overview

All transfer applicants must compose two essays in order to be considered for admission. The first essay is your personal statement.

Please provide a personal essay that addresses your reasons for transferring and the objectives you hope to achieve (Minimum word count 250 words, Maximum word count 650 words).

For the second essay, you have the option to pick between the following prompts:

Vanderbilt University values learning through contrasting points of view. We understand that our differences, and our respect for alternative views and voices, are our greatest source of strength. Please reflect on conversations you’ve had with people who have expressed viewpoints different from your own. How did these conversations/experiences influence you?
Vanderbilt offers a community where students find balance between their academic and social experiences. Please briefly elaborate on how one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences has influenced you.

What GPA Do You Need For Vanderbilt?

Per the admissions committee, “admitted transfer students have a GPA of a B+/A- or higher.” However, in our experience, to be a competitive applicant, students should aim for a 3.8 or higher.

Vanderbilt Transfer Deadline and Decision Date

The only opportunity to transfer at Vanderbilt is in the fall. Applicants must apply by March 15th to be considered for priority admission. Subsequent applications will be accepted until May 1st on a rolling basis. Hhowever, meeting that early deadline of March 15th is highly advised. Vanderbilt’s decisions arrive in late April with no uniform notification date for all applicants.

Vanderbilt Application Overview

To be considered for transfer admission, all applicants must submit either the Coalition Transfer Application or Common App Transfer Application. Applicants must submit the application fee; however, those who qualify may have the $50 application fee waived.

To apply, applicants should submit official copies of transcripts from all institutions they’ve previously attended (high school and college). Additionally, they must submit a College Report from their current institution, and two letters of recommendation.

Vanderbilt offers four distinct schools for students who wish to transfer: the College of Arts and Science, the School of Engineering, the Peabody College of Education and Human Development, and the Blair School of Music. When applying for a transfer to Vanderbilt University, applicants must specify which one they’d like to attend.

The College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and Peabody College require no supplemental application materials. Blair applicants must submit two artistic recommendations, a headshot (nonprofessional is acceptable/expected), an individual repertoire list, a prescreening video portfolio submission, plus a resume.

For those wishing to transfer to Vanderbilt University, you must have acquired a minimum of 12 semester credit hours. To be eligible for graduation at Vanderbilt, admitted students must attend and remain enrolled in the institution for four semesters (and gain 60 credit hours) prior to obtaining their bachelor’s degree.

Should You Apply to Vanderbilt?

With its 14th place ranking in U.S News Best Colleges & National Universities for 2022, Vanderbilt University is a prestigious and highly esteemed university. Vanderbilt has something to offer everyone; especially those who prefer an intimate campus setting nestled within the hustle-and-bustle of Southern City!

Vanderbilt is widely known for its popular disciplines, such as Economics, Humanities, and Music. Moreover, Vanderbilt provides many specialized programs, such as the renowned Blair School of Music – a music school that is devoted exclusively to undergraduates!

The Commodores, the vaunted athletic teams of Vanderbilt University, compete within the Southeastern Conference. Beyond sports, this renowned institution provides a wealth of extracurricular activities to fulfill any student’s interests or passions.

If you are considering studying abroad, Vanderbilt University offers an opportunity like no other. 40% of its students partake in study-abroad excursions, providing you with the perfect chance to explore your interests and immerse yourself in a new culture.

If any of the above sounds appealing to you, we highly encourage you to apply to Vanderbilt University! Be sure to check us out here at Transfer Goat to see how we can help your app stand out!

Vanderbilt operates under a need-blind admissions policy for US citizens and eligible non-citizens, which means the university evaluates applicants based on their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, personal qualities, and other relevant factors without considering their financial situations. Essentially, the ability to pay tuition and other costs does not influence admissions decisions.

Vanderbilt does not offer transfer admission to international applicants who request financial aid or have demonstrated financial need.