Vanderbilt University is one of the prestigious institutions that students desire to attend. However, before students get admitted to Vanderbilt, they have to complete a Supplement Essay. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Vanderbilt University’s Supplement Essay.
Overview of the Supplement Essay
The Vanderbilt University Supplement Essay aims to evaluate a student’s writing skills and their match with the university’s academic environment. The essay provides the admission committee with additional information about applicants beyond their academic achievements and test scores. The essay is your opportunity to showcase your personality, intellect, and commitment to excellence.
The essay is an opportunity to present yourself to the Vanderbilt Admissions Committee as an individual beyond the numbers and transcripts. The length of the essay should be from 200 to 400 words, and it should be in response to one of the given prompts.
Vanderbilt Supplement Essay Prompts
For the application cycle of 2018-2019, Vanderbilt University provided three prompts. The first prompt is about your extracurricular activities and how they contributed to your development. The second prompt focuses on your interest in a particular major and how Vanderbilt will help you achieve your academic and career goals. The third prompt is an open-ended question where applicants can discuss any topic they want.
It is essential to answer the prompt completely and provide relevant insights into the topic presented. The Admissions Committee will evaluate the essay, looking for applicants’ personal growth, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Examples of Successful Vanderbilt Supplement Essays
Reading through successful Vanderbilt Supplement Essays can provide insight into the type of content that works. One example was about how the applicant’s experience volunteering in a hospital shaped their desire to serve others as a doctor. It was a profound essay that showcased the applicant’s empathy, perseverance, and aspirations.
Another successful essay was about the Challenges of Learning a New Language. The applicant shared their experience living in a foreign country, how they learned the language, and the academic benefits of knowing another language.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
One error that applicants can make is using the essay to rehash their academic achievements or extracurricular activities instead of taking advantage of the opportunity to go beyond the transcripts. Another common mistake is using a lot of jargon or technical language in the essay. Although the prompt may focus on a particular major, the essay should be understandable to the Admissions Committee, who may not be experts in that field.
Additionally, it is critical to proofread the essay and avoid grammatical or spelling errors. It is also essential to stick to the word limit and format the essay correctly.
Evaluating the Essay
The Vanderbilt Admissions Committee evaluates the Supplement Essay in conjunction with other parts of the application. They review all the information and consider how the essay fits with other application elements, such as transcripts, test scores, and recommendations.
The committee looks for students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, a desire to learn, and a commitment to the community. They want diverse individuals who will add value to the Vanderbilt community and represent the university positively in the future.
Tips for Students
The Vanderbilt Supplement Essay is an opportunity to showcase your unique skills, background, and potential contribution to the university community. To write an effective essay,follow these tips:
- Start early to allow time for brainstorming, drafting, and editing your essay
- Be honest and genuine in your writing
- Use concrete examples and vivid language to illustrate your points
- Avoid cliches and vague language
- Focus on answering the prompt thoroughly
- Proofread multiple times to ensure proper grammar, syntax, and punctuation.
Conclusion
The Vanderbilt Supplement Essay provides applicants with an opportunity to demonstrate their writing and critical thinking skills while allowing the admissions committee to learn more about the applicants as individuals. The essay should be taken seriously and approached as an opportunity to present yourself in the best possible light.
Good luck writing your Vanderbilt Supplement Essay!
FAQs
1. Does the Vanderbilt Supplement Essay have a word limit?
Yes, the Vanderbilt Supplement Essay has a word limit of 200 to 400 words.
2. Can I submit my essay through the Coalition App or Common App?
Yes, you can submit your essay through the Coalition App or Common App.
3. Is the Vanderbilt Supplement Essay required?
Yes, the Vanderbilt Supplement Essay is a required part of the university’s application process.