<p>Hi everyone,
I'm a current freshman at Vassar, just starting my second semester.<br>
I just read some of the EDI thread and relived my EDI experience with Vassar, which, obviously, ended well. ;) One of the things I remembered was that after the initial rush wore off, (though that took a while) I began to feel a little nervous. I had this big shining gift of an education and I wanted to take full advantage. Some current Vassar students at the time dispensed excellent advice SO I thought that I would reciprocate and try to answer any questions/concerns for any accepted or hopeful Vassar students now. </p>
<p>For the record:<br>
I live in Noyes dorm.
I am fully intending to declare a drama major the second my second year starts.<br>
I'm toying with the idea of a minor in American poli-sci.<br>
Last semester I took THE drama class to get into as a freshman, drama 102. I can say a LOT about this.<br>
I also took a Classics course called Reading Antiquity (with a WONDERFUL prof)
I took a Russian Studies course called Russian Studies from fairytales to revolution.
I took an elementary French class (as I'm fairly fluent in German already, and always wanted to learn)
I took a beginners tennis class (pass/fail because I figured what the hell and, again, always wanted to learn).
This semester I am enrolled in American Politics of Conflict and Power (with prof. Plotkin who was in a significant portion of a NY times article about poli-sci classes in college)
A Freshman Writing Seminar (which is one of Vassar's rare requirements) in the Classics dept. about Cleopatra.<br>
A drama major req. class called World Sources of Drama
Another drama class, this is a tech based course.<br>
And continuing with elementary French, which is a year long course.<br>
I have been (very) involved with student theatre here at Vassar and have friends who have been equally involved (and more) and friends who are musical/sports-oriented/environmental activists/etc etc.<br>
Anyway, enough about me! Anything at all you want to know? I'll do my best to be helpful! And to all you guys who are now awaiting a decision, good luck!</p>
<ul>
<li>How’s drama taught at Vassar? Any particular methods? Theory-based? Practice-based?</li>
<li>Drama 102 is Intro to Theatre-making, right? What was the class like, and do you only need to take it for one semester to fulfill the requirement?</li>
<li>I want to take the Cleopatra class for my FWS! What’s it been like so far?</li>
<li>What are the theatre productions at Vassar like? What show(s) did you do?</li>
<li>What did you take for your QA course?</li>
<li>I’ve heard of private voice with the Vassar music department: any info on those?</li>
<li>How much are you loving it there? :D</li>
</ul>
<p>Okay! lol. I’ll try not to be too expansive.<br>
Drama is taught differently, depending on the class and the prof. Drama ranges from acting classes to playwriting courses to theory to history to to to. It has it all.<br>
2a. Drama 102 and 103 are generally the classes taken by freshmen. 103 is a tech course. It’s very hands-on and practical. Part of the class requirements is teching for a department show.<br>
2b. Drama 102 is only a semester long course. It’s insanely popular. Something like over 80 people tried to take it first semester so they overenrolled the class to 42. The class is it’s own world. Many describe it as a gauntlet as sort of trial-by-fire to earn your way into the drama dept. (Taking 102 and 103 is a prerequisite for auditioning for the department shows and almost every drama class requires you to have already completed 102) 102 is comprised of a three week intensive study of each play: the Tempest, Three Sisters, Cloud 9, and Hamlet Machine (the final is based off this play) A broad leap from play to play, moving from the traditional to experimental. When you begin a new play, class is a lecture/discussion about the play, to ease you in. But the vast majority of class is presenting the project assigned based on some aspect of theatricality and the play. There is a lab period scheduled so you can meet with your group, but you will need much more to accomplish the projects. THis class is a HUGE time commitment. You have to give yourself over to the way of this class. Some of it feels like ********. BUT if you look past that you can really get a lot out of it. If nothing else, you will bond with the class for the rest of your Vassar years, I can already tell.
