Take A Look, Please!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Vassar College
1

<p>I know it is difficult to assess the chances of acceptance based just on stats…But I would be thankful if you can give your comments on my candidacy. </p>

<p>I am an international student applying for ED 2.
Intended major: Either English literature or physics, though I am leaning towards literature every day. </p>

<p>SAT Reasoning Test: 2180 (Critical Reading 740; Math 710; Writing 730)
SAT Subjects Test: Physics 800; Math Level 2: 800; Chemistry: 730; Literature (will take on January 2009)</p>

<p>TOEFL ibt: 115/120</p>

<p>GCE ‘A’ Levels
Physics: A
Chemistry: A
Math: A</p>

<p>Class Rank-----5/75</p>

<p>Recommendations:
My teachers and guidance counselor (principal of my school) like me a lot and they also know how important it is for me to get accepted at a college like Vassar. </p>

<p>Essays:
Poured many sleepless nights into them. I absolutely love the “why Vassar” piece.<br>
Your Space: Submitted another essay, which, I think, completes my application. </p>

<p>*Researched on Vassar as much as an international student possibly can, and deeply feel that it is the place I would love to be in. I think my essays show that as well. </p>

<p>Activities:
Taking a gap year after my high school graduation and currently working as an Assistant Editor for a life style magazine. </p>

<p>President, Student Council (12)</p>

<p>Member of a writers group. We hold creative writing workshops and performance literature shows at different schools and universities across the country. </p>

<p>Also a private tutor and teach physics and English to two 9 graders. </p>

<p>Currently writing an anthology of short stories, and intend to get it published by the time I start college next fall. </p>

<p>Voluntary work.
Took part in community based awareness and research projects on Malaria and Cardiovascular diseases. Organized a number of fund raising campaigns for different causes, such as rehabilitation of flood affected victims, while in high school.</p>

<p>Other factors:
Lot of financial aid needed :D ( I know!). Actually I have tried to emphasis on that in my application. My family is not rich and my parents had difficulty funding my education all these years. Obviously I could not do many things that I would have liked to. An opportunity from Vassar is precisely what I need.</p>

2

<p>BB012 and my son are in identical postions. As a parent we can afford almost exactly what BB012 states in the thread. But all schools with ED want you to throw the dice and gamble the financial aid outcome. No one but the very rich can afford 200 grand spread over four years. It's absurd, but the rules seerm to lean towards don't apply if financial aid is an issue leaving only the rich to feel comfortable in applying. Colby is the only school we could find that even mentions getting out of an ED decision if aid is an issue. It's as though all the others want you to believe aid isn't an issue.</p>

3

<p>It's very true. People talk about taking the most rigorous courses available etc. and I know most colleges view IB degree more favorable than ‘A' Level. But in my country the schools which offer IB are very expensive, and thus impossible for someone like me to get into. I wonder if the colleges care about such circumstances. In case of international students, most colleges say you get into a very competitive pool once you apply for aid. I know most colleges don't have any other option since their budget is limited, but for people like me it is similar to saying, "Listen buddy, you must have better credentials than the average person accepted if you want to get in with aid." The truth is in some countries one’s financial situation greatly limits the opportunities one has before and during high school. For instance, I prepared for four 'A' level subjects in high school, but had to take three because during the time of registration my family just could not afford the registration fee for the fourth. Oh well, I guess this is how things work :D.</p>

4

<p>i really hope you get in... im applying ed2 also and im also a bengali although i live in u.s (actually live less than 5 minutes from vassar)... i c ur dilemma ... i think u deserve to get in but asking for aid might hurt your chances a lot... its a shame colleges dont offer need blind admissions to international students as well... i say with aid in consideration u still have a really decent shot of getting in ... and again i hope u and i both get in. it would be nice to have someone from bangadesh at vassar :)</p>

5

<p>Thanks arlington91! I too hope that I get in...lol..And best of luck to you too...It will be great if we both get in :)</p>

6

<p>i hope you get in, good luck... your chances seem great</p>