<p>browsing thru here it seems like several of my questions have already been posted but i still have a few more.
first of all, i'm interested in history, english, and music (for minoring, lessons, and ensembles. i play flute and piano so how are the profs?). i would love to do a study-abroad and continue taking german classes. so how much freedom is there to sign up for elective type classes, like one german class? what is a typical student like and is it easy to get involved? how is financial aid? what is there to do over the weekend? i'm not much of a partier so i hope that isn't a problem. i guess it seems like poughkeepsie may not be the greatest, but do you feel as if there is enough to do there? i am a city girl, but i guess i can adjust. also, has anyone had experience with their IB policy? any last words about the sort of culture and life at vassar? thanks</p>
<p>while i'm at it, any secrets to admission? i feel as if i am very strong in most every area except my SATs which are a 2010, but i will try and improve that in the fall.</p>
<p>Hi stargrl,</p>
<p>I'll tackle one of your questions- Vassar is the best place around as far as academic freedom (well, in my experience at least). The academic requirements for graduation are minimal, unless they've changed recently, this is what I recall:</p>
<p>1) Foreign language (1 yr. at Vassar or AP score 4/5)
2) One semester of "quantitative science" (including psychology)
3) One "freshman course" (semester-long humanities class just for freshmn, theres a range of choices each semester)</p>
<p>So as long as you complete these and an academic major you can do ANYTHING you want, as long as you have one science/math along the way. I think it's a great system- students tend to pick courses because they think it sounds interesting and they WANT to be there!! Independent study/self-designed study is also an option, but I personally don't know anyone who did that. </p>
<p>My study abroad experience was also fantastic- I was not required to go through a Vassar-sponsored program or even a program run by an American school. I just applied directly to the foreign school as an independent/visiting student, and off I went! All my credits transferred easily, Vassar was very helpful with that.</p>
<p>I had a good friend who studied in Germany for a year when she was at Vassar (& loved it of course) so your post caught my eye- good luck!</p>