Vanderbilt University Students Obtain 78% Acceptance Rate into Medical School; Highest Ever Recorded at Vanderbilt
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78 percent of Vanderbilt University students who applied to allopathic medical school (M.D.) programs were accepted on their first application in the 2023 application cycle. This is the highest percentage ever at Vanderbilt, and well above the national average of 42 percent.?
?A Team Behind Them?
At Vanderbilt, students interested in attending medical school have the support and resources of the Health Professions Advisory Office (HPAO).??
“During the past academic year, our team handled over 2,000 individual student appointments,” Michelle Grundy, Ph.D. Director of HPAO, said. “Topics covered included premedical coursework, shadowing opportunities, the MCAT, and application to medical schools.”?
Grundy knows what a successful medical school application looks like. She spent 15 years on admissions committees prior to becoming director of the HPAO.??
“When students are applying, I meet with each one for about 90 minutes, to review their application materials and ensure that they are presenting a full picture of themselves, their personal growth, and their accomplishments while in college,” Grundy said.?
In the spring semester, she will meet with over 250 students.?
Support Comes in More Than One Form?
In addition to the high volume of appointments, HPAO also provides support in other forms.??
Lauren Rains works as an advisor in the office and manages the shadowing program with Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Chris King , also an advisor, oversees the Peer Advising Program and leads small group sessions with first-year students.??
The pair were recently recognized for their hard work, winning the Student Impact Award at the 2023 Fall Staff Assembly.??
“With this team on their side, our students develop a thorough understanding of the medical school application process and become confident in their ability to achieve their dreams,” Chancellor Diermeier said during the award presentation.?
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?A Collaborative Effort?
While HPAO provides a lot of resources, successful medical school applications are the result of hard work by mentors, faculty, and of course, the students themselves.?
“Vanderbilt students are so gifted and talented,” Grundy said. “It’s their hard work that makes all the difference. Getting accepted into medical school requires a lot of effort and thoughtfulness.”?
Grundy also lauded the exceptional faculty at Vanderbilt, whose rigorous coursework helps lay the foundation for a competitive medical school application.?
“We also are happy to collaborate with faculty as they prepare their letters of recommendation,” she said. “In case they need guidance to better understand what information is helpful to admissions committees in evaluation of candidates to medical school and other health professions programs.”?
Overcoming Adversity?
The application process for medical school remains highly competitive and selective. Some talented students still face rejection on their application.??
“I’ve seen students who certainly had a lot of factors that may help them get an offer but end up not getting accepted on their first application,” she said. “Our team is committed to offering continued support as students pursue their goal of attending medical, dental, or other health professions programs. We don’t just stop if they are not successful on their?first application; we’re with [the students] as they pursue their goals, offering guidance and encouragement along the way.”?
Striving for More?
Even with the impressive acceptance rate, the Health Professions Advisory Office has launched other initiatives:?
To learn more about HPAO, visit their website at vanderbilt.edu/hpao?