I’ve only had one Cleopatra class so far, but I’m really excited. The prof has a great sense of humour and a reverence for original ideas, which is great. The class is basically divided into what we can glean from history as “truth” and the creation of an icon through the various lenses of society throughout the ages.<br>
4a. Theatre productions at Vassar vary widely. There are many many student theatre organizations (one of the best things about Vassar). I’ve seen a Full Monty show put on with a lot of heart and hilarity, but very rough transitions. A beautifully designed Rent (department show) with some great acting but some really uneven singing. A very detailed in-depth portrayal of A Streetcar Named Desire (also department) that was a little over directed, but with a lot of good intention and moments and a brilliant performance of Stella. Just to name a few.<br>
4b. I was in two shows this semester. Idlewild is an all-female theatre group that does a small fall show. This was an amazing experience. Entirely collaborative. We had the theme “cravings” and presented it to the campus. Female identifying Vassar students submitted their work, we chose which pieces to do (blind), self cast, self designed, and everything. It was wonderful. I also played several small roles (including the very pregnant Juliet) in Measure for Measure for the Merely Players group (the less well-known group that does Shakespeare, the more well-known being the famous Shakespeare troupe.) This was not as positive an experience. I really did not like the director (a sophomore) so that made for a tough show, but I worked with some great people. All the actors and the assistant director and stage manager were really great so that was a significant silver lining.<br>
I haven’t fulfilled my QU yet (this is not a freshman requirement, it’s a graduation requirement), but I fully intend to take intro to psych. One of the many attractive things about Vassar to me was the ability to never ever take math again.<br>
There are private voice lessons available at Vassar for around $500 a semester, I believe, unless they are in conjunction with a music class you’re taking and then they’re free. You have to audition for lessons, not everyone gets one. You get half a credit and contrary to public opinion they are graded, not pass/fail.<br>
SOOO LOVING IT! I’m unbelievably happy. It’s the best place. Ever. Seriously.</p>
<p>Hbananah, Thanks so much for coming back…very thoughtful of you! I am a parent whose daughter was accepted ED1; she has not wavered in her decision ( I’ve even played a bit of devil’s advocate with her)!</p>
<p>Since I post, she does not, hehe.</p>
<p>I know she is curious about what writing requirement course to take…do you have any suggestions? Are there any to avoid?</p>
<p>She is also wondering if there is an open house planned. </p>
<p>And lastly (at least for now), she is thinking about signing up for a “wellness” floor, but does not want to feel excluded. Any thoughts on this topic?</p>
<p>Thanks again!!! It is wonderful to read how happy you are at Vassar.</p>
<p>You’re welcome! Hope I’m being helpful.
First of all: congratulations to your daughter! How exciting! Makes Christmas/Hanukkah that much better. </p>
<p>The history fws (freshman writing seminar) with prof. James Merryl is legendary. He’s supposedly amazing, but I’ve never had him. But this opinion has been aired many-a-time. I rely on rate my professor .com to pick my classes (with a grain or two of salt), I highly recommend using that as a factor in her decision making process. The only class I’ve really heard about avoiding is the education fws taught by prof eve or eva … something. Sorry I can’t remember her last name, but I believe there was only one education fws offered. </p>
<p>An open house meaning a day for accepted students to come to Vassar? I’m sure there is, but you should contact admissions to figure out when. </p>
<p>As her mom, you may feel approving/relieved about wellness. I’m not so sure I’d recommend it. I’ll try to lay out the pros and cons:
pros: quieter. a generally substance-free zone in which to relax and a chance to make friends with similar values on that score. Generally a tighter-knit hall group.<br>
cons: it IS moderately isolating. There will be people who are placed in wellness who did not want to be there, clearly don’t belong, and are angry about it. People at Vassar are mostly (I can’t account for EVERYBODY) non-judgemental and aren’t pushy. I have friends who smoke but do not drink, friends who drink but do not smoke, and friends who do both and friends who do neither. There is absolutely no pressure. Often an invitation will be issued and if the answer is “no thanks” that’s PERFECTLY FINE.
However, if your daughter would feel more comfortable starting out in a wellness hall than she should do what will make her feel most comfortable. Wellness people are by no means pariahs.</p>
<p>Thank you, HB…it is so great you’re here to field our questions!</p>
<p>Here is a real “mom” thing: How safe do you feel on campus? I am sure it’s fine during the day, but what about night? And…how often do you go into town? I’ve heard mention of a shuttle…do u use this?</p>
<p>I always thought that I’d have so many more questions…but I surprisingly don’t. Hahaha.</p>
<p>Anyway, the questions that I have right now are particularly concerning housing:</p>
<p>-I heard that you can’t request a specific dorm in your first year. Is this true?
