2022-23 Vanderbilt Transfer Acceptance Rate, Requirements, and Application Deadline

December 6, 2022

Nashville-based Vanderbilt is a dream school for many stellar high school students. Unfortunately, that dream will remain an unrealized one for most, as an astounding 94% of those who apply for freshman admission are turned away. Yet, if Vandy remains your ideal postsecondary destination, there are still compelling reasons to keep striving toward this goal. This blog will cover the Vanderbilt transfer acceptance rate as well as other critical pieces of information like the Vanderbilt transfer deadline, the requirements/checklist for applicants, the Vanderbilt transfer decision date and much more.

Vanderbilt Transfer Acceptance Rate

Below we present the most current available Vanderbilt transfer acceptance rate as well as historical data.

In the fall of 2021, there were 2,450 transfer applicants and 430 individuals were accepted. This means that the Vanderbilt transfer acceptance rate is 17.6%. If we break this down by gender, the acceptance rates are as follows:

Male transfer applicants: 15.9%
Female transfer applicants: 19.2%

When trying to get the complete picture on how difficult it is to transfer into a given school, it is important to also look at historical data. Many schools have significant swings in transfer acceptance rate from year to year. As you can see, the Vanderbilt transfer acceptance rate has fluctuated between 17% and 37% for the last five years.

Historical transfer rates are as follows:

Year	Acceptance Rate
2020	37%
2019	23%
2018	25%
2017	30%

Vanderbilt Transfer Deadline

The university offers only a fall transfer option. The Vanderbilt priority transfer deadline for fall applicants is March 15. They will continue accepting applications on a rolling basis after that date until May 1. However, it is strongly recommended that you meet the priority deadline.

Vanderbilt Transfer Requirements

The Vanderbilt transfer requirements are as follows:

Completed Common App for Transfer
Final high school transcripts (including date of graduation)
Official college transcripts
Documentation of spring coursework
SAT or ACT scores (optional in 2023)
College Report
Two letters of recommendation
Supplemental materials or auditions for certain programs.

Students who have the best chance to gain admission to Vanderbilt have done the following:

Completed at least 12 semester credit hours.
Earned exceptional grades in their first year at a community college or 4-year university.
Have strong SAT/ACT and AP/IB results.

Vanderbilt Transfer GPA & SAT/ACT

According to the admissions committee, “admitted transfer students have a GPA of a B+/A- or higher, competitive test scores (if submitted), involvement in their current college community, and a compelling reason why Vanderbilt is the right place for them to complete their undergraduate degree.”

Vanderbilt Transfer Writing Supplement

All transfer applicants must complete two essays. The first is a broad essay covering why you want to transfer to Vandy:

Please provide a personal essay that addresses your reasons for transferring and the objectives you hope to achieve (Minimum word count 250 words, Maximum word count 650 words).

Community Engagement – Short Answer

Please select one of the following short answer prompts:

Choice A: Vanderbilt University values learning through contrasting points of view. We understand that our differences, and our respect for alternative views and voices, are our greatest source of strength. Please reflect on conversations you’ve had with people who have expressed viewpoints different from your own. How did these conversations/experiences influence you?
Choice B: Vanderbilt offers a community where students find balance between their academic and social experiences. Please briefly elaborate on how one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences has influenced you.

Vanderbilt Transfer Decision Date?

Vanderbilt transfer decisions are made on a rolling basis, beginning in late-April. There is no singular notification date.

Final Thoughts – Vanderbilt University Transfer Acceptance Rate

For an elite school, Vandy remains quite friendly for transfers. If you are applying to the College of Arts & Sciences, Peabody College, or the School of Engineering, there are no additional required application items. If you apply to the Blair School of Music, you’ll need to complete an extra application, a music resume, an extra recommendation, a headshot, and prescreening video.

Looking for information on how to apply to Vanderbilt as a first year student? You may find the following blogs to be of interest:

Those searching for application info on other institutions may wish to visit our Dataverse pages/blogs:

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Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).