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‘Vanderbilt Admissions Blogs’

Meet Maria Ornelas

Sep. 3, 2010—My hometown is Denver, CO. I am the admissions counselor responsible for Eastern and Middle Tennessee (except Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, and Montgomery Counties) and Ohio (except Cincinnati/Dayton).

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Arts & Science Update

Sep. 1, 2010—I intended to write about the Commons today.  I’ll talk plenty about the first-year living experience throughout this blog.  However, today I want to relay information from Dr. McIntyre, an Associate Dean in the College of Arts and Science.   Admissions counselors sit through hours of update meetings from various departments across campus at the...

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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...

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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.

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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...

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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.

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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!!

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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. ...

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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...

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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).

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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...

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Meet Mary Beth Hettinger

Aug. 6, 2010—This year we’ll be profiling each of our admissions counselors here in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Through these profiles you’ll see that we’re from all over the world, we specialize in different tasks, and we really love the city of Nashville!  This week I’d like to introduce you to Mary Beth Hettinger… My hometown...

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