Peabody Tips and Tricks: Submitting Your Vanderbilt Application

Starting a graduate school application can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure where to begin. Whether you’re just exploring your options or preparing to submit your materials, clear direction makes the process much smoother.

This blog will help you navigate the Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development application process with confidence. You will find essential information, helpful insights and practical tips for how to apply to our master’s and Ed.D. programs, including steps to start or continue your application and advice for completing each stage.

Know Your Program of Interest Before Starting Your Peabody Application

With a wide variety of master’s and Ed.D. programs, Vanderbilt Peabody College offers opportunities for future educators, practitioners and scholars to grow their expertise and make an impact in their chosen fields. As master’s and doctoral programs can have unique requirements, it is important to identify your program of interest before beginning your Vanderbilt application.

If you are still deciding which path is right for you, our program quiz—Which Master’s Program Fits Your Future Goals—will help you discover programs that match your interests and career aspirations. You can also explore our Resource Library to learn more about Peabody’s graduate programs and find helpful materials to guide your decision.

Review Peabody’s Grad School Application Deadlines

Vanderbilt Peabody College operates on a rolling admission basis, but priority application decision dates begin as early as December 1. Submitting your application by one of these dates ensures earlier consideration and several advantages in the enrollment process.

Submitting by priority decision dates allow you to:

• Receive your admission decision early, giving you more time to plan your move to Nashville
  • Priority Decision 1 applicants will receive their decision by early February. Priority Decision 2 applicants will receive theirs by early March.
• Prepare for any required interviews
• Access admitted student events, which begin in late February
• Explore student employment opportunities early

Visit our How to Apply page to confirm the specific priority decision dates for your program of interest. All applicants are automatically considered for scholarships, regardless of the date of their application.

If you are not ready to apply by a priority decision date, you can still submit your application through rolling admissions and receive full consideration for both admission and scholarships.

Prepare and Gather Your Vanderbilt Application Materials

There is no fee to apply for Peabody’s master’s or Ed.D. programs. Before you begin your Vanderbilt Peabody College application, take time to review the materials you’ll need and start preparing early. You can begin your application online at any time, and it is encouraged to start as soon as possible to stay organized and meet priority decision dates.

To help you stay on track, use our Application Checklist to review all required materials and ensure your submission is complete.

Master’s and Ed.D. applicants will be asked to provide the following materials:

Transcripts

Applicants may submit unofficial transcripts during the Vanderbilt application process. Transcripts are required for all previous post-secondary work, including bachelor’s and master’s studies.

If you are admitted and choose to enroll, you will be required to provide official verification of prior degrees. Final official transcripts must be submitted before registering for your first-semester classes and should include the degree(s) awarded along with the month and year of conferment.

International Applicant Transcripts

Prospective international students must provide transcripts with an English translation. All international transcripts must also be evaluated by an approved credentials evaluation agency before enrollment at Vanderbilt.

Letters of Recommendation

Peabody College master’s programs require two letters of recommendation, while Ed.D. programs require three. Before requesting letters, review your program’s specific requirements to ensure your recommenders meet any outlined criteria.

Strong recommendations typically come from professors, supervisors or professional colleagues who can speak to your academic ability, leadership potential and readiness for graduate study. It’s best to reach out to your recommenders early to give them ample time to write a thoughtful letter.

You should contact each recommender directly before listing them in your Peabody application. After you enter their names in the system, you’ll need to click “send” to notify them, at which point they will receive an email with instructions on how to submit their letter. 

Statement of Purpose for Graduate Studies

All applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose as part of their Vanderbilt application. This document allows you to share your academic interests, professional background and reasons for pursuing graduate study at Peabody.

• What is a statement of purpose? A grad school statement of purpose is distinct from a personal statement. While a personal statement often focuses on your life story or personal journey, a statement of purpose highlights your academic and professional preparation, research or practice interests and long-term goals.
• How do you write a statement of purpose? Review your program’s requirements carefully, as some programs may include specific questions that must be addressed. Your statement should explain who you are, outline your academic and professional experience and describe your motivations for applying to Peabody College.
• How long should a statement of purpose be? Most statements are approximately two pages in length, double-spaced.

Be clear, concise, and authentic in expressing how Peabody’s programs align with your goals and values.

Test Scores

Depending on your program and background, you may need to submit test scores as part of your Peabody College application. The following guidelines will help you collect the relevant scores before submitting your application.

GRE Scores

• GRE scores are optional for master’s programs. You can include them if you believe they will strengthen your application.
• GRE scores are also optional for Ed.D. applicants, though submitting them can help demonstrate preparation for doctoral study.
• You may self-report scores while applying, but official scores must be sent directly from the testing agency before you enroll.

TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo Scores

International applicants must submit English proficiency scores unless they meet one of the following exceptions:

• You have earned a college degree and completed coursework at an accredited institution in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand
• You have earned a college degree and completed coursework at an accredited institution in Ghana, India, Nigeria or South Africa, where English was the language of instruction for the entire program (documentation confirming this must be included with your application)

Minimum recommended English proficiency scores:

• TOEFL: 100
• IELTS: 7.0 composite, with no individual band below 6.5
• Duolingo: 120 (results must include subscores)

All submitted documentation will be reviewed upon receipt of your application.

Done Navigating the Vanderbilt Admission Requirements? Submit Your Application Today

Once you’ve gathered your materials and reviewed your program’s requirements, you’re ready to complete and submit your Vanderbilt Peabody College application. Applications must be submitted in full to be considered and are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Submitting your Vanderbilt application by a priority decision date gives you the best opportunity to plan ahead for your move to Nashville and the start of your graduate studies. Early applicants also have the chance to participate in admitted student events, including Experience Peabody, where you can connect with faculty, staff and future classmates.

There is no fee to apply to a Peabody College master’s or Ed.D. program, and every student has the opportunity to experience the Peabody Difference. Join a community known for its internationally recognized faculty, groundbreaking research and deep commitment to advancing education and human development.

Ready to move forward? Your next step starts here:

You can also schedule a 1:1 pre-application Zoom advising session, request additional information, or take the next step in your Peabody journey by starting or completing your Vanderbilt application.