How can I compare the selectivity of Vanderbilt and Villanova?

Vanderbilt is substantially more selective overall than Villanova. Its applicant pool is more national and international, admission is especially difficult across all undergraduate schools, and even very strong applicants often face an unpredictable outcome.

To compare them beyond one year’s acceptance rate, look at the admitted-student academic ranges over several cycles, the volume and geographic breadth of applicants, and how each college uses Early Decision.

Villanova may be a more realistic target for a student with strong grades, demanding courses, and clear engagement with its community, especially one who is interested in its Augustinian Catholic identity and undergraduate-centered campus culture.

For practical planning, treat Vanderbilt as a reach for nearly every applicant, including applicants with excellent academic credentials. Villanova can range from reach to target depending on your transcript, testing if submitted, residency, intended program, and alignment with the university’s values and educational environment. Compare each school’s most recent Common Data Set, but use several years of data rather than relying on a single acceptance-rate headline.