Academic performance in previous degrees
Previous research experience
GRE scores, and if applicable TOEFL scores
Relevant background (typically document in the applicant’s CV)
Letters of recommendation

The applicant’s statement of purpose

Statement of Purpose
The Statement of Purpose is an essay about why you are applying to the program you have selected.

Your statement should include information on your motivation to pursue a degree in the program, what you have done to prepare yourself for the pursuit of this degree, and what you hope to accomplish during and after your training.  
Some programs have more specific requirements for the statement of purpose.  These requirements will be listed on the Statement of Purpose page of the application. 
There is not a minimum or a maximum number of words required for the Statement of Purpose.  In general the statement should be somewhere between 1-5 pages and only contain information pertinent to the application you are submitting.
Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
Submission of scores on the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required as part of the application to the Graduate School. Some departments also require, or strongly recommend, a GRE e Subject Test of the GRE score. Please contact your program of interest to confirm. 

You may self-report your GRE scores on your application. If you are admitted, official scores must be submitted before registration.
The Vanderbilt Institution Code is 1871. A department code is not necessary.
Visit  http://www.ets.org/gre for information concerning the GRE and how to send your scores to Vanderbilt.
Each program sets its own test score requirements. Inquiries about test score requirements should be directed to your program of interest.
Language Proficiency Exam (TOEFL or IELTS)
Applicants whose native language is not English must present the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) with the application. This requirement may be waived if you have earned a degree from an English-speaking institution. Please contact your program of interest to confirm. 

International students transferring from unfinished degree programs of other universities in the United States should present TOEFL or IELTS scores.
The TOEFL and IELTS are administered at test centers throughout the world at different times during the year. You may access information regarding the TOEFL or IELTS exam, including registration and sample tests, at ets.org/toefl or http://www.ielts.org.
The Vanderbilt Institution Code for TOEFL is 1871. 
The minimum acceptable score on the paper-based TOEFL is 570, and for the Internet-based test, 88. Many programs, however, require a considerably higher level of proficiency.
For IELTS, the minimum acceptable score will vary by program. In many cases, a score of at least 7.0 is desirable. Please contact your program of interest to confirm. 
Transcripts
Applicants must upload an unofficial copy of transcripts from prior undergraduate and graduate work as part of their online application for admission. Official transcripts are required only after an offer of admission is made and accepted.

To be considered official, a transcript must be sent directly from your institution to Vanderbilt. Official transcripts can be mailed to Vanderbilt at the address below or delivered through your school's secure electronic service. All other transcripts are considered unofficial. Please do NOT mail transcripts to the department office or Graduate School.

Email: 
CDM@vanderbilt.edu

Mail:
Center for Data Management
Vanderbilt University
PMB 407833
2301 Vanderbilt Place
Nashville, TN 37240-7833
Letters of Recommendation
The required minimum number of recommendation letters is three, and maximum is five.  Make sure that your recommenders know you well enough to sell the "you" that exists beyond what your scores and grades might tell us. These letters should tell us information that cannot be gleaned by looking at other pieces of your application. 

The preferred method for receiving recommendations is through the online process. The recommender’s URL contains a short recommendation form that is only available online.  After filling out this short form, the recommender can upload a recommendation letter. You can submit your application before we receive your recommendation letters.

If your recommender has some impediment to using the online process, and you feel strongly about using this recommender, a recommendation letter may be mailed or emailed, but your recommender will not be able to submit the recommendation form. Paper recommendation letters must contain your full name and the name of the program to which you are applying.  They should be emailed or mailed to an address below.

Email: 
CDM@vanderbilt.edu

Mail:
Center for Data Management
Vanderbilt University
PMB 407833, 2301 Vanderbilt Place
Nashville, TN 37240-7833