-I’d assume that there’s a housing questionnaire for rooming purposes; is there any way to request a specific roommate? Furthermore, do you know if it is at all possible for co-eds to room together the first year if they really desire to?</p>
<p>psychmom: you’re welcome! I feel very safe on campus. I can walk around at two in the morning without compunction. There were a few incidents last semester, more than usual, so there have been extra police presence, which adds to the safety. I don’t believe anyone really goes to poughkeepsie unless it’s for work study, volunteering, or getting to the mall (though that’s not one of the shuttle stops). I’ve used the shuttle a few times to get to the train station, but often I call a taxi. I got to the city about once every three weeks. </p>
<p>jessepeters: Yes, that is correct. You cannot request a specific dorm. You can request (or not) all woman’s housing, quiet housing, and wellness housing. Requesting it means you’ll get in, but not requesting it does not guarantee that you will not be placed in any of the above. There is a very short questionnaire smoking/not smoking etc. I’m not sure about co-eds. I think if there’s a LGBTQ situation you can have a co-ed roommate, but I don’t think you can live with your girl/boy friend if that’s what you’re asking. </p>
<p>mattsayfierce: I actually don’t know much about the Media Studies program beyond that there is one. I THINK (but I’m not sure) that because it’s a multi-disiplinary program there’s more flexibility than, say, poli-sci. </p>
<p>Thanks again, HB…I am enjoying this inside connection to Vassar which you are generously providing!</p>
<p>D is going to be disappointed that the shuttle doesn’t go to the mall; she is a bit of a mall rat, but perhaps this changes in college? Is there a specific taxi service to use? She won’t have a car there.</p>
<p>I’ve heard the mall and the train station are both about 15 minutes from campus…is this correct? Do you take Metro North or Amtrak?</p>
<p>Pathetic mom-type question #1000: Is there a laundry service? I know my D is perfectly capable of doing her own laundry, but she has, IMO, space-cadet tendencies, and I am just wondering if there’s a back-up.</p>
<p>Can you telll this is my first child going off to college???</p>
<p>Psychmom–A Vassar Mom here. Just wanted to weigh in on the shuttle and laundry questions. </p>
<p>There is a weekend shuttle that goes to the mall. S has used it many times, especially because there is a movie theater there. The shuttle also goes to the train station, at least on Fridays.</p>
<p>S used Dorm Mom for laundry freshman year. They pick up and deliver. It is kind of pricey so S is doing his own laundry this year. </p>
<p>I’d be happy to answer any other “Mom” questions you have.</p>
<p>mattsaysfierce: the Vassar dance program has an excellent reputation and it’s own theatre devoted entirely to dance (i.e. those pushy drama people are png). There is an extra-curricular dance troupe called VDRT that is the elite troupe. I believe they perform in nyc sometime in … march in a giant theatre. The intro-level dance courses are pass/fail, but I’m not sure the higher level ones are. I believe modern dance has the highest level course available, but don’t hold me to it. </p>
<p>psychmom: that’s right! sorry about that, the weekEND shuttle goes to the mall. (thanks joesboy) The shuttle goes to the train station every day of the week, but it’s small, so often it’s more convenient to call a taxi (which runs about 3-7 dollars). I have a couple taxis that I use regularly, but there is a window in main where someone can call a taxi for you if they are busy. It’s all gypsy-ish cabs in poughkeespie, which is a little scary at first but I’ve always been fine. So has everyone I know. The train station is 15 minutes away and I use metro north because a. it is less expensive and b. it’s final stop is grand central going into the city and it’s final stop coming out is poughkeepsie. The mall is about 20 minutes away, I would say. Joesboy is also correct in saying that there is a laundry service and that it is expensive. I personally know no one who uses it. Mostly we all just procrastinate until we have no clothes left and then do massive amounts of it. repeat cycle. ;)</p>
<p>“(i.e. those pushy drama people are png).”
png?</p>
<p>And thanks! You mentioned that you go the city pretty often. How much would you say the round trip costs on average, including the train ride + cab fare, etc.?</p>
<p>png = persona non grata. drama is performed EVERYWHERE on campus and the dance people are super protective of their performance space. I would say it is one of the few places that drama has not performed in at least once. </p>
<p>It depends on when you go into the city because there are off-peak and peak prices, though anytime I’ve gone (and that’s varied) it’s always been off-peak. off-peak one way is $14.50 (I’ve never bought round trip but I think it’s $25). Cab fair is between $3-$7 dollars, depending if you go with other people or not, to get to the station, same rates apply getting back.</p>
<p>the train station is actually only 10 minutes away, definitely less without traffic or if you don’t hit lights. some people even bike there during the day.</p>
<p>round trip off peak (when most people buy tickets for metro north) is $30 even. the trip is 1 hour 40 mins which is pretty long but you can get some good reading accomplished on it</p>
<p>Thanks, everyone, for all the info…it’s great to have both the student perspective (HB and cre90), as well as a fellow mom’s point of view (joesboy).</p>
<p>mattsaysfierce: I love your social abilities…my D told me she “knows” you already through facebook!</p>
<p>She remains absolutely thrilled to be attending Vassar…it does seem like a great match for her…intellectual, artsy, but not competitive in spirit. She’s been more of a math/science person (yet creative as well), so I think the drama/theater at Vassar will open up a whole new world for her. </p>
<p>So far, she’s decided she does want to start on the wellness floor, and thinks the laundry service might be a good idea.</p>
<p>The next question I have is about laptops: I am planning to get her a new one for her this summer, and am wondering if Vassar offers any kind of discount. Is there a preference as to type?</p>
<p>Hi psychmom. My son is a sophomore at Vassar. I am not aware of any computer discount offered by the school but Apple offers an education discount which if I remember correctly takes $50-$100 off the price of a laptop. The computer service on campus is Apple-certified, my son has had to have his macbook sent off for repairs twice (neither time because of any inherent defect in the laptop - last year someone sat on it and crushed the shell) and has had a good experience both times. I am not the most “in the know” as to details of campus life but am happy to try and answer any questions I can.</p>
<p>chris’mom, Thanks for joining in and for the useful info… I wasn’t aware of the education discount offered by Apple. If we go that route, it’s good to know the campus has an Apple-certified computer service.</p>
<p>Hope your S is enjoying his college experience.</p>
I actually don’t know much about the Media Studies program beyond that there is one. I THINK (but I’m not sure) that because it’s a multi-disiplinary program there’s more flexibility than, say, poli-sci. </p>