Application Process

 

Application Process

Maymester Application Deadline: January 31, 2024

Even if you are not completely certain you wish or are able to go, you MUST submit an online application to hold your spot. 

Students must submit all application materials, including personal statement and academic references, by January 31. The course will accept students on a rolling basis. Additional requirements will apply after acceptance.

Once students have been accepted into a Maymester course, they must confirm their acceptance by signing a virtual “Commitment to Attend” by February 15, 2023. This commitment will appear on the student’s GEO application once she or he has been accepted into the course.

Students are strongly encouraged to sign this document as soon as possible in order to accommodate waitlisted students. If a student fails to sign this document by the February 15 deadline, his or her position in the course may be made available to waitlisted students.

Please note: Under-enrolled courses may be canceled. Students who have applied to such courses will be notified at the earliest opportunity. Students with financial holds or social or academic probation are ineligible for Maymester courses. Acceptance into a Maymester course is also contingent on the instructor's approval.

Application and Pre-departure Process Overview

Applying is a phased, streamlined process 

Your study abroad application, including your application to the program partner provider, must represent your own work.

• Complete and submit the application(s) by GEO's deadline;
• Internal eligibility review or "clearance" by GEO;
• Nomination: GEO will let your program know that you are approved to study abroad;
• Acceptance: Your program will decide whether you can be admitted and communicate that decision to you;
• Commitment to attend and eligibility maintenance: You will formally commit to attending your chosen program and work to ensure your continued eligibility;
• Pre-departure preparation: You will work with your program and GEO to complete post-decision requirements, visa applications, etc.;
• Registration for study abroad: GEO will register you to study abroad.

At each stage, you will receive instructions and email reminders alerting you to your immediate action steps. In addition to staying on track with your Vanderbilt requirements, you must also follow instructions and complete tasks required by your study abroad program.

Deadline

• You must complete the GEO and program provider applications (if applicable) by the GEO deadline.
• The GEO deadline is usually earlier than the study abroad program's published deadline. Deadlines are NOT flexible—if you think you might want to study abroad, complete an application by the deadline!

Submitting your GEO application

• You cannot edit your responses except to the passport section as you complete each application requirement (by selecting 'done' for the forms or e-signing the documents). 
• Please be sure you have proofread everything and are finished with your response before clicking 'done' for each written item. 
• Once you have completed all requirements, a submit button will appear. 
• You cannot submit your application if you still have missing requirements. If you are having issues submitting, try reloading the page.

Nomination and Home School Approval

• If your program application requires a home school approval, please note that this is an advisor task that will be completed after the GEO deadline as part of your nomination. 
• You can only be nominated if your GEO and program provider applications are complete by the deadline and if you pass the eligibility review. 
• You do not need to email your GEO advisor about this task.

Requesting Your Vanderbilt Transcript

• If your application requires you to provide a copy of your Vanderbilt transcript, you will want to order an official transcript through the Office of the University Registrar. You can find more information, including links to detailed instructions, at registrar.vanderbilt.edu/transcripts/. 
• Most students can send an electronic transcript directly to the email address provided in the partner application (the application from CIEE, IFSA, SIT, etc.) 
• However, some students, especially those attending exchange programs, may need to provide hard copies. 
• Both electronic and hard copy transcripts can be ordered from the Registrar, but hard copies will take longer, so plan ahead!

Tips for successful application

• Your applications will be reviewed after the GEO deadline, regardless of the submission date. However, I don't recommend waiting until the last minute to apply as your program application may have requirements (such as a letter of recommendation) that take longer to complete. 
• It would be best if you had already done your preparation and planning work for study abroad, ideally with a GEO advisor, prior to application. 
• The programs you apply to should be a good academic fit and meet your personal and professional goals. If you have not met with the GEO advisor for your program, please schedule an appointment now.

If you are just getting started with your study abroad planning, please check out the Getting Started page.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me anytime via the contact form at the right or via email:

• Brian DeLevie - brian.delevie@vanderbilt.edu