What Is Vanderbilt Known For?

Ever wonder where the classic sound of country music comes from? Or how Walt Disney decided to draw inspiration from German fairytales? Or curious to know why squirrels might be taking over Nashville? These are the questions that Vanderbilt University students ask themselves. 

Vanderbilt University, known to some as Vandy, VU, or the Southern Ivy, is a place where students do not simply challenge the limits of what’s possible — they develop a passion for their work in the service of others.  Vanderbilt students proudly wear their Commodores badge as a reminder to bring out the best in all of humanity.

Follow along in this blog as you make your way through Nashville, Tennessee to learn what Vanderbilt University has to offer. Whether you are looking for insider knowledge about academic programs, eager to take part in Vandy’s traditions, or wondering what Vanderbilt admissions officers look for in their students — you are in luck! 

Turn up the volume on your country playlist, and let’s begin our tour through Nashville en route to Vanderbilt.
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Vanderbilt’s Home: Nashville and Music City

First stop: Music City! Located just a short bus ride to downtown Nashville, Vanderbilt’s campus is just steps away from one of the most entertaining cities in the United States. 

Nashville, with a population of 1.9 million, is a hub for technology, publishing, finance, healthcare, and entertainment. The city’s one-of-a-kind offerings are consistently cited by Vanderbilt students as a core part of their university experience. 

Known as Music City, Nashville hosts more than 20,000 live performances each year including hip-hop, soul, and country music. Students have the opportunity to visit over 200 recording studios and see just what it takes to thrive in the music industry. 

In addition to music, Nashville is also recognized as one of the best foodie cities in the world. Ranked #11 Best Foodie City by U.S. News for its wide array of classic mom-and-pop shops and meat-and-three restaurants.

Stretching over 340 acres and housing more than 300 species of trees, Vanderbilt’s campus has flourished since the completion of the first academic building in the late 1800s. The lush landscape on campus earned Vanderbilt the title of an official arboretum in 1988. Although the campus is large in size, the layout of the 10 schools creates a close-knit community for students, faculty, and the squirrels. 

With hundreds of trees on campus, there is an estimated number of three squirrels for each one student. That means there are over 21,000 squirrels on campus. Don’t be surprised if you can’t find a seat at the upcoming football game or in your next biology class.

Speaking of classes, your next stop is to learn about Vanderbilt’s academic offerings.

Vanderbilt’s Academics: Top Majors + Schools

At Vanderbilt, the academic experience is as multifaceted and all-inclusive as the students themselves. Vanderbilt recognizes that student passions may extend beyond one academic discipline. This allows all Vanderbilt students to elevate their skill set in one field and apply it to another. If a student economist loves dance or if a mechanical engineer has a passion for European poetry, they can take classes that inspire them and further their passion for learning. The holistic approach is the bedrock of Vanderbilt’s philosophy to education. 

When joining the “Vandy” community, Vanderbilt students are a part of the 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This close-knit community enables students and faculty alike to learn from one another in the field — regardless of the student’s major. 

The flexibility of the academic programs can be found in over 70 majors the undergraduate schools have to offer. 

Vanderbilt’s Undergraduate Schools:

Vanderbilt is home to four undergraduate schools for over 7,000 Commodores.

Vanderbilt’s Undergraduate Schools:

• College of Arts and Sciences
• Blair School of Music
• School of Engineering
• Peabody College of Education and Human Development

Research at Vanderbilt

When deciding which schools to apply for, students often have to choose between a leading research university and a teaching-focussed liberal arts college. At Vanderbilt, students don’t have to compromise.

All students can conduct research regardless of their major. If a music student wishes to pursue research in biology, they can! Students don’t just learn from their professors — they collaborate with them in cutting-edge innovations and creative outlets. In 2021, Vanderbilt’s research expenditures totaled over one billion dollars that placed it among the top 10 private universities. 

Vanderbilt Fast Fact: Over 60% of all undergraduate students participate in research and take part in university-funded summer programs during their time at Vanderbilt.

Hand-in-hand with research is “Immersion Vanderbilt.” This program is open to all undergraduates and is a way to further lessons beyond the classroom. Students are able to hone in on their personal passions along four categories:

• Civic and Professional 
• Creative Expression
• International 
• Research

Over the last few years, 100% of the student body completed a project through “Immersion Vanderbilt” that students state helped them with job opportunities or applying to grad school.

