Prospective Students FAQ

Q: What are your application deadlines, and when will I find out Vassar’s decision?
A: For Early Decision Round I, applications are due by November 15 and decision letters will be mailed in mid-December. For Early Decision Round II, applications are due by January 1 and students will receive notification around February 1. Finally, for Regular Decision, applications are also due by January 1. Students applying under the Regular Decision plan will be notified of the Admission Committee decision around April 1. Vassar typically fills about 35-40% of its freshman class through both rounds of Early Decision.

Q: What are your average SAT/ACT scores and how much do they weigh in the admission process?
A: The middle 50% of last year’s admitted class scored between 1350-1480 on the SAT critical reading and math sections (2040-2210 overall). The ACT middle 50% range was between 29-32. These scores are important, but are secondary to the applicant’s high school transcript. Remember, we look at your application as a whole, and not just at one particular element. We will take your highest combined test scores, so if you have taken the SAT multiple times, we will combine your strongest scores on each section. Likewise, if you have taken both the SAT and the ACT, we will take whichever score is higher.

Candidates for admission to the freshman class must submit the SAT Reasoning Test and two SAT Subject Tests OR the ACT with the writing test.

Since you have the freedom to take and submit any of the subject tests, we hope that you will choose to take the tests in areas that you feel are your strongest, though we do also prefer that each be taken in a different academic subject.

Q: What is Poughkeepsie like? Is there stuff to do there?
A: Poughkeepsie is a city of about 100,000 people. Located in the heart of the scenic Hudson Valley, it is approximately 75 miles north of New York City. Within Poughkeepsie are numerous opportunities for entertainment and shopping, including: the Mid-Hudson Civic Center, which brings in such talent as the Indigo Girls and Bob Dylan; a roller-skating rink, an ice-skating arena, bowling alleys, a pool hall, the Bardavon Opera House, numerous dance clubs, and shopping malls. There are loads of delicious and affordable restaurants, including the Culinary Institute of America. There are a couple of movie theaters in town as well as two drive-ins. To our north and west you will find great opportunities for recreational and outdoor sports — including hiking, skiing, kayaking, rock climbing and camping. There is definitely stuff to do — both on and off campus. Additionally, we are a short (under two hours) commuter train ride from New York City. Poughkeepsie is a great place to go to college. The city itself provides access to any social, dining, educational, and recreational needs that you might have. At the same time, we are just a short distance from rural settings and a major metropolis.

Q: What is the current male to female ratio?
A: Vassar is currently 60% women and 40% men, pretty close to the average for national liberal arts colleges. Our professor ratio is just the opposite — we have one of the largest percentages of women professors of any college in the country!

Q: What are your entrance requirements?
A: The typical candidate has taken a very challenging curriculum at his/her high school, taking full advantage of all that his/her school has to offer. We recommend students take four years of the five main academic core subjects: English, math, foreign language, natural science and history/social science. We seriously consider the quality of the senior year program. Our typical applicants have an unweighted A- average, are within the top 10%-20% of their class, and have SAT and ACT scores that are within the above ranges (see question #2). They have been actively involved in extracurricular activities and have shown leadership and other accomplishments.

Q: What is the social life like?
A: Vassar is not a commuter campus or a suitcase school. 85-100% of students stay on campus every weekend. Popular on-campus hangouts include the Mug, the Café at the Students’ Center, and the Retreat Snack Bar. Throughout the year, nationally known speakers, writers, and musicians appear on campus. Recently, Wyclef Jean and Blackalicious performed in Walker Field House, and author David Sedaris lectured in the Chapel. There are many stores and restaurants within one block from campus, including the Dutch Cabin, Beech Tree Restaurant, Chan’s Chinese, Pizzeria Uno, Delforno’s Deli, Baby Cakes, and Zorona’s. Each weekend, students have the opportunity to attend a cappella concerts, drama productions, lectures, dance recitals, and athletic events. Students typically go to New York City one to two weekends per semester. Student-run organizations and residence houses plan numerous social activities. These can range from afternoon tea in the Rose Parlor to comedy shows, dances, movies, and study breaks.

