SUNY Geneseo vs. Vassar

Colleges and Universities A-Z Vassar College
1

<p>I did not visit Vassar College, even after getting in because it was pretty clear that my parents wanted me to go to Geneseo, a state school, for financial reasons. In this last week of deciding, I'll be visiting this Tuesday.</p>

<p>Our EFC is around $30,000.</p>

<p>Vassar gave me $18,000 in scholarship money.
Geneseo gave me nothing, as it costs around $18,000 with room and board.</p>

<p>My parents love me .. almost too much. I had decided on Geneseo for them -- and I like the school. It just does not have the prestige that I guess I always dreamed about and it is 6 hours away from home (I live in Long Island, New York).</p>

<p>I attend a private Catholic school on a half scholarship - so we pay $3500 here. Next year, my brother will be a freshman in here and so that will be $7000. My sister is currently in Catholic elementary school. I am the brightest of the three and parents have told me that because of my potential and intelligence that it would "all be alright" if they sacrificed and sent me to Vassar.</p>

<p>It's still my decision in the end. I've already gotten used to the idea of Geneseo -- I have a few friends coming with me, I've been chatting online with some accepted students.</p>

<p>I am an Asian American female. First generation. I have a weighted 101+ average and I'm in the top 2% of my class. I guess that it's been expected of me to go to a "big name" school but I know that fit is most important. I'm scared that Vassar won't fit, and I'm also scared that it might be too competitive maybe and that coming from a middle class family, I wouldn't really fit in with the student body.</p>

<p>I am an undecided major, but I have been considering English secondary education. I am passionate about theatre and would like to pursue a minor in it or at least perform in student productions. I would make the most of wherever I go.</p>

<p>Is Vassar worth it? Please, please help me.</p>

2

<p>I don’t know a thing about Geneseo, but I can promise you that being from a middle-class family will NOT make you not fit in at Vassar. My best friends and I are all from varying economic backgrounds and it honestly makes no difference in our friendships, other than that we don’t really go out for meals or movies or whatever (but there’s so much free stuff to do on campus that that doesn’t actually matter). There are people from all sorts of economic backgrounds at Vassar, and it’s never been an issue for me. Sure, there are a couple of little “rich kid” cliques, but honestly, who wants to be friends with people who discriminate based on economic status, anyway? It’s very much not a big deal.</p>

<p>I can also tell you that student theatre at Vassar rocks. The department doesn’t offer a minor, just so you know, but you can be a nonmajor and still participate in department productions or student-run productions. I’ve been in two student musicals (“Bare” last year, which is all on YouTube, just search “vassar bare” and “Godspell” last month) and they were two of my absolute favorite experiences so far at Vassar. The English program here is fantastic too. If you can swing the cost, Vassar sounds like a great school for you, and I wouldn’t worry about fit at all.</p>

3

<p>Judging from the experiences of my daughter’s freinds, Vassar seems to be very good about finding on campus jobs to assist students in your position.</p>

4

<p>It sounds like you are a very thoughtful child and want what is best not only for you but for your family. My D attends Vassar and we are from a upper middle class family…definitely not rich. I don’t think this matters at all. She has met so many people and has made wonderful friends. I think you really want to go to Vassar. Then go. If you don’t like it, if it becomes too difficult financially, then transfer. But, if that is where your heart is, then go. It’s a wonderful school.</p>

5

<p>I don’t know much about Vassar (entering this fall), but I second dc89 and wihs. I come from a low income family and I couldn’t care less. We’re all there for the same thing, aren’t we? Do well in school, grow as people and all that and have fun. I think you should at least give Vassar a try (assuming that you like it after your visit), and like wihs said - if it becomes impossible, just transfer. Good luck!</p>

6

<p>As a Vassar alumna, I strongly encourage you to choose Vassar. I came from a working-class family, and had choices quite similar to yours. I chose Vassar, and I could not be happier with that choice. I certainly had to take loans, but I would not trade my undergraduate experience for anything in the world.</p>