Vanderbilt’s Top Majors:

Here’s a closer look at some of Vanderbilt’s most popular and impactful major programs:

Vanderbilt’s Unique Class Offerings

Among the 70 majors available to students, some classes stand out for their innovative course content. 

See what courses spark some of your own interests: 

Commodores For Life: Vanderbilt’s Alumni Association

On campus or at sporting events you may hear the crowd cheer “Go Dores! Go Dores! Go Dores!” This is a call to Vanderbilt’s student community, The Commodores.

To date, there are thousands of alumni from Vanderbilt and about a quarter of them still live in the Nashville area.

With over 44 alumni chapters, current students and alumni alike — you'll want to stay connected. Students and alumni in the Commodore network support one another and encourage fellow members to continue to better humanity following graduation.

The Vanderbilt Career Center assists all members of the Commodore community with resources throughout their entire life. Whether you are looking for internship opportunities, need assistance negotiating job offers, or are looking to network — their resources are plentiful.

Which of these famous Commodores do you recognize?

• Muhammas Yunus (’71) - Holds a  Ph.D. in economics and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for founding a bank that provides loans to combat poverty.
• James Patterson (‘70) - Renowned author who has published over 400 works and sold more than 400 million copies. It is known that his confidence to write grew during his time at Vanderbilt.
• Al Gore (‘76 - Last Semester before Campaigning) - 45th U.S. Vice President from 1993 to 2001 and served as a Senator and Representative from Tennessee. He did not officially graduate from Vanderbilt, because he ended his time to start campaigning.
• Amy Grant (‘82) - American singer-songwriter who  transitioned from contemporary Christian music to pop in the 1980s and 1990s. She earned the title of “The Queen of Christian Pop.”
• Andy Beshear (‘00) - Kentucky's 63rd governor and son of former Governor Steve Beshear. He is a potential 2024 vice presidential candidate on the Kamala Harris ticket.

Vanderbilt Fast Fact: Nashville’s growing job market was ranked #2 by the Wall Street Journal which increases the university’s appeal to students.

Vanderbilt’s History:

Vanderbilt University just recently celebrated its 150th anniversary — its Sesquicentennial. Over the course of its history, the university has upheld its mission “strengthening the ties which should exist between all sections of our common country.” Named after the rail magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt, the university has always been a space for academic growth and collaboration.

Follow along Vanderbilt’s History:

1873 -  Cornelius Vanderbilt donated one million dollars to establish the university.

1875 - The first graduation took place and the Law School opened.

1879 - Kate Lipton was the first woman to graduate from Vanderbilt.

1907 - Vanderbilt’s Alma Mater song was written by Robert F. Vaughn.

1949 - Vanderbilt joined the Association of American Universities and gained its national recognition.

1952 - Memorial Gym opened with a capacity of over 6,000. It now can hold more than 14,000.

1973 - Vanderbilt celebrated their 100th anniversary and planted an oak tree to mark the occasion.

1989 - Vanderbilt was granted arboretum status following the historic tree-planting initiative.

2008 - The Opportunity Vanderbily initiative began providing loan-free tuition to talented students, which then earned recognition as the nation’s best financial aid program.

2008 - The Martha Rivers Ingam Commons opened as the first-year residential campus intended to create a strong community for freshmen.

2020 - Vanderbilt’s Vaccine Center contributed to the AstraZeneca vaccine to combat the COVID-19 Pandemic.

2023 - Vanderbilt launched the start of the Sesquicentennial celebration in order to reflect back on 150 years of history and to look forward to the future.

Vanderbilt’s Life on Campus:

Vanderbilt’s campus life is far more than trees and squirrels. The university believes that success is dependent on personal well-being and mental health, so they take action to ensure all students have the environments to flourish. This goes all the way down to residential halls. In fact, 75% of the student body live in one of the 28 residential halls on campus.

