Fisk University vs Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University is the more selective of the two at 6%, versus 37% at Fisk University. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

Fisk University
Selective
37%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1050
Private · Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
Most selective
6%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1560
Private · Tennessee

Fisk University vs Vanderbilt University: the differences that matter

How Fisk University and Vanderbilt University stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.

Vanderbilt University is meaningfully harder to get into, admitting about 6% of applicants versus 37% at Fisk University, a gap of roughly 31 percentage points. Treat Vanderbilt University as the bigger reach of the two when you build your list.

The two also read applications a little differently. Fisk University leans more on interview, while Vanderbilt University puts more weight on application essay, recommendations, extracurricular activities. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, Fisk University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1050 and Vanderbilt University's is around 1560. Admitted students at Vanderbilt University post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.

What each school weighs

Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.

FactorFisk UniversityVanderbilt University
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Class rankimportantimportant
Standardized test scoresvery importantvery important
Application essayimportantvery important
Recommendationsimportantvery important
Interviewimportantconsidered
Extracurricular activitiesconsideredvery important
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is Fisk University or Vanderbilt University harder to get into?

Vanderbilt University is harder to get into, with a 6% acceptance rate versus 37% at Fisk University.

What's the difference in SAT scores between Fisk University and Vanderbilt University?

Fisk University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1050, and Vanderbilt University's is around 1560.

What are my chances at Fisk University and Vanderbilt University?

That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.