‘personal essay’

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.

What We Look For In An Application

Feb. 3, 2014—Carolyn lays out the five major components that each of our admissions counselors looks for and values in a Vanderbilt application.

Application Flow Chart

Dec. 9, 2013—With just 22 days until the application deadline, it's time to feel some urgency. But don't worry - we're here to help, and we've created this flow chart to assist you.

Oct. 10, 2013—With applications rolling in, I’m excited to learn more about the upcoming selection process. So I asked some of my colleagues about the philosophy of positive advocacy, the idea that admissions counselors open each application looking for the reasons to admit students rather than reasons to deny them.

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.

The Waiting

Jan. 23, 2013—Carolyn outlines some next steps for those of you who have completed and submitted your application for admission.

Taking Your College Essay from Good to Great

Sep. 26, 2012—Carolyn introduces a great essay writing presentation prepared by Senior Associate Director Thom Golden and Admissions Counselor Julie Chapman.