Need Some Perspective

Colleges and Universities A-Z Vassar College
1

Hey all,

I wanted to get some feedback on my chances. I know your eyes may have already rolled to the back of your head, seeing as how everyone asks, but I might as well give it a shot.

If you’re still reading:

I have a low gpa (3.48) and I worry that this completely takes the option of colleges like Vassar off the table. I had a bad freshman year and my sophomore year was mediocre but I got a perfect 4.0 in my junior year and I expect the same of my senior year. I have been taking honors and AP classes since the get go, so my courseload has not been light.

GPA: 3.48 (massive? upward trend) – places me ~top 25% in my school
SAT’s: 760 CR, 740 M, 750 W (2250)
Hooks: URM Male

I have solid EC’s. I have interned in a government office during the summer of my soph. year and am interning at a well known company this summer and I run multiple clubs at my school. I don’t want to give out too much information but I am HEAVILY involved in activities and have been since freshman year (one of the reasons my GPA was so low).

Another reason my GPA is so low is that I went from a school in Chicago that doesnt give grades to a grade oriented boarding school in California – so a huge enviornmental shift.

I assume that I will have very good rec’s and a solid essay.

Given all of this, Low GPA, High SAT’s, Upward Trend, Good (Great?) EC’s, URM Male – where do I stand? Are my chances good for ED? ED II? What can I do to boost my chances of acceptance?

Also, where should I be applying. Obviously Vassar is my top choice but I am struggling to put together a list as I feel as there is a huge disparity between my GPA and the rest of my profile. I have a few LAC’s on my mind, but if you can offier specifics that would be amazing.

Thanks for your consideration,
CD09

2

I don’t think your GPA is that low. In CC land, yes, but real work, no.

Vassar common data set 13/14 shows that Vassar could use more URM (line B2).

They could use more males (line C1).

Your SAT scores are top 25%. C9

C10: 34% are not in top 10%.

I actually like your chances there.

3

Thanks @HRSMom ! I wass getting worried that what I wanted was completely out of my reach.

4

Google “Vassar Common data set”

Each college has a set, and they are really helpful to see where your app will fit within the apps that were accepted in past years!!

5

Thanks; I have actually looked at a few but it is difficult to put my GPA in that context.

6

You never received grades until your freshman year at the prep school? What criteria was used for admission at the prep?

7

@CrewDad SSAT’s, and my school gave about a lengthy written report.

8

CD, I concur with HRSMom regarding your chances. Also, the top 10% of class data is somewhat meaningless because 43% of admitted students didn’t submit class rank.

9

Yeah I figured. My school doesn’t report rank but I think they report deciles.

10

I will say you have a decent chance. However, I am often amazed at the quality students that Vassar denies. Of course, I am not privy to the discussions that led to a denial of a seemingly very well-qualified applicant. Definitely keep those grades up the first half of your senior year.

11

Thanks @stepay; one of my hesitations was how high their avg. GPA was for accepted students. I just hope that they can see what I can bring to the school.

12

My son graduated from Vassar this past May. I can tell you that they are extremely holistic with regard to their admissions. Truly! You are much more than a GPA to them. Passion for the school will go far. Apply ED and communicate your interest. Good Luck

13

Thanks!
@MandMom , if you don’t mind me asking, did your son enjoy Vassar? I don’t have many worries about the school but people constantly complain about its location – is it as bad as it seems?

14

I’d say you have pretty good chances. D was waitlisted and then rejected by Vassar this year with a 36 ACT, 10 AP’s and fairly decent ECs. White upper class female. Vassar seems to be very choosy about who it admits. I’d reach out to your admissions officer and strike up a dialog. The sense I got was that they were looking for a more diverse student body and applicants who really, really want to go to Vassar. Do not eliminate yourself based on one variable like GPA particularly if your school has a lot of academically strong students

15

No!

16

@CrewDad , could you expand?

17

CollegeDrifter09
My son did like Vassar. He did not find it remote at all. He was in and out of NYC all the time. In regard to most of the LACs, Vassar is not remote. There is always cultural events going at the school as well. LACs exist in social bubbles but my son definitely did concerts and other activities outside the school. I would say that should not be a factor in deciding whether you apply.

18

@collegedrifter09 - I agree with @mandmom that showing a passion for Vassar is a very good idea IF you do indeed have that passion. While my daughter (who starts as a freshman next month) did have worthy admission stats, she also simply LOVED Vassar after her own research and two visits (one an overnight), and she let that be known in her essay. She applied ED. Good luck to you.

19

As for the location… Because there are always some kind of events happening on campus, my daughter has never felt like she is trapped or claustrophobic. I think there is a shuttle service to/from the nearest mall during school year. Also there are friends with cars. However, she said she would never ever take the public bus that goes around the town of Poughkeepsie. She said it’s too scary. And she is a city girl!!

20

I was accepted to Vassar this year but I will be attending UChicago. My GPA was good but I was nothing special. My essay probably stood out and they had this section where you can share with them anything unique about you (a painting, video of yours, picture of a sculpture, something funny to you, really anything). I think what I sent made me stand out. Good luck and just be yourself in the essays because that’s what matters the most!