Vanderbilt University Top Questions

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The academics are rigorous. It is not uncommon for students to be up late studying, and many classes can be quite time consuming. Students are all academically-oriented, but also leave time to have a social college experience. There is not too much inter-student competition, which can be a plus when compared to other Top 20 universities. Most professors are willing to assist students outside of class. There are also great databases to help students find internships, jobs, etc.

There is no way to sugar coat it; academics at Vandy are tough. Engineers and pre-med students have it the worst, but no matter what they are studying, Vanderbilt students spend plenty of time in the library. This work ethic results from competition between students to do well. Outside of class, students don't usually have intellectual conversations, but frequently speak about their GPAs, internships, and majors. On the flip side, students generally find their classes to be engaging and rewarding. There are a handful of large classes (think 250+ students), but after freshman year these are few and far between. Most classes have fewer than 30 students. Professors know their students names and make themselves available for help outside of class. Students need to take the initiative to develop relationships with their professors, but when they do, they usually find that professors are excited to get to know them better. The best class I've taken was History of Country Music, a lecture class taught by a Nashville reporter. It was unique because my professor had personal relationships with many of the musicians we studied. He invited Brooks and Dunn and Joe Nichols to meet with the class and perform for us. It was truly a class I could not have taken anywhere else.

Academics are often challenging. However, professors tend to be very interested in their students and always willing to help. All professors are required to have office hours each week during which you can go to them with questions or just to talk. Visiting my professors outside the classroom has allowed me to create relationships with them. It lets them know the student is interested in the subject and they are much more willing to help you when you are struggling to understand a concept. I have even had a couple of professors invite my class to their house at the end of the semester for dinner or dessert, showing they really care about their students and want them to do well and enjoy their class. Although students are competitive in the sense that they want to do well in their classes, it has been my experience that students are willing to help one another. I often have group study sessions and both give and receive help from my peers. The AXLE program requirements can be a bit frustrating at times but helps create more well-rounded students by making students take classes outside of their major.

Was high school easy for you? Could you coast through classes without studying? It might be time to learn some good study habits because classes here are challenging. Getting an A is very difficult and there are very few blowoff classes. Every class requires hours of study per week and exams are challenging. The programs are aimed at getting the students to start thinking outside of the box about the concepts learned in high school. As a result, students become much more creative and learn to solve new problems. Professors have been great for the most part. There are of course exceptions, but every professor I have had was very helpful in office hours and took an interest in helping me learn. They encourage class participation and some of my most interesting conversations have occurred in the classroom. Not to say that conversations outside the classroom aren't good though. Most students are here because they are academically driven and have a genuine interest in their field of study. It is very common to strike up a deep conversation about philosophy or politics or academics with a total stranger. In short, this school is only for those who really, really want to learn about their major. If you want to get a job after graduate and be done with learning, this isn't for you. However, if you want to broaden your understanding of a subject and stimulate your mind in all fields of study, Vanderbilt is the best.

Academics here are definitely not a walk in the park, overall. They have many crazy classes, including ones where you watch Anime. Students are competitive and are held to a very high standard. We have an Honor Code, which students must sign to attend Vanderbilt. If you break the code, you risk expulsion, or at least a semester of suspension. The teachers care about you individually and will meet with you whenever. Even in a class with 200 others (MacroEcon) my teacher knows me pretty well. I transferred in from a small liberal arts college and it is a totally new game. So much harder.

Vanderbilt is truly a strong and vibrant academic community. That being said, you won't find any of the horror stories of 'cutthroat' academics that you may have heard about other schools. All the students here work hard to do well, often studying long hours into the night, and all the students want their peers to do well. There are always groups of people that I see studying together, and at the same time, the library is always filled with diligent individuals working alone. The faculty here are also great. They are always willing to meet with you outside of class if you need help on assignments or need any concepts cleared up. If you make an attempt to get to know your professors, you will find that they are great individuals. Half of my classes this semester also have less than 15 students, which provides for a very friendly academic environment. In my larger classes, even my hundred student computer science class, my professors are very friendly and will converse with you one on one at anytime. They also respond to emails promptly and have plenty of office hours for you to go to. Vanderbilt will challenge you academically, but you will enjoy every single minute of it.

The academic life at Vanderbilt is excellent. Many professors are flown in from around the country daily just to teach and go back home in another state. Professors will know your name if you're in a smaller class or if you participate a lot. Students study a lot, there is a great balance of work and play. Def a work hard play hard environment. Students tend to participate in class, as we are used to doign so in High school (otherwise we wouldnt be here!) A lot of great classes Human Sexuality, History of Rock, Country Music, American Pop Music. Axel (the liberal arts requirement) is very fair and allows students to cover a wide array of topics. Vanderbilt's job placement is excellent and the Vanderbilt name will cause employers to do a double take on your resume.

professors are smart and always very knowledgeable. favorite classes are smaller, afternoon classes. early morning classes, regardless of the subject, are always the worst.

Classes are very intimate for the most part. The professors are all amazing and unique, and they really care about your success and happiness for the most part. My favorite class is anything at Blair for non-majors. My least favorite class was Astronomy - don't ever think about taking it no matter what! Students study a lot or little depending on their major and the time of year. If you are BME, you will spend a lot of time studying. If you are HOD, consider yourself lucky. Class participation is common and often calculated as a large portion of the grade. You don't always have to do the readings to participate - just actively listen every once in a while. Or come up with intelligent questions before you go to class based on the topic that day. Vanderbilt students do have intellectual conversations outside of class, but points of view are very limited because a lot of kids have shared the same life experiences. You can find people with different points of view, and that's where things really get interesting. Students are very competitive in certain majors and classes, but you can always find students in the same class as you that are willing to share their notes if you miss a day or help you out if you don't understand. The most unique class I have taken is probably Reframing Organizations with a woman who no longer teaches, so it doesn't really matter. My major is HOD, and I love it! I rarely spend time with professors outside of class unless I meet with them for office hours. Vanderbilt's requirements are logical and easy to fulfill. My major is geared toward getting a job and learning for its own sake. I can't speak for other majors.