We recommend that you choose your class based on what interests you. We encourage you to rank at least two courses, but be sure that any course you rank on your application is something you’d be willing to take and pay for. Apply early to have the best chance for placement in your first choice class!

No, WAVU does not give grades or award credit. We want you to stretch your intellectual capacity without fear of failure. Because WAVU goes by so fast, instructors do not have enough time to get to know students well enough to be able to fill out an informative rubric. Your parent will have the opportunity to speak to your instructor at the Open House Saturday evening.

WAVU is a full day academic experience on Vanderbilt's campus. Students do not spend the night.

The WAVU daily schedule and level of supervision is comprehensive. The WAVU day is packed with learning experiences and as such in this one day experience, there is not enough time. You will have a break to enjoy some planned activities outside of class and interact with your peers. Additionally, we follow Vanderbilt University’s policies regarding the presence of minors on campus, and student safety is prioritized above all else. While we understand that students are responsible individuals, WAVU requires free time and recreational activities to be fully supervised and every student to be accounted for at all times. We want you to have a wonderful time while you’re with us on campus, and we encourage new friendships and community building at every turn.

Yes. However, we do have restrictions on use of these devices, which we will ask you to follow. The policy for use of electronics will be detailed by your instructor and/or PTY staff member at the start of the day.

No. Students have access to computer labs, which will be accessible during class time if needed. When students are not in class, they will be at lunch, dinner, or engaged in recreational activities during which computer/phone use is discouraged.

WAVU is an academic environment that requires a casual but appropriate dress code. We ask that students use good judgment in deciding what to wear as temperature differences in the classroom and outside can be drastic. Clothing with offensive language, symbols or designs is unacceptable. Revealing clothing is also unacceptable. Inside is often cool with ample air conditioning or warm with heat. Be comfortable and bring layers! Plan for walking across campus. Wear comfortable shoes and check the weather forecast. Please bring an umbrella or rain jacket.

All applications received during the application priority window (the first 48 hours when we accept completed WAVU applications) will be placed in a priority pool regardless of the particular date/time submitted. This means that any complete and qualifying application submitted during the window has the same chance for placement. At the close of this window, all applications received will be randomly assigned a number determining their placement in the review queue. Applications received after the application window will be time and date stamped upon arrival and reviewed in order of receipt.  Because our courses fill so quickly, we highly recommend that you submit your student’s application during our priority window for the best chance at placement in his or her top ranked course.

While most classes fill within the application priority window (first 48 hour period), we will continue to accept applications until all courses are full.

WAVU specifically designs courses for academically advanced learners. Our instructors teach their courses at an accelerated pace and at a level of depth which research suggests works particularly well with academically gifted students. We want WAVU to be a good curriculum match for your student, and out-of-level standardized test (ACT/SAT) with scores at the 85th percentile (in either math or reading) are typically a good indicator of program success.

Eligibility for financial aid and the financial aid award amount are determined based on financial need. Families must submit their most recent federal tax return, the completed financial aid application, and any other documents that might prove helpful in order to demonstrate need. We will contact you shortly thereafter with the award amount. All admissions decisions for WAVU are need-blind. No commitment to the program is required until you receive your financial aid decision and subsequent tuition balance.

When applying for admission to WAVU, be sure to indicate, when prompted, that you will be applying for financial aid. You will complete the admissions application and submit it (online) or mail it (paper application) along with the $40 application fee. Once the admissions application is received, you will receive an email with the financial aid application attached. You can fill out the financial aid application and mail/email/fax it along with any relevant documents to our office.

No. All financial aid awards are partial.

No. Admission to WAVU is not an indicator of admission to Vanderbilt University. However, attending WAVU will provide an inside look at Vanderbilt and opportunities to learn more about the typical college admissions process than you may get from a regular admissions visit.

Parents are encouraged to return in the evening to catch a glimpse of their students’ course experience during our WAVU Open House. Occasionally a guest lecturer may be invited to provide a presentation to parents. This varies by session. More information is provided with the welcome paperwork and during check-in.

Yes, if you wish. Optional classroom Open Houses will be available to parents and guardians during the final lab session of the WAVU Saturday prior to check-out.

We provide lunch and dinner for the students.

Yes. Please make notes of all dietary restrictions in the Welcome Paperwork after admittance.

Check-in begins at 8:30AM CT on the day of the program on the Atrium side of the Wyatt Center on Vanderbilt’s Peabody Campus. There will be signs directing you from 18th street. If you wish to use a GPS, please use the street address 1930 South Dr. Additionally, driving directions and general WAVU information will be communicated to you via email upon admittance prior to the program start date.

All students are expected to bring a notebook and a writing instrument. If your son or daughter is in a math or science course, a calculator is recommended. For students in a science-based course, pants and closed-toed shoes are required for labs and fieldwork.

Parents are strongly encouraged to attend the Open House that takes place at the end of the evening session. WAVU officially ends on Saturday at 7:30 PM, so we ask that whether or not you attend the open house, you are prompt in collecting your student. Locations will be provided in welcome emails and at check-in.