Q: How much do interviews count? Are they required? How do I schedule one?
A: Interviews are optional, although often recommended. They are conducted by our alumnae/i in metropolitan areas throughout the world and provide a great way for applicants to tell us more about themselves. More importantly, you can learn more about Vassar from a different perspective. Please use the Supplement to the Common Application to request an alumnae/i interview.

Please note the deadline to request an interview for Early Decision I is November 1; Early Decision II, December 11; and Regular Decision, January 1.

Q: What is the average class size? What about the student-to-faculty ratio?
A: The average class size is 17. Many of our upper-level classes have fewer than 10 students. All of our classes are taught by professors. We do not have teaching assistants or graduate student instructors on campus. Our student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1.

Q: How large is the school?
A: The student body numbers 2,450 undergraduate students from all 50 states and 50 foreign countries. Recent classes have been 22-28% minority students. 60% of our students come from public high schools and 40% from private/parochial schools. Our campus is 1,000 acres and is maintained as an arboretum with over 200 species of trees. The campus includes the Vassar Farm, a nine-hole golf course, Sunset Lake, the Shakespeare Garden, an astronomical observatory, and the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, as well as athletic facilities, residence halls, and academic/administrative buildings.

Q: Are there fraternities or sororities?
A: No. Vassar College does not have a Greek system.

Q: Can I have a car on campus?
A: Yes, all students (including freshmen) are allowed to bring cars. Parking is $50 per semester. About one-quarter to one-third of students have a car on campus.

Q: What about financial aid?
A: Vassar adheres to a need-blind admission policy, which means that admission decisions for all first-year students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are made without regard to the student's financial situation. Vassar meets 100% of the full demonstrated need of all admitted students, international or domestic, for all four years. Aid is need-based only; no merit scholarships are awarded (meaning no scholarships for music, art, athletics, or academic performance). Beginning in the fall of 2008, Vassar grant funds replace loans for U.S. students with calculated family incomes of up to $60,000. In 2007-2008, students received financial aid awards ranging from $1,200 to over $49,000 depending on their financial situations. More on financial aid

Q: How many and what types of student organizations do you have at Vassar?
A: We have over 100 active student organizations, including theater groups, a cappella groups, student government, political organizations, and several student publications. We even have a juggling club! To see a current listing, go to the Vassar Student Association website.

Q: What should I submit for the “Your Space” part of the application?
A: Your Space is an optional section of our application...so don’t stress over it! This is a chance for you to show the admission committee something else about yourself. There is no “right” answer on what you should submit. For example, in the past, applicants have sent poetry, cartoons, art projects, photography, collages, short stories, videos, short films, and CDs. It is your space, so if you choose to complete it, send something that is a reflection of you!

Q: How long should my essay be?
A: Your personal essay should not be longer than two double-spaced pages.

Q: What are your most popular majors?
A: The most popular majors, in terms of sheer numbers, are English, political science, psychology, economics, and the biological sciences. However, no matter what particular discipline you choose to major in, Vassar will provide you with the depth and breadth critical to a strong liberal arts education. Since Vassar does not have a core curriculum, students are able to complete a double major within four years. Some students create their own majors, combining disciplines of particular personal interest. A large number of our students complete a major and a correlate sequence (minor), sometimes in academically disparate fields.

Q: Do you accept AP credits? What about the IB diploma?
A: Vassar accepts AP credits for scores of 4 or 5 on the AP exams. The IB diploma is recognized, and higher level exams with scores of 5, 6, or 7 are accepted for credit.

Q: What are your pre-med and pre-law programs like? Do many of your students continue on to graduate school?
A: The Office for Fellowships and Preprofessional Advising provides guidance and assistance to students planning to pursue careers in medicine and law. The office typically offers pre-law and pre-med information sessions for first year students within the first weeks of the semester. Students considering medicine or law are encouraged to attend these sessions and to make regular use of the services of the Preprofessional Advising Office throughout their Vassar careers. Vassar students have a high rate of acceptance into medical and law schools (between 70-90% annually) and are regularly accepted at prominent medical and law schools, including Tufts, UCLA, Stanford, and Harvard. Two-thirds of Vassar students ultimately pursue advanced studies.

