<p>Okay, so this is probably an absolutely ridiculous question, but here we go anyway.</p>
<p>One of the questions in the writing supplement is about how we learned about Vassar. Well, I first heard of Vassar while watching a film ("Frances Ha") and since I was midst searching for colleges, I decided to check it out. Obviously, I'm not applying because I saw it in the film, but because I feel like it's an excellent fit, but it is technically how I found out that it existed.
So should I admit it? Because to me it seems a bit...unprofessional.
By the way, I'd like to major in Film Studies, so it's even appropriate. :) </p>
<p>It sounds real and interesting. And it’s just how you heard of it. Especially if you are interested in film, learning about vassar by watching an independent film is a great anecdote! Not many teens saw Frances Ha!</p>
<p>I wrote my essay about how I read about vassar online one late night and butchered the pronunciation when i told everyone about it. It happened… everyone thought the school sounded great, and I went to the website and my teacher laughed at me… the magic stayed with me and died with her. It was a VERY good essay. </p>
<p>@LayraSparks: I relate to your post because I do feel that movies, though perhaps not film, are a superficial way to “learn” something. If a movie is popular enough then what is portrayed becomes “the truth,” irrespective of the actual truth. A popular novel can have the same effect. So in that sense, neither are academic.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, your honest account answers Vassar’s question perfectly and is the proper response, technically and otherwise – particularly if you add a line of context as you did in your post. Personally, I find it refreshing that you even asked the question.</p>
<p>@merc81 Thank you for your reply. You are completely right, and that is exactly what I am afraid of. Most people learn about Vassar because they’re legacy, or they’re looking for that type of college and do thorough research. Learning about it through a film seems a bit too easy for me. However, it also depends on the context. Frances Ha, for example, doesn’t explicitly feature Vassar; a short portion of the film is set there, and that’s it. I did my own research before deciding to apply. Also, it’s an independent film aimed at people who’ve already graduated from college, so it certainly didn’t popularize it.
I’ve finished the essay, though, and nicely incorporated it, so I think it will be fine. Were I not applying for Film Studies, however, I definitely would not admit it.</p>
<p>I think it sounds great. But then I learned about Princeton listening to the original War of the Worlds radio play. The martians landed at Grover’s Mill, near the university. </p>
<p>DS admitted that he found out about Vassar because it was between Amherst and Columbia on an 8-college tour that he was being dragged on. He even admitted that he had never heard of it before, but went on to explain in detail why it stood out and why he fell in love with it over all the others. (Yes, he got in, and he still loves it). I really think that the adcoms use the essays to “hear your voice,” that your answer will help them do just that, and that it is entirely appropriate!</p>
<p>@LayraSparks: “Holden Caulfield . . . I won’t be taking advice from him.” I know you would secretly like to hitchhike west with him, despite your Sally Hayes veneer.</p>
<p>@LAMuniv: Don’t forget about Elkton Hills.</p>
<p>@CrewDad: If Holden said it, that’s good enough for me.</p>
<p>@merc81 I might have read the book at least six times, and I might have once fantasized about wandering the streets of New York City dressed as Sally Hayes, but that period of my life has (thankfully?) passed.</p>
<p>Also, don’t forget about Whooton School either!</p>
<p>@LayraSparks: Surely you are not too mature to go ice skating? . . . No, I didn’t forget about Whooton School, or Carl Luce for that matter. I just wanted you to say it first.</p>