Insider's guide to admissions

How to get into the best college for you.

Douglas Christiansen, Vanderbilt University's vice provost for enrollment and dean of admissions, who has spent the last 20 years in admissions leadership roles in both public and private universities, helps clear some of the mystery and misconceptions surrounding the admissions process in this video.

In a series of short and direct video clips, Christiansen tackles questions such as, "How should I prepare for my college essay—what if I'm not the greatest writer?" "My parents have decent jobs, but we haven't saved much for college. What are my chances of getting financial aid?" "As an admissions insider, what tips can you give to help me sound my best in my application?"

Christiansen also talks about when extracurricular activities can actually hurt an applicant and how to ease the stress surrounding the admissions process.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Vanderbilt university
• higher education
• college
• students
• admissions

[thePIANISTify]

I have a question how about if Im applyin a little late like in mid december should i still apply or my chances are none to get accepted to any college.

[VanderbiltUniversity]

The fall 2010 application deadline is Jan. 3.

[mikesloanwho]

ONE OF THE BEST VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE

[fairlady411]

Thank you so much for this video. Whoa...I am thankful for those who made this clip possible. Very much grateful!

[rockythebull85]

Thank you so much for this video!!!

[agapitoflores001]

I never knew of this till I watched the video. Nice things to ponder on.

[AugustSandford]

I'm not going to be an ass trying to get views. If anyone is willing to watch my one 3 minute video on my situation and give me advice on it then it will definitely be appreciated!

[thantawa]

Thanks!

[hkobb7]

@EdwardCullensMayo There are far fewer perfect SATs in a year than there are students admitted to top colleges in the United States. The College Board's released score distributions show that for students entering college in 2011, there were fewer than 400 perfect scores on the SAT, and fewer than 7500 scores above 2300. Obviously, a 4.0 GPA is a lot more common, but that's a very minimal factor in decisions, as I'm sure you've seen in colleges' CDS surveys.

[EdwardCullensMayo]

@whiteipod2000 while this is true, admissions counsels hit a cap on these numbers. can you imagine how many prospective students submit 2400 SAT scores and 4.0 GPAs? they don't have enough seats for those people. you have to look deeper at who the person is beyond their intelligence. after awhile, the admissions process will cater towards people they believe will make a difference in the world and will represent their uni in a positive light, not blindly accepting another future millionaire.

[madv77]

how many clubs is a maximum number?

[BlueTape9]

@kingofkings604 Haha same :x

[EinstenNJ]

@tycen08 I think what he means is it's about how you FIT into the picture of everyone else that they do admit, and NOT a competition between you and everyone else that applied.

[madv77]

2:08 ACTIVITIES******. COME ON VANDY STUDENTS. YOU'RE AT A TOP SCHOOL.