Vanderbilt Summer Academy (VSA)
[ Courses | Admissions | Qualifying Scores | Residential Life | Cost and Financial Aid | FAQs]
Common Questions from VSA Students
Where will I live?
Stambaugh House in Vanderbilt’s Freshman Commons. Stambaugh Houe opened in 2007. It has many fine amenities and a prime campus location. It is fully air conditioned and has comfortable rooms and resident lounges on each floor.
Will I have a roommate?
Yes. All Stambaugh rooms are double rooms. Two students (same gender) will be assigned to each room. Each floor of Stambaugh House has four single-gender communal baths.
Can I choose my own roommate?
No. VSA typically makes roommate assignments randomly.
Can I bring a car to campus?
No.
Can I bring cell phone/Ipod/etc?
Yes. However, we do have restrictions on the use of these devices, which we will ask you to abide by. Electronics use policy will be outlined in your student handbook.
Do I need a computer to attend VSA?
No. Students do not need to bring computers to VSA. VSA students will have access to three computer labs, which will be accessible at certain hours of each weekday, plus there are many public-use computers around campus as well.
Will I do my own laundry?
Yes. Laundry facilities are available in the residence hall. You should pack laundry supplies such as detergent, fabric softener, etc. If you’ve never done laundry, you might want to ask your parents for a crash course before you arrive at VSA!
How should I select my class?
We recommend that you choose your class based on what interests you. We encourage you to rank three to four classes, but be sure that anything you rank on your application is something you’d be willing to take.
Why do I take only one class?
We believe that in order to develop a facility in specific content areas, it is important for gifted students to be immersed in the content. Therefore, each VSA course is designed to be an accelerated, in-depth look at its respective content area, allowing students to focus fully on the subject.
Will I receive a grade or credit for my class?
No. VSA does not give grades or award credit because we want you to be fully free to explore and stretch your intellectual capacity without fear of failure. However, your instructor will evaluate your progress and you will receive a course evaluation rubric from your instructor after VSA. The rubric will detail your progress on a variety of factors and aims to give you a broad picture of your academic growth in the course.
What are Proctors and what do they do?
Proctors are residential counselors. They are specially-trained Vanderbilt undergraduate students who will live in the residence hall with VSA students and will organize the residential recreational and social activities. Each student will be assigned to a proctor group. Your proctor is also available to answer any questions you have and to help you make the best of your VSA experience.
Will attending VSA help me get into Vanderbilt?
No. However, attending VSA will give you an inside look at Vanderbilt and will provide opportunities for you to learn more about the admissions process than you would typically get from a regular admissions visit.
Common Questions from Parents
When are applications due?
Sessions II & III: March 13, 2009
Session I: April 30, 2009
Why are there different application dates for Sessions II & III and for Session I?
Session I is geared to 7th-graders who have just participated in a talent search, such as Duke TIP. Since many of them do not learn their ACT/SAT score until mid-to-late March, Session I applicants have a later application date.
How do I get the early-bird discount?
Submit application and required tuition deposit by the early-bird dates as follows and you’ll receive a 5% discount on your overall tuition:
Sessions II & III: February 27, 2009
Session I: April 17, 2009
Why does VSA use ACT/SAT scores to determine eligibility?
VSA specifically designs courses for gifted learners. Our instructors teach their courses at an accelerated pace and at a level of depth which research suggests works particularly well with gifted students. We use ACT/SAT scores as a measure in determining a student’s ability to succeed at this pace. If a student does not have SAT, ACT, or PSAT scores, alternative assessment options may be available. Call 615-322-8261 for more information.
Will I get to meet my child’s instructor?
Yes, if you wish. Optional parent/teacher conferences or classroom open houses will be available to parents on check-out days.
May I visit my child during VSA?
Other than check-in and check-out days, we respectfully request that parents remain off campus while VSA is in session. However, during sessions that include weekends, we will allow families to take students to religious services. See your child’s welcome packet for details.
Are all meals included?
Yes.
Can VSA accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, with adequate prior notice.
Should I send any spending money with my child?
Yes. We recommend about $30 per week for incidentals and occasional optional outings for an ice cream cone or souvenirs from the VU bookstore.
I am applying for financial aid. Should I send the aid application along with my child’s application for admission?
Yes. Please send them together. We will make admission decisions independently of financial aid decisions, but for the sake of simplicity, we recommend that you send all materials at once if possible.
How does VSA determine financial aid eligibility?
Eligibility for financial aid is strictly need-based. Families must submit their most recent Federal tax return and other documents along with the completed financial aid applications in order to demonstrate need.
Does VSA award full scholarships?
No. All financial aid awards are partial.
