My DD is interested in Vassar partly because the open curriculum seems like it would let her take not only the things in which she might major but also other subjects that simply are of interest (for example, she would like to take a college astronomy course and a chemistry class because she enjoys those sciences, but she likely would be an English or drama major). Current students and parents of current students – What has been your experience with the open curriculum? Do you feel you get leeway to try new things and are supported in doing that? What are class sizes like, on average? What would you say attracted you academically to Vassar? And how is the academic advising?
DD was very impressed by a tour and her visits to some departments and professors, who were very welcoming to her as a random high school student there to see the school. Thoughts?
Hi there- my son’s a current freshman. Based on what he tells us, he loves the open curriculum (and he’s taking astronomy, fyi!). He’s exploring taking things that interest him, but may not want to major in…things that he generally finds intriguing. I would say he is absolutely supported in doing that. I will say that it is tough to get some of the classes they want as freshmen, but I had the same experience. While they don’t declare until their sophomore year, they are encouraged to embrace different subjects.
His largest class is about 25 students and the smallest is 8. He loves his advisor, has already met with her twice and feels well-supported by her. What attracted him was the open curriculum, and the ability to try new things while not having the restraints of a core curriculum. I went to a school with a very succinct core, and I wish now that I’m older that I had the confidence at his age to explore.
He has told us that he loves the student body, loves the people he’s meeting, his teammates from his sport and that he’s found his “place”. In a short 2 months, we’ve found it to be a wonderful, engaging and supportive school for the right student.
Best of luck to your daughter!!!
Kjs1992, thank you for your post! Glad your son is engaged and happy. Curious: Did he do RD or ED?
Yes – you can take whatever you want, basically. There are a couple of things that they want you to take such as writing-heavy class as freshman, and maybe something else, but other than that you determine your distribution – outside of your major.
You can definitely be a drama major and take an astronomy class. No problem. As long as it fits your schedule.