Vanderbilt University School of Medicine was founded in 1874 and is the oldest medical school in Tennessee. The institution was established with the intention of educating students to become competent, compassionate physicians and scientists. Throughout its history, the school has remained committed to its mission of providing an excellent education that combines research, clinical care, and community service. During its early years, the school sought to provide a broad-based education in all areas of medical science, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and surgery. In addition to providing a rigorous academic program for students interested in pursuing a career in medicine, the school has also played an important role in advancing medical research and innovation. In recent years, Vanderbilt has become increasingly focused on translational medicine—the practice of taking basic research discoveries and applying them directly to patient care—and has been at the forefront of several major breakthroughs in cancer treatment. The university’s commitment to excellence continues today as it strives to provide world-class education and training for future generations of physicians and scientists.
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, abbreviated as VUSM, is one of the top-ranked U.S. medical schools located in Nashville, TN. Keep reading to see admissions application information including average GRE scores, admissions selection factors and dual degree programs of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
21st Avenue S and Garland Avenue
Nashville, TN 37232-2104
(615) 322-2145
Admissions E-mail: N/A
Web site: http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/medschool/
Electronic application: http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/
medschool/admissions/online_app.php
Fall 2008 Admissions Information
AMCAS application accepted? Yes
Earliest application date: 06/01
Application deadline: 11/15
Oldest MCAT considered: 2004
Application fee: $50
Director of admissions: Dr. Patricia Sagen
Does this school ask for a secondary application as part of the admissions process? Yes
This school requires undergraduate work in these subjects in order to apply: biology, English, organic chemistry, inorganic (general) chemistry, physics
Is a personal interview required for admission? Yes
Are interviews conducted at the medical school? Yes
Acceptance notice to regular application for the 2007-2008 first-year class:
-Earliest date: October 15
-Latest date: N/A
Applicant’s response to acceptance offer for the 2007-2008 first-year class:
-Maximum time in weeks: 2 weeks
-Does the school consider requests for deferred entrance? Yes
-Deposit to hold place in class: None
-Deposit due: N/A
-Deposit refundable prior to: N/A
-Starting month for the class of 2007-2008: August
Early Decision Plan application period for the 2007-2008 first-year class:
-Does the school have an Early Decision Plan (EDP)? Yes
-EDP application period begins: June 1
-EDP application period ends: August 1
-EDP applicants notified by: October 1
Fall 2005 Admissions Statistics
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine’s admissions statistics are impressive. For the 2021 entering class, 4,819 applications were received and 841 students were accepted. This acceptance rate of 17.4% is significantly lower than the national average of 43%. The school also boasts a high average MCAT score of 518 and a median GPA of 3.89 for accepted applicants. In addition to these impressive numbers, Vanderbilt also seeks to create a diverse student body with representation from various backgrounds and experiences. The school has made efforts to recruit underrepresented minority students, as evidenced by their 2020 entering class, which had a higher than average proportion of Black/African American students at 11%. Furthermore, Vanderbilt’s holistic review process means that applicants are evaluated on more than just their academic credentials; the admissions committee considers factors such as leadership experience and community service when making decisions about which applicants will be offered admission.
Does the school have a combined college/M.D. program? Yes
Number of years to complete combined college/M.D. program: 8 years
Web site for combined college/M.D. program: www.vanderbilt.edu/engage
Selection Factors
Details on the policies, preferences, criteria, factors and procedures used in the M.D. admission process:
(Data appear as originally submitted by this school)
VUSM seeks to admit a diverse group of academically exceptional students whose attributes and accomplishments suggest they will become leaders and scholars in medicine. After initial review of AMCAS data, 25% of applicants are invited to interview and provide secondary essays and recommendations. A faculty-student committee reviews all data in a holistic manner and offers rolling admissions.
