Jack Marshall

You don’t choose Vanderbilt University. Vanderbilt University chooses you.

Each year, the prestigious school in Nashville admits less than 10% of its applicants, which amounts to a class of just 1,600 students, all carefully plucked from a pool of over 30,000 eminently qualified candidates.

It’s also important to remember that you’re not competing against the general population of high school students. You’re battling National Merit finalists, junior Olympians, debate champions; the best of the best.

So, how does one beat the odds and wind up a Commodore?

There’s enough reading material on the subject to fill a small library, but the consensus among college admissions blogs is that you need to be academically well-rounded, engaged in a myriad of extracurricular activities, and ready to get involved on campus.

In other words, the complete package.

For an interesting thought experiment, put yourself in the shoes of a Vanderbilt admissions officer. Together, let’s consider the candidacy of a worthy applicant, senior Jack Marshall.

A school like Vanderbilt looks for its students to get involved immediately, which is what Marshall plans to do as soon as he makes his way to campus. Marshall is set to enroll in the school’s Naval ROTC program in order to fulfill his dream of becoming a Navy pilot.

“Jack is such a selfless friend, so it’s no surprise that he wants to enter the service,” said senior Trip Pierce.

Marshall is looking forward to playing his third season as a member of the varsity tennis team, an experience he’ll make the most of after last season was cancelled due to the pandemic. 

“He’s the best teammate you could ask for,” said senior Vishvam Bhagat. “He’s made new guys feel welcomed and has always stepped up when the team needed him the most.”

Marshall, who Bhagat called a “huge tennis fan,” apparently can’t keep a racquet out of his hands, as he is also a four-year member of the LFHS squash team.

In the fall, Marshall decided to go out for the cross country team for his first season. Despite not having a background in running, he instantly assimilated, establishing himself as a leader and resource for freshmen despite his lack of tenure on the team.

Marshall is also the affable and approachable president of Environmental Club, which he proudly represents in the form of several stickers on his Hydro Flask water bottle and computer.

But it’s Marshall’s best traits that might not appear on a college resume at all.

Friends lauded his work ethic, which extends well beyond the classroom.

“He’s always honing his craft, whether it be in sports, his schoolwork, or fishing,” said Pierce.

So, at the end of this holistic review, where does that leave our high-achieving LFHS senior in question? If you would’ve accepted him, you’re not alone.

Vanderbilt chose Marshall, and for good reason.

But more than being a Commodore, Marshall is a welcome presence who would be warmly received on any college campus. We’re just lucky to have him at LFHS.

Said Bhagat: “Marshall is always a guy you want on your side.”