Breakdown of Life on Campus :

• The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons: All first-year students live in 10 houses on the Ingrams Commons that was built to foster personal and academic development through community engagement.
• Student Art on Display: Over 50 sculptures decorate campus including the Garden of Great Ideas that features bronze statues built by student artists.
• International Diversity: International students are represented on campus with over 72 countries.
• Athletics: Vanderbilt’s athletic teams are members of the Southeastern Conference - Eastern Division. They have six national championships. The university stadium can hold more than 40,000 people. Go Dores!
• Student Engagement: The Vanderbilt Programming Board organizes cultural, educational, recreational, and social events throughout the year including museum visits and guest speaker forums. The board also gives free access for public bus rides to students.
• Clubs and Organizations: There are over 475 organizations on campus that allow students to engage with their fellow peers. Commodores are known for their “work hard and play hard” energy.
• Maker Space: Students are able to design and innovate with materials in a dedicated space — whether it be for sewing a new bag, building a computer chip, or constructing decor for their dorm room.
• Study Abroad: With over 120 programs, Vanderbilt students take advantage of global opportunities to enrich their academic and cultural experiences.

Vanderbilt Fast Fact: Rumor has it that kissing the Cornelius Vanderbilt statue Freshman year gives students luck for their time on campus!

Vanderbilt’s Traditions: The Commodore Legacy

Vanderbilt school spirit does not waver. From huge athletic attendance turnout to block party celebrations, Vanderbilt knows how to party and keep a tradition alive.

Get a taste of what it is like to be a Commodore with some of Vanderbilt’s traditions:

1. Freshmen Storm the Field - Freshman rush the field before the first home game each year to energize the crowd and to mark the start of the student section’s shenanigans.
2. Strawberries and Champagne - At Commencement, graduates and families toast their achievements with strawberries and champagne to mark a “sweet” ending to their Vanderbilt journey.
3. Memorial Gym  - Known for “Memorial Magic” this gym features an elevated floor and student seating under the baskets to create a unique game experience.
4. Rites of Spring -  Since 1971, the music festival on Alumni Lawn highlights Vanderbilt’s connection to Music City.
5. The Vanderbilt Anchor - Adopted in 2004, the anchor symbolizes unity and is carried on Star Walk before being placed midfield during home games.
6. Cultural Dance Showcase - Celebrate campus diversity with annual performances including Diwali, Harambee, Lunar New Year, and Café con Leche.
7. “VU” Hand Sign - Introduced in 2003, the hand sign symbolizes Vanderbilt’s pride and community spirit.

Looking to stand out to Vanderbilt Admissions Officers?

Vanderbilt’s admissions process is competitive, and it continues to get harder to stand out each year with an acceptance rate of only 6.5%. Vanderbilt Admissions Officers look for students who will dedicate themselves to the three main goals set by the University. The goals include a desire for immersive learning in and out of the classroom, an interest in bridging gaps between disciplines, and a passion for a collaborative that inspires competitive spirit.

When applying, it’s critical to show intellectual curiosity, develop a compelling narrative in your essays, and demonstrate a commitment to excellence in your academic pursuits. Yet, even common mistakes can ruin your chances.

Boost Your Vanderbilt Applications Today/Final Thoughts:

Vanderbilt is consistently ranked as one of the most challenging universities when it comes to academics and admissions. But with Crimson’s expert guidance, you’re set up for success to become a Commodore.

Crimson students increase their odds of getting into top schools like Vanderbilt. Our team-based strategy is personalized to your specific profile to maximize admissions success. Whether you are looking to develop a compelling personal statement, looking for research opportunities to bolster your profile, or are needing assistance to ensure you do not make a common mistake on the application – our team is ready for you!

• Well-Paced Preparation: Be well prepared for application season with polished essays, a stellar extracurricular profile, and top-university-worthy academics.
• Common Mistake Check: We will review your application to ensure you are not making errors that can make or break your application.
• Application Theme Creation: You work closely with a strategist to find a theme. This theme unifies your academic interests with your achievements, hobbies, and goals.
• Extracurricular Bolstering: Work closely with a mentor to ensure you are creating a quantifiable impact in both your extracurriculars and your leadership roles.

Don’t miss your opportunity to stand out and get accepted to top universities like Vanderbilt. Book a free consultation to start building your application to become a Commodore at Vanderbilt University.

Additional Resources:

BLOG: The Ultimate College Application Timeline: A Step-by-Step Guide 

VIDEO: It’s Your First Fall at Vanderbilt University 

EBOOK: How Zach Got Accepted Early to Vanderbilt