<p>Hi all, I am considering applying to Vassar through Early Decision Round II as it is one of my top choices. I am a male, FULL PAY, INTERNATIONAL student.</p>
<p>Here are my quantitative and qualitative stats:</p>
<ul>
<li>Rank and GPA not calculated, though on Naviance it appears as 3.5/4.0 unweighted. Most challening full IB course load, strong upward trajectory. </li>
<li>My SAT reasoning stands at 2150 and 1400. I took it for the final time last time and the results have yet to come out, but in practise tests I've been ranging 2200-2300.</li>
<li><p>770 SAT Chinese with Listening, 780 SAT Literature, 700 SAT Math II (re-taking).</p></li>
<li><p>I'm a strong writer and put a lot of effort into my essay. My regional UC Berkeley admissions counsellor said she loved it. The English teachers raved about it too. </p></li>
<li><p>Recommendations: From history and English teachers, both of whom know me very well and told me they would be great. My counsellor who I am also very close with rehashed his rec for me (e.g. leadership, determination, personal qualities etc)</p></li>
<li><p>EC: A few long-term activities in basketball, community service/teaching, and entrepreneurship. Nothing spectacular compared to those of the Ivy League hopefuls here on CC, but I believe I have focused my time on quality activities in my areas of interest, and shown good initiative and passion. One of my activity leaders also wrote a "very good" rec for me. </p></li>
</ul>
<p>Generally, my main cause for concern is GPA as it's been pulled down by my struggles to transition into the rigour of the IB diploma in Junior year. I have had a strong first semester this year, but it's evident in my record that my strengths are in the Humanities, especially English and history, both of which I mention as my intended areas of study at Vassar. </p>
<p>I recall the ED rate at Vassar to be around 40%. I just hope that almost every other area of my application are strong enough to make up for my less than stellar grades, and that through ED, I have a better chance. What do you think?</p>
<p>My other top choice is NYU CAS/Gallatin, whose ED and RD rates are around 34%. I do recognise the differences (and similarities) between them. My impression is that NYU in general is quite a bit less selective than Vassar, though their ED rates seem to suggest otherwise. Does this hold true? Do I have a better chance at NYU? Any other comments?</p>
<p>Everything looks good, though your GPA will be slightly below average for both schools. I think if your essays are recommendations are strong, you have a pretty good chance. Vassar’s ED acceptance rate is actually 47% and I expect higher if you’re male. </p>
<p>Hmm. On a tour of Vassar this past summer, the guide said the ED acceptance rate was 38%. I’ve seen others say 40-47% before, but I don’t know where that is coming from. Also, I don’t know if EDI has a more favorable acceptance rate than EDII or not. Regardless of the percentage accepted, NYU is easier to get into than Vassar. NYU SAT 25-75 is 1890-2190. Vassar’s is 2010-2300. Your SAT is in range for both, but there are for sure some with as good an SAT as yours who don’t get accepted to either. Your GPA is low for Vassar for sure. Better shot at NYU. Have a chance at both.</p>
<p>@stepay Thank you for your response. The 47% I believe is from Vassar’s Common Data Set, which also states that the acceptance rate is 14% higher for male applicants. I would also assume that EDI has a slightly higher acceptance rate, but perhaps the applicant pool is stronger too. </p>
<p>hmm…I just did a search for that, and that is what it says for 2013-2014. Interesting. I would caution though thinking that that means it’s easy to get in. Those who apply early to Vassar usually think they have a pretty good chance for admission…great GPAs, SATs, and some, of course are recruited athletes who have a very good reason to believe they will be accepted. Based on your stats and your question, I still say NYU would be easier to get into for you but that you have a shot at both/ Good Luck!</p>
<p>@stepay Thank you. Could you tell me what Vassar’s reputation is like in the US? Is it generally considered a more prestigious institution when compared to NYU? Do you know anything about them internationally?</p>
<p>Vassar is without question a more prestigious school than NYU. Internationally though, I have no idea what might be known. Everyone knows of New York City, so NYU might have more name recognition, but Vassar is the better school. I would pick based on fit over prestige though.</p>
<p>Not sure why that’s an “lol”. You may scoff at the idea of prestigious colleges, and prestige of university means much less to me than fit and course offerings, but there is no question that overall Vassar is considered a better school than New York University. NYU is a fine place, but it ain’t Vassar.</p>