Chances early decision Vassar

Colleges and Universities A-Z Vassar College
1

I am a white female from a rural town in central Vermont. I go to a progressive boarding school in southern Vermont. Wondering what my chances are for early decision at Vassar.

-I went to a public high school for 2.5 years in my hometown. My weighted GPA there was 3.9. I’m too lazy to figure out my unweighted GPA. I took 5 AP courses and was selected to be a peer counselor for two years there. I also made varsity soccer and lacrosse as a freshman.
-My junior year, I attended an art semester school, where I continued to take academic classes. This was my first introduction to a progressive education style, and I received a 4.0 that semester. I returned to my public high school in the Spring but applied to a few boarding schools hoping to repeat a year before college. I wanted to strengthen my art portfolio and take advantage of the opportunities a boarding school offers before applying to college.
-I live in a cabin on the campus of my school with no electricity, heat, or running water, and I am responsible for keeping it heating using a wood stove in the Vermont winter.
-I have a strong art portfolio
-I am a member of the admissions committee at my high school. I read the applications of prospective students and have an equal say alongside adult members on admitted students.
-I have great relationships with my teachers writing my letters of rec
-I am a good interviewer
-My current GPA (for the two years I’ve been at my boarding school) is almost a 3.9 unweighted. There are no AP or honors classes here.
-My common app essay is on a unique topic, and all of my teachers who read it think it will stand out.

I’m worried I will not be submitting test scores (was not able to take the SAT more than once due to COVID), and throughout my time at public high school, I received a few B’s in my classes (mainly math). I’m not sure how holistically Vassar views their applications than the other schools I’m applying to.

2

Vassar differs from most other highly ranked liberal arts colleges in the percentage of students it enrolls from the top 10% of their HS classes. In its most recent CDS, Vassar reported 65% from the top 10%, while otherwise comparable LACs commonly fill their classes with more than 80% of students from the top 10% (to the extent that data for class rank is available). This aspect may increase your chances at Vassar relative to your chances at other colleges.

3

Does this affect me if my high school doesn’t rank???

4

Thanks so much for your reply :slight_smile:

5

Yes, in the sense that class rank pertains directly to grades. You may find that the few B grades on your transcript that concern you will not present a barrier for you at Vassar.

In terms of your general picture — experiences, recommendations and essays, and your fine grades included — you seem to be on the right track for Vassar. I think your chances are good, and I wish you the best of luck!

6

Thanks so much again, that helps a lot!!!