How can I compare the selectivity of Washington University in St. Louis and Vanderbilt?

Vanderbilt is generally considered more selective overall than Washington University in St. Louis. Both are highly selective private universities. For building a college list, neither should be treated as a target or likely school for most applicants.

That difference does not mean admission to WashU is predictable. Both schools use holistic review and enroll applicants with very strong grades, demanding coursework, substantial involvement, and compelling personal qualities. Early Decision can materially change the odds at either institution, but it is binding and should be used only for a genuine first choice after reviewing affordability.

For list planning, label Vanderbilt as the more difficult reach and WashU as a reach as well. Use each school’s current Common Data Set and admissions release for the latest figures, while keeping several colleges with meaningfully higher admission likelihood on your list.