Why the surge in Vanderbilt applications this year?

bird rock · 01-21-2009, 11:56 AM

According to this thread (Post #6) Vanderbilt has seen the biggest increase in applicants this year:

APPLICATIONS GROWTH Class of 2013

Why is that? Is it those coeds writing out postcards inviting high achievers to apply? Did they adopt a new marketing strategy? Did the University just get a whole lot better in one year and the news just traveled quickly?

Any thoughts at all about why the sudden increase?

BTW, I have to mention that we had a laugh about this at our home. My son is a junior and is considering about 10 schools right now and Vanderbilt is clearly the favorite. I think there's something about Murphy's law at work here.

midwesterner · 01-21-2009, 12:23 PM

The new expanded aid (no-loans) policy.
Office of Student Financial Aid | Scholarships Grants Financial Options Assistance | Vanderbilt University

mirimom · 01-21-2009, 12:43 PM

Are you sure that those numbers are for this year? For the class of 2013? I know there was a big increase last year, for the class of 2012. That was attributed by some to the the elimination of the Why Vanderbilt essay. This year, the terms for financial aid were changed so that instead of "need based" loans, students will be given grants. Also, Vanderbilt promises to meet 100% of demonstrated need. And Vanderbilt is always climbing in the various college rankings.

2VU0609 · 01-21-2009, 01:36 PM

My belief is that last year there were several factors at work that caused application numbers to surge:
- the changes in /elimination of EA/ED at some of the Top 10 schools caused students to cast a wider net. The surge in applications resulted in the smallest acceptance rate ever for Vanderbilt. When the dust settled after the May 1 deadline, a number of offers were made to waitlisted students and, as I understand it, a number of them declined as they had been accepted at higher ranked institutions and accepted those offers.
- Vanderbilt's presence in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in 2007. Studies show that when athletics take the "big stage", application numbers rise. The same influence should help numbers this year due to the success of the football team in 2008.
- the shift to the Common Application.
- finally, the opening of The Commons.

I am interested in seeing what happens to numbers this year. While I think the economy could have a negative impact on application numbers, I think it will be offset by the changes in financial aid.

bluebayou · 01-21-2009, 01:45 PM

Yes, that data is for the Class of 2012! The numbers for 2013 are not out yet.

hilsa · 01-21-2009, 04:16 PM

OH MY GOD. I saw that thread and saw Vanderbilt up 30% and went NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! THIS CAN'T HAPPEN AGAIN!!!!

And then realized that that was for last year.

I'd expect applications to rise another couple of thousand this year though. Somewhere around 18,000 to 20,000 applicants.

I think I've already done the numbers. Not counting ED, the admissions rate should be between 18 to 20%.

hilsa · 01-21-2009, 04:19 PM

And bird rock, I totally know your son's feelings. Vandy has been my top choice for a couple of years now [from 2006 onwards]. I loved it, and I knew I definitely had a good chance of getting in.

Now that last year's numbers are in, it makes me worry A LOT. Like, I can't even sleep now.

Of course, the school I'm in love with happens to have the number 1 growth rate in America. Like you said, Murphy's Law definitely applies.

dwhite · 01-21-2009, 05:13 PM

I can tell you that here (DC and suburbs) Vanderbilt has seen a big popularity jump, or so it seems to me by talking to other parents and students. I think it has a lot to do with the "balance" of the school. Another parent I know describes it as "the place where smart kids go and have fun". There really is not much NOT to like about the school! I know my S fell in love with it too!!

Nixxi · 01-21-2009, 07:33 PM

Revenge of the Nerds? How a successful college football season will affect your admissions chances at highly selective schools

This sums it up. It talks about Vanderbilt as well and the flutie effect (spike in applications for schools who do well in football).

hilsa · 01-21-2009, 07:39 PM

DAMN SPORTS! I don't care one bit about them. And they're ruining my chances!

Why do sports matter anyway? That seems ridiculous. Do people apply because they can say "Yep. I go to the school that's #1 at *something* in the country"? Lame.

/rant

xSteven · 01-21-2009, 07:48 PM

Quote:

DAMN SPORTS! I don't care one bit about them. And they're ruining my chances!

Why do sports matter anyway? That seems ridiculous. Do people apply because they can say "Yep. I go to the school that's #1 at *something* in the country"? Lame.

/rant

QFE. xo

lulumobile · 01-21-2009, 07:52 PM

we dont know how many EDII and RD apps vandy has this year...the "surge" might not be that big

hilsa · 01-21-2009, 07:59 PM

That article was talking about last year, though... if you look at the date.

Nixxi · 01-21-2009, 08:47 PM

Naw, it's talking about this year. November 2008?
It's from last year but it applies to people applying for admission for 2013.

"The Department of Education estimates that the graduating class of 2009 is the largest in U.S. history, with about 3.2 million graduates."

hilsa · 01-21-2009, 08:53 PM

Damn it!!!!

...and I failed again.