Selective
Vanderbilt Summer Academy
Overview
An intensive one-week or two-week residential summer program for rising 7th–12th grade students featuring accelerated, interdisciplinary courses in subjects like nanotechnology, biomedical ethics, and philosophy. Students receive written performance evaluations rather than grades or college credit.
At a glance
Deadline
Jan 1464 days
Sessions
Jun–Jul1–2 wk sessions
Formats
Residential
Location
Nashville, TN
Cost
$1,500–$2,999from $2,150
Entering grades
7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Acceptance
Holistic admissions; scores at 90th percentile or above on standardized assessments have best chance of placement if course availability exists; randomized review queue for priority window applications.
Application requirements
Test Scores (Option 1)
90th percentile or above in one or more sections on ACT, SAT, PSAT, state testing, MAP/NWEA, ITBS, ERB, WISC-V, CogAT, or individual ability assessments from psychologists; scores less than three years old
Portfolio (Option 2)
Transcript showing grades A–B in advanced courses; two educator recommendations from content-area teachers or academic advisors; one-page resume detailing extracurriculars, work/volunteer experience, awards, honors
International English Proficiency
TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS, Cambridge English (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency), LanguageCert, or Duolingo English Test with specified minimum scores; waiver if three of last four educational years in majority English-speaking curriculum or ACT English 26+ or SAT Evidence-Based Reading/Writing 630+; English-language portfolio option available
Transcript
Current school year and fall 2025 grades (screenshot/photo acceptable)
Educator Recommendations
Two required if pursuing portfolio option
Resume
Required if pursuing portfolio option
Health Insurance
Proof of coverage required before program start
Application Materials Language
All materials must be in English; non-English supporting documents require certified translation
Cost & sessions
2026 one-week tuition: Rising 7th–8th $2,150; Rising 9th–10th $2,600; Rising 11th–12th $2,750. Covers course materials, housing, meals, and residential activities. Application fee $50 (domestic) or $100 (international). 20% nonrefundable deposit due one week after admission. Additional costs: airport shuttle $75, health insurance required, $50–$75 weekly spending recommended. Payment plans available through June 1.
Financial aid
Need-based financial assistance available for families with Adjusted Gross Income of $105,000 or less or with severe hardship. Need-blind admissions review. Limited to two courses per season (academic year + summer combined). International students not eligible.
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