Vanderbilt University Student Spotlight Interview with Chloe Blacknall

Chloe Blacknall majors in Communication of Science & Technology at Vanderbilt University. She will graduate in 2028.

1. What led to your decision to attend college in Nashville, at a private research

university?

I wanted a school that would challenge me but would also be supportive at the same time. I’ve always been interested in both science and storytelling, and Vanderbilt's Communication of Science & Technology major was literally everything I was looking for. I also loved that since it is a research university I’d get access to real-world experiences and hands-on projects as early as my first year. That balance really mattered to me.

2. Can you describe what kind of support/communities exist as a student from your

background at Vanderbilt?

a. In what ways can a student find a supportive community at Vanderbilt and feel supported?

There are so many ways to find your community, whatever that looks like for you. We have community centers on campus that are actual houses with their own study spaces, events, and just overall great vibes for meeting people with similar interests. I love the Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center as well as the Margaret Cuninggim Women’s Center. They both create spaces where you feel seen and heard.

I also found my community within my sorority. Vanderbilt has 8 out of the 9 Divine Nine

organizations, which are historically African American fraternities and sororities. I’m a member of the Eta Beta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and joining has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience. Through my sorority, I’ve connected with women who share my values, and uplift one another.

3. What advice do you have for Juniors and Seniors in high school who want to attend

Vanderbilt and…

a. …are interested in attending college in a large city?

If you want the energy of a big city without feeling too overwhelmed, then Vanderbilt is a great fit. Downtown Nashville is literally a 15-minute walk from campus, but when you’re on

campus, it still feels calm and community-centered. My advice is to take advantage of both sides so go to concerts, catch a game, or just explore. Vanderbilt makes it really easy to access the city, so don’t be afraid to step off campus and make Nashville part of your college experience.

b. …will require considerable financial aid to attend college?

Financial aid was the most important thing to me, and it was what moved Vanderbilt from just being my dream school, to an actual option. Don’t let the sticker price of Vanderbilt scare you. Since Vanderbilt is a no-loan school, your financial aid package won’t include any loans. If your family can only afford to contribute $2,000, that’s all they’ll be expected to pay. And if they can’t afford anything at all…then they won’t be expected to pay anything.

What I really appreciate about Vanderbilt is that they make sure you feel supported in your day-to-day life. Programs like Taste of Nashville let us use part of our meal plan to eat at local restaurants off-campus, which gives us the chance to explore the city without spending extra money. Also with Explore Nashville, there are free monthly trips into the city. I've been to a musical, taken a barre class, and even grabbed an açaí bowl, all without having to pay out of pocket. Vanderbilt makes sure all students can get a full college experience.

c. …want their application to stand out?

Don’t try to fit into a mold. Thankfully, there’s no such thing as a “typical” Vanderbilt student. We’re all different, and that’s what makes the community strong. Focus on your passions, your story, and what you’d bring to campus. That’s what stands out the most.

4. What are some of Vanderbilt’s most notable programs? (Programs of study,

extracurriculars, etc).

Studying abroad is really popular! Your financial aid package travels with you during the

academic year, so going abroad is actually accessible. We also have Maymesters which are

shorter study abroad courses in May and travel-embedded classes. Next semester, I’m going on a trip to Iceland over Fall Break for a Geological Filmmaking class, and it’s fully covered by my financial aid! It’ll be my first time traveling outside of North America, so I am even more excited. That’s not something I ever imagined doing, especially this early in college.

5. What advice would you offer a student who is considering attending Vanderbilt, but

is on the fence about it?

If possible visit! This could be a campus tour, a ‘Dore for a Day experience, or even a virtual visit. Definitely check out our “Contact a Student” page, too. I really believe what makes Vanderbilt special is the people, so come meet us and learn about Vanderbilt’s culture firsthand.

6. One word to describe a Wellesley student?

Eudaimonic!