I've Been Admitted – Now What?: April Edition
The letters have gone and been received by most across the country. Usually at this point, the readership of our blog becomes a little segmented depending on which envelope you received from us. The informational needs of each of the different groups certainly keep us busy enough to fill the time vacated by less reading. My hope this week is to provide some “what now” information to our admitted students (today) and our waitlisted students (later this week). For students who were denied and who wish to appeal our decision, see the comments section from the last post (3/26) for details about that process.
For those of you who were offered a spot in the incoming class, let me be the latest person to wish you congratulations. Here’s a short list of some questions/concerns you might have (but please use the comments section to add yours to the list):
1) I thought I had applied for financial aid but there was nothing in the admit packet: Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Undergraduate Scholarships and inquire (800.288.0204). It very well could be that they received some but not all of your application materials.
2) There was no mention of a merit-based scholarship in our admit packet, have they all been awarded?: Yes. However, if you are a National Merit Finalist, you have until late April to list Vanderbilt as your top choice and still qualify for our National Merit scholarship. Make sure to follow whatever processes and procedures NMSC has detailed on their website.
3) We want to see campus one more time (or for the first time), what are the options?: First, I would encourage you to look at the Open Houses that are hosted by Arts and Science, Engineering, and Peabody. These programs allow for the greatest depth in the most efficient format (all one-day programs). They are hosted by the staff of these three colleges, so the content is very specific to each of their academic offerings and unique qualities. If you’ve been admitted to the Blair School of Music and are visiting campus, contact their office to inquire about meeting with someone. Next, consider one of our daily information sessions, as well as simply meeting an admissions officer (possibly your personal admissions officer if they are available) to get your questions answered. These sessions a very full these days. We are trying to add more to meet the demand (as a LOT of juniors are visiting during their spring breaks right now) but call soon to make sure to get a spot.
4) The admit packet mentions Vanderbilt and You receptions, what are those?: Vanderbilt and You are events hosted by Vanderbilt alumni in 40 cities across the U.S. and abroad. They are a time for you to meet local alums and other students from your area who are considering Vanderbilt, as well as a representative from the OUA who will be in attendance at most U.S. Vanderbilt and You programs. Registration instructions were included in your admit packet, but are also available on our website. These programs are reserved for admitted students only.
5) When do I have to tell you my decision? May 1st (postmarked). Included in your admit packet is a response form for you to complete. Of course, if you decide before May 1 (either yes or no) you should send it it and let us know.
I know you have a big decision ahead of you. Let our office know how we can help you and your family. Feel free to leave any questions you have in the comments section. Or, if you’re a literalist, feel free to just leave a comment in the comments section. I mean . . . you don’t have to leave a question if you don’t want to. I’m shutting up now.
March 31st, 2009
I am an international student from Bangladesh. I have not yet received any decision through email. I have also emailed the admission office. No reply for 3 days. Can anyone from the office please reply. Really worried.
March 31st, 2009
Hi, Thom!
My Vanderbilt acceptance is lessening the pain of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Stanford rejections today. Thank you for that :)
It’s great to know that I have a fantastic option already in Vandy, one at which I will be extremely happy!
Anyway, in my FinAid packet, it lists the Vanderbilt National Merit scholarship as $2,000 a year. For some odd reason, I remember reading somewhere that it was $5,000 a year! Did this amount recently change, or am I just crazy??
March 31st, 2009
Luke, I love your attitude man. On the scholarship: check in with our financial aid office. The amount of the VU Nat’l Merit Scholarship (either $2k or $5k) has to do with whether you have been awarded any additional Vanderbilt merit scholarship. Call Fin Aid and they can help you sort it out. Congrats again!
Hasan, our office does not release decisions over the phone until tomorrow (4/1). Call us and we can update you on the status of your application.
March 31st, 2009
I have to say Vandy has the best admission site out there and this blog is probably the best thing on it. I can’t wait for the waitlist edition because I know it will have something on there that I can do to increase my chances of admission that I never would have thought of. I eagerly await the waitlist guide because the more I’m on this site the more I want to be a commodore.
April 1st, 2009
I couldnt agree any more with David, Vandy’s blog is awesome. I haven’t seen anything like it anywhere.To wrap it all up, its a big coincidence that we are both on the waitlist hoping to be admitted. I surely cant wait for the waitlist edition too because I have a feeling it also holds something for me. It’l be great to represent Vandy. Congratulations to all that were admitted; I hope I’l end up being a member of that select group.
April 1st, 2009
I couldn’t agree anymore with David, Vandy’s got an awesome website; the best I’v ever seen. To wrap it all up, it seems like we are both on the waiting list. I really also can’t wait for the waitlist edition because I just feel that it would boost my morale and increase my chances. Congratulations to the admissions crew and everyone that was admitted. I really do hope that I end up being part of that select group.(and David too.lol)
April 2nd, 2009
Hello!
Before I ask my question I just want to tell you that this is my absolute favorite blog of all time. :] Thanks for keeping all of us updated!
Housing applications went up yesterday for first year students, but in the instructions it says that we should wait for the “Road to Vanderbilt” brochure that comes after we submit a matriculation deposit. As an EDI admit (matriculation deposit was submitted in Dec.), when should I expect this brochure?
Thanks so much!
Brittany
April 2nd, 2009
Brittany,
Thanks for the shout out, we appreciate you reading. The Road to Vanderbilt brochure mails around May 1st (give or take a few days). It’s the nuts and bolts informationational piece about getting ready for life as a Commodore.
Thanks,
T
April 7th, 2009
I applied as a Transfer this year and haven’t seen any information as to where and when I will know if I have been admitted for fall 2009. Do you have any information?
Thank you,
Chris
April 8th, 2009
Check out the new posting about transfer applications.
April 23rd, 2010
hi! don’t you just love the fact that we’re about to be commodores…can’t wait!! i was admitted ED1 But i still haven’t recieved my fianicial packet..so….kinda worried here.