<p>(P.S. I hope you noticed that she didn’t take a single course off the Smith campus, other than those in Italy.)</p>
<p>We just got back from Vassar Families weekend. As parents of musicians, we had only attended music concerts however, this weekend, we attended a dance performance that was excellent and a student run musical which was put together in only 6 weeks and that too was excellent. There are so many opportunities at Vassar to perform and every music concert we attend has students, faculty, parents and community people attending and supporting the performers. You can feel positive vibes at every concert. We are thrilled with the atmosphere and the quality of the performances. </p>
<p>It is great that she can visit both schools this month. Try to sit on on a rehearsal or practice at each school. S1 knew Vassar was for him after his visit.</p>
<p>D (an international), loved Smith. An Art History major, she got the prestigious Metropolitan Museum summer internship thanks to her work at the Smith Museum and the recs of her profs, and her three months in NY were financed by Smith. She also was first flute in the orchestra her last two years, and we were all very impressed by the level of an orchestra in which non music majors are made to feel so welcome. Back in France, she was accepted in a very competitive Master at the Ecole du Louvre. I can only conclude that both on the national and the international scene, Smith is, in her field at least, recognized as producing vey strong, motivated students.
On the other hand, Smith does have a particular vibe, and D told me that quite a few students who hadn’t "fallen in love " with the college, or who had been rejected from their first choice co-ed schools, were not in their element.</p>
<p>chemusic- This weekend we will attend Vassar’s open house. This will be my first visit since D went with her godmother for visit Feb “12” . She did immediately fall in love , so she stated over text and cell while she was there . I will attend as many concerts and performances as I can fit in. I do need to reserve hotel which I have not done, not sure which is best option, but will research.
Smith’s open house is the following week April 18-20 looking forward to this as well . Actually this is best part of college process , I so enjoy the whole admitted student day programs, where someone is engaged in convincing me why I should attend.</p>
<p>I think the difference for your D is going to turn on the following factors:</p>
<p>Which campus culture she prefers, which has the stronger INtl Relations/Politics department, location, and which of these factors will outweigh the others. </p>
<p>As someone who majored in a related field(History) and has a minor in Politics, my impression is Smith may have a stronger program in Politics and many more students who are engaged in that field. </p>
<p>However, Vassar does have more of an artsy/hippie vibe from what I’ve gathered from friends and relatives who attended…especially those who visited Vassar and my LAC(Oberlin) as this aspect is one thing both of those campuses share.</p>
<p>Vassar has a very strong lgbt community and has a large gay male population. Poughkeepsie is more of a suburban town and Northampton is more of a true college town (with a pedestrian friendly downtown etc.).</p>
<p>I think you’ll find a far larger percentage of the Smith student body majors in politics/international relations/area studies than at Vassar, and languages (essential for IR) are stronger.</p>
<p>There are also Five College Certificate Programs in:
- International Relations
- African Studies
- Latin American, Carribean, and Latino Studies
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies
- Asian/Pacific Studies
and a Program in Peace and World Security Studies.</p>
<p>Zayda4 - It is great you can visit both schools! Visiting was the fun part for us - enjoy!
I live very near Northampton and it is a great college town - we visit probably once a month , however Pooghkeepsie does have alot to offer as well - the Arlington area across the street from Vassar’s campus has many excellent and affordable restaurants and the Culinary Institute of America is close by so there are many good dining options. The walk bridge over the Hudson is fun. </p>
<p>You will know when she visits. Also, take a look at the exact course offerings and see which school has the closest fit.</p>
<p>Again- enjoy exploring!</p>