The College Essay Category
Online College Block Party
Oct. 11, 2019—College Greenlight will be hosting a free, two-day online college block party for high school students, parents, and counselors October 16-17 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. ET. Admissions experts or current college students from Vanderbilt, Stanford, Northwestern, Colgate, Rice, and Tufts will facilitate workshops that give key admissions insights into how institutions support first-gen or...
Tips for Writing Your College Essay
Oct. 9, 2017—When I speak with students about the components of an application to Vanderbilt, I always save the personal essay for last. This is partly because it is my favorite part of the application to read, but also because I know this is often the most dreaded part of the application process. I know, I know:...
Frequently Asked Questions (regarding your Vanderbilt application)
Jan. 12, 2015—Here is an easy source for your frequently asked questions regarding your Vanderbilt admissions application for the 2014-2015.
Tips for Letters of Recommendation
Oct. 31, 2014—You need recommendations as a part of your application for admission, and we're here with the three steps you need to get them done right.
3 Steps to Tackling Your Personal Essay
Oct. 10, 2014—The personal essay can seem like a daunting part of the application process, but these three steps will help you tackle it.
#selfie, Old School Style
Jul. 9, 2014—#selfie may be the modern method of self-promotion, but the personal statement remains a quintessential way to promote who you are to a college.
How To: Write Your Personal Essay
Sep. 11, 2013—As fall begins, so does application season. To help guide your way, Carolyn offers advice on all aspects of the application process, beginning with your personal essay.
Application Reading 2.0
Nov. 29, 2012—Carolyn walks us through her new and improved process for reading applications.
Extracurriculars
Sep. 20, 2010—The well-rounded student vs. the well-angled student. Which does Vanderbilt prefer? Both! We need generalists and specialists in our class of 1,600. What really matters to us is that you love what you’re doing. Passion is hard to fake. If you’re just choosing activities to fill a resume, it shows. Stop worrying about what each admissions...
Writing a Personal Statement
Sep. 13, 2010—Last year I was responsible for approximately 1,000 applications. Numerically, far too many of my students look identical. It’s the intangible pieces: essay, letters of recommendation, and extracurriculars that set one student apart from another. The essay is my personal favorite. I love a good story. I know, though, that this can be a stressful...
Service Work at Vanderbilt
Feb. 16, 2010—During high school I was president of a service organization. As a RA in college I was required to coordinate monthly service projects that the women on my floor would find engaging. Service work was a fairly regular part of life. However, when I started graduate studies I found myself repeatedly finding reasons why I...