August, 2010
College Rankings: Everybody is an Expert
Aug. 30, 2010—Last night I thought it would be a rather clever time for me to write my Monday blog about college rankings. Today I woke up and everybody is writing their Monday blog about college rankings! My Twitter feed is overwhelmed with opinions on the topic and all the major newspapers have an angle on the...
Meet Dustin Lynn
Aug. 27, 2010—My hometown is Waynesboro, Tennessee (named, appropriately enough, after “Mad” Anthony Wayne, a US Army general known for his fiery personality) . I am the counselor responsible for the areas of West Texas, Rio Grande Valley, and San Antonio.
First Day of School
Aug. 25, 2010—School is now in session! Today marks the first day of classes for Vanderbilt student. Campus was quiet and pastoral all summer; it’s wonderful to have this infusion of energy in town. Throughout the summer I told visiting families to come back for a visit this fall. So sign up for visit programs now! They...
Early Decision Quiz
Aug. 23, 2010—I am frequently asked by students whether or not they should apply Early Decision. Below are some basic questions to ask before making that decision.
A New Chapter – Move In Day 2010
Aug. 21, 2010—It’s the start of another chapter inVanderbilt history today as the newest residents of Vanderbilt’s Freshman Commons move in. It is a tremendous sight, and truly symbolizes the immediate embracing of our newest Commodores. Never fails to give me chills.
Meet Amy Smith
Aug. 20, 2010—My hometown is Green Brook, New Jersey. I am the admissions counselor responsible for the New Jersey counties of Bergen, Essex, Somerset, Mercer, and Southern Passaic!!
The Campus Tour
Aug. 18, 2010—If you attended one of our Road Show events this past week you know we highly encourage a campus visit to follow. There’s simply no replacement for standing in the middle of Alumni Lawn, hearing music resonate from the sky, and knowing this is where you want to spend the next chapter of your life. ...
On the Road
Aug. 16, 2010—This week marks my first official recruitment trip of the Fall 2011 admissions cycle! Thom and I are Road Show buddies for the week and we will be visiting Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Indianapolis. What exactly is the Road Show about? Essentially, it’s us bringing Vanderbilt to you. At these events we host an information...
Meet Chris Ream
Aug. 13, 2010—Austin, Texas is my hometown. I am the admissions counselor responsible for the areas of Houston and Austin, and East Asia (except China).
Vanderbilt Merit Awards
Aug. 11, 2010—In the past year I stumbled across a news story which reported that many American high school students expected scholarships to cover part or most of their college costs. As a counselor, I find this mentality alarming! While some students will receive smaller denomination scholarships from individual institutions and/or community organizations, only a fraction of...
2010 Waitlist Closed
Aug. 9, 2010—Emails have now gone out to all students who remained on our waitlist notifying them that our class is now full. This is a exciting for the University, as it means that we are one step closer to welcoming our next incoming class. However, we know that it also can be disappointing for some of you that were holding out hope of being admitted to Vanderbilt.
Need-Based Financial Aid at Vanderbilt
Aug. 9, 2010—Talking about need-based financial aid is one of my least favorite tasks as an admissions counselor. My students and their families hear the sticker price and absorb little of the discussion that follows. But stay with me through this conversation. Those who tune me out are often those who would benefit the most from Vanderbilt’s...