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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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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.
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 is home to four undergraduate schools for over 7,000 Commodores.
Vanderbilt’s Undergraduate Schools:
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:
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.
Here’s a closer look at some of Vanderbilt’s most popular and impactful major programs:
Major | Description |
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Anthropology | Explore human diversity through global perspectives, fieldwork, and experiential learning. Vanderbilt’s program emphasizes research on Latin American and marginalized groups including indigenous peoples and descendants of the African diaspora. Blend together science and humanities to address pressing social issues. |
Computer Science | Integrate data-science knowledge with the rise of artificial intelligence to solve problems in the field of cybersecurity and beyond. Vanderbilt students actively engage in leading industry partnerships and work with faculty on state-of-the-art programs. |
Economics and History | Study decision-making patterns with scarce resources focusing on theoretical modeling and empirical analysis. Vanderbilt’s program targets evaluating outcomes, policy effect, societal impact, and social reform. |
Neuroscience | Vanderbilt’s interdisciplinary program combines molecular biology, cognitive psychology, and engineering in both a major or minor. Integrates training from Arts and Sciences and the Vanderbilt School of Medicine. Frequent research opportunities and talks from the Vanderbilt Brain Institute. |
Molecular and Cellular Biology | Emphasize research across all biological levels from molecules to ecosystems. Vanderbilt offers immersive lab experiences and mentorship programs aiming to prepare students for leadership roles in medicine, the government, and research education. |
Political Science | Develop a theoretical foundation for analyzing global politics, governance, and public policy. Vanderbilt prepares students with analytical tools back with real-world insights to pursue careers in law, government, and education. |
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:
Course | Description | Department |
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German Fairy Tales: From Brothers Grimm to Walt Disney | Explore the enchanting and often scary world of German fairy tales tracing the evolution from the Brothers Grimm to Walt Disney’s adaptations. Delve into the historical and cultural contexts that shaped the stories and examine their impact in popular culture. | German, Russian, and East European Studies |
American Popular Music | Discover the roots of American popular music all the way to contemporary iterations. Examine key influences, major artists, and cultural shifts that changed the music industry. | Music |
Prison Life | Examine the dynamics within correctional facilities and the impact on individuals. Unveil the broader societal implications of incarceration and discuss the challenges faced by all. | Sociology |
Soul Food As Text, In Text | Uncover soul food as a cultural and literary symbol. Explore the role of soul food in literature and analyze its representation of culture and identity. And of course, eat food. | African American & Diaspora Studies |
History of Country Music | Dive into country music’s evolution, key figures, and cultural impact. The class answers the question: “What is country music?” — beyond its iconic three chords. | Music |
Science Fiction | Investigate classic and contemporary science fiction with a blend in English and Physics. Explore works like “The Martian” and “Ex Machina” while discussing the genre tradition and its unique innovations. | English + Physics |
The 19th Century Criminal | Engage with Victorian literature and criminal archetypes through classics like, “Olive Twist,” “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” and works by Poe. Enhance your own writing skills while analyzing the criminals of British literature. | Honors Program |
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 — stay connected. The Commodore network supports one another and encourages them 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?
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 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 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 :
Vanderbilt Fast Fact: Rumor has it that kissing the Cornelius Vanderbilt statue Freshman year gives students luck for their time on campus!
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:
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.
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!
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.
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Additional Resources:
BLOG: The Ultimate College Application Timeline: A Step-by-Step Guide