Vanderbilt Admission Requirements
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Vanderbilt Admission Overview
Vanderbilt admission requirements are extremely competitive, with one of the lowest admission rates in the nation. Last year Vanderbilt admitted 5.9% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.89 GPA (A) and SAT 1500-1570 / ACT 34-35. Vanderbilt is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Vanderbilt is test-optional for 2026-27. You choose whether to send SAT or ACT.
Vanderbilt Acceptance Rate
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance rate Share of applicants offered admission last year.
Admission Standards Measure of enrolled testers' SAT/ACT scores vs. other colleges.
Applicant Competition Measure of this school's acceptance rate vs. other colleges. A low acceptance rate indicates high competition.
Extreme
Admission difficulty for Vanderbilt University
Acceptance Rate
The Vanderbilt acceptance rate is 5.9%. Last year, only 2,662 of 45,409 applicants were admitted. That is the lowest acceptance rate in Tennessee and the 17th lowest in the nation.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into Vanderbilt and can you get accepted?
Vanderbilt is an extremely competitive school to get into, admitting fewer than one in ten applicants. You have a very low chance of acceptance even if you meet last year's profile.
Vanderbilt University typically attracts "A" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.89. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top ten percent of their high school class or better. Of those admitted, 61% enrolled. That suggests Vanderbilt is a top choice for many students who are offered a place.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Vanderbilt GPA
GPA of enrolled freshmen
Avg. High School GPA The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen on a 4.0 scale.
3.89Typical High School Grades Letter grade on a 4.0 scale for last year's average, not a cutoff.
AAverage GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.89
Average GPA
Enrolled freshmen at Vanderbilt typically have around a 3.89 GPA (A) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have exceptionally good grades. Matching last year's 3.89 average does not by itself determine admission. Vanderbilt is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.
41% of enrolled freshmen had a 4.0. The school ranks #2 in Tennessee for highest average GPA.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.9 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024
Vanderbilt Test Policy
Test Submission Requirements
Vanderbilt University is test-optional for first-year and transfer applicants entering fall 2027 or fall 2028, including international and homeschool students. SAT or ACT scores become required for fall 2029 and later. Applicants who submit scores may self-report them; official ACT or SAT reports from the testing agency are required for enrolling students who used scores. English-proficiency proof remains required for international students.
Cycle: 2026-27. Source: https://admissions.vanderbilt.edu/apply/testing-policies/
Vanderbilt SAT Scores
SAT scores of enrolled freshmen
SAT Range The middle 50% of enrolled testers who sent SAT. The maximum score is 1600.
1500-1570Freshmen who sent SAT Share of enrolled freshmen who submitted SAT scores. This is enrolled testers, not all applicants.
27%25th Percentile Scores
- Reading 730
- Math 770
- Composite 1500
75th Percentile Scores
- Reading 770
- Math 800
- Composite 1570
Average SAT
Enrolled testers at Vanderbilt typically score around a 1540 SAT (middle 50% 1500–1570) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 99th percentile nationally. Vanderbilt ranks #1 in the state of Tennessee and #20 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.
SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 1500 to 1570
Matching last year's 1500–1570 range does not by itself determine admission.
SAT policy
Vanderbilt is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.
View other colleges which accept students in the 1540 SAT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Vanderbilt ACT Scores
ACT scores among enrolled freshmen
ACT Range Mid-50 ACT composite among enrolled testers who sent ACT. The scale tops out at 36.
34-35Freshmen reporting ACT Percent of enrolled freshmen who reported ACT. Counts enrolled testers, not the full applicant pool.
25%25th Percentile Scores
- English 35
- Math 32
- Composite 34
75th Percentile Scores
- English 36
- Math 35
- Composite 35
Average ACT
Incoming testers at Vanderbilt typically have around a 34 ACT (mid-50 34–35) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 99th percentile of ACT takers nationwide. Vanderbilt places #1 among colleges in Tennessee and #34 nationwide for highest average ACT composite.
ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 34 to 35
Landing in last year's 34–35 band does not, on its own, decide admission.
ACT policy
You may apply to Vanderbilt without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.
See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 34.0 ACT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
High School Class Rank
Class Rank of Admitted Students
90% of Vanderbilt University freshman are in the top ten percent of their high school graduating class. For your application to be competitive, you need to graduate at the top of your class.
Data Source, Peterson's Data
Estimate How You Compare
See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.
Open the Vanderbilt chances calculatorApplying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Vanderbilt University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
Test scores: school admissions site, 2026-27. Other fields: IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Fall 2027 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Jan 1, 2027Days left to Apply
123Applicants have 123 days left until the Fall 2027 term applications are due on Jan 1, 2027.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Vanderbilt University is $50.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Credits Accepted
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Admission summary
Vanderbilt is test-optional for 2026-27. Last year it admitted 5.9% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.89 GPA (about an A average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (1500-1570); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Vanderbilt University often consider these colleges
Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=221999.
GPA calculator: Vanderbilt University GPA calculator.
Last updated: August 2026