Vanderbilt University has released its essay prompt for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle. So what will applicants to Vandy’s Class of 2026 be asked to write? We know you’ve been up late at night wondering the answer to this important query. So wonder no more as we’ve got an answer for you! This year’s applicants will be asked, “Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.”

In short, it’s an activity essay, although a longer version of the sort of activity essay that most colleges ask. After all, even though Vanderbilt’s admissions committee writes that applicants can answer the prompt in 200-400 words, how many words should students write? You guessed it! 400. Applicants to elite universities like Vanderbilt should always use all of the real estate they are given to make their case for admission. Why leave words on the table? This is an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s admissions officers to get to know you. This is your chance to inspire them to root for you!

So from the ten activities that are listed in The Common Application’s activity section, students should go into much more detail about one such activity in this space. As Vanderbilt only asks one essay prompt — beyond the Personal Statement and Covid-19 essay on The Common App. — applicants should be sure to take advantage of the space they have to make a compelling case for admission.