Q: Will I have a chance to do an internship or study abroad?
A: Internships/field work opportunities are available in the Poughkeepsie, Albany and New York City. Nearly 70% of Vassar students participate in field work for credit at some point during their Vassar careers. Field work placements include hospitals, law firms, literary publications, nonprofit organizations, educational facilities, government offices, art galleries, museums, and financial firms.

Vassar students (usually juniors) may study abroad for one semester or for a full academic year. About 40% of our students participate in our study-away programs prior to graduation. These programs are located throughout the world; Vassar has had students study on six continents. Financial assistance is available for students who wish to study away.

Q: Is housing guaranteed for all four years, and what are the residence halls like?
A: Housing is guaranteed for all four years. 98% of our students live on campus. We have nine residence halls. Eight are coed, and one is for women only. The coed residence halls have both men and women living on the same floor. The Town Houses, Terrace Apartments, and South Commons offer apartment-style living accommodations. There are no special residence halls; however, there are wellness corridors (quiet, substance-free housing) located within each residence hall. The Vassar House Fellows Program has 15 faculty members and their families living alongside students in the residence halls. Every student’s room has an Ethernet connection, as well as wi-fi, allowing instant access for Macintosh and Windows PCs. Computer labs are located in every residence hall, as well as in the Computer Center, library, and College Center. Wireless internet is available in all buildings and most public spaces on campus. Vassar’s residence halls are mixed-we do not have housing reserved for freshmen, student-athletes, international students, science majors, musicians, etc. Students are mixed together in residence halls regardless of academic/extracurricular interest, which creates active and diverse environments in each of our residence halls.

Q: Does Vassar give admission decisions online or over the phone?
A: At this time, Vassar does not release admission decisions online or via telephone. Students will be notified of their admission status via postal mail only. Decisions are mailed in early April for Regular Admission, and about one month after each Early Decision application deadline.

Q: How big are drugs and alcohol on campus?
A: As on most college campuses, some Vassar students choose to participate in these activities. However, our campus culture offers plenty of alternatives, and most social activities focus on other aspects of recreation, culture, and intellectual growth. While there are definitely parties on campus as well as an on-campus pub called the Mug, there are many options for students who are not looking for the stereotypical college party scene. Common weekend activities include concerts, theater performances, dances, film screenings, athletic events, and art exhibits.

Q: I’ve heard that Vassar has a large gay population. Is that true?
A: Vassar is a very accepting environment where people feel comfortable expressing themselves openly. Vassar students feel that on campus they have a safe place to express their sexual orientation, whatever that might be, without fear of discrimination.

Q: What is the weather like in Poughkeepsie?
A: Poughkeepsie is located about 75 miles north of New York City. We have four distinct seasons. We do get snow, but keep in mind Poughkeepsie is NOT Buffalo! (Our apologies to those of you reading this from Buffalo!) Most students love spring and fall, and it is common to see professors hold classes outside on nice days. While you’ll need a hat, gloves, and scarf in the winter, you’ll definitely be able to wear shorts and t-shirts other times of the year.

Q: I keep hearing that Vassar is a “diverse” place. What exactly does that mean?
A: Vassar is diverse in every sense of the word. Geographically, our students come from all 50 states and 50 foreign countries. Recent classes have been 22-28% minority students (African-American, Asian-American, Latino/a, Native American). Our students practice many different religions and are of different sexual orientations. Vassar students have academic diversity — our campus is a mix of students interested in the natural sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities, as well as some interesting combinations of these disciplines. Extracurricular diversity is characteristic of our campus culture. A number of students are varsity athletes; others have an inclination to sing, dance, act, improvise, sculpt, film, paint, write, or otherwise create. Some do it all! Politically, our campus is open-minded. Vassar students span the political spectrum. Diversity of opinion is respected, critical thought encouraged, and communication of ideas held as central to a liberal arts education. Students bring their own perspectives and contribute in unexpected and exciting ways by sharing those ideas with the Vassar community.

READ MORE FAQS
Admitted Students FAQ
International Students FAQ
Transfer Students FAQ
Financial Aid FAQ