See it to belieVe it!
It is that time of the year, a little after the admissions letters have been sent out. If you have been accepted, I would like to say…first of all…congratulations! I know everyone has probably already told you, but you are quite a smart bunch! Now, its time to answer the question: “Why Vanderbilt?” During my senior year in high school, I found out I was accepted while on a school trip in Zanzibar. I remember it clearly: I was sitting on the steps of the hotel’s swirling stairwell, raising my iTouch high into the air, in classic baby Simba style, trying to hack into the neighboring hotel’s better wifi. When I opened the email, I hurried up to my room, almost tripping over the stairs to tell my best friends who had come on the trip with me. We all had a minor freak out session together. It was a special moment.
Unlike many prospective students, I was never able to visit campus. The first time I saw Vanderbilt’s campus was on my move in day, fall of my freshman year. Wow, I thought I had hit the jackpot! However, I do encourage many of you to come and visit Vanderbilt’s campus once more. By all means, take the tour again. But, most of all, I encourage you to try new things when you come on campus. Explore a different part of campus that you may not have been able to see! I think that the Dore for a Day program is wonderful if you want a snapshot of what the Vanderbilt experience is like. All in all, get a different angle on what “you at VU” could be like!
Visit and look into the different departments and schools on campus. Many students come in decided on a major, but then switch. Others have absolutely no clue what they want to do (you are speaking to yours truly). That is totally normal! Knowing about the wide variety of options offered will help you get a better sense of how, whichever path you choose, Vanderbilt can be a place for your educational development and vocational preparation. A lot of prospective students don’t know about the many options at Vanderbilt. For instance, you can double major in two different undergraduate schools. Also, many undergraduate schools have accelerated programs with the professional schools on campus.
Feel free to email any of the bloggers! We are always happy to set up skype sessions and answer any questions you may have.