I am close to committing to Vassar to play tennis, but I have some worries. I visited Vassar and liked it, but I visited during midterms and spent 90% of my visit in the library. Because of this, I didn’t get a complete understanding of Vassar culture. From what I’ve read online, I have some worries. The stereotype at Vassar has been described as “gender benders and Trustafarian liberals” which I do not fit at all. I love the location and weather at Vassar, its proximity to NYC, and the prestige of the name bodes well with my aspirations to go to med school. However, I would not describe myself as a social activist or liberal at all.
I’m a straight female from Palm Springs, CA. I enjoy the outdoors, play tennis, am very social, love fashion, music, and partying. I’m worried if I choose Vassar, I will have a difficult time making friends.
Can anyone attest to the truth (or lack thereof) of the crude stereotypes at Vassar and if you think it’s possible to enjoy my time given my persona?
P.S. my second choice is St. Lawrence. When I went to visit, I loved the school but hated the location and figured the subzero temperatures of winter would be too much for a desert rat to handle. In addition, St. Lawrence is academically inferior to Vassar, which is what is mainly driving me toward Vassar. Any opinions on SLU (if anyone knows about it)?
I went for an overnighter, but it was during midterms so I didn’t really get a feel for the social scene or much of the student population outside of the girl I stayed with. I’ve visited the east coast multiple times, and I’m 100% positive that’s where I want to go to college. I’m tired of sunny CA. @Burgermeister@delurk1
There are all types of people at Vassar. You will be fine. The music is excellent at Vassar and all types of music are in abundance there- classical, jazz, modern, rock bands. there are lots of hiking opportunities across the river in the New Paltz area. S2 went on several hikes there.
Like S, two of the guys in the band are from California. In fact, CA is just behind NY in the number of students it sends to Vassar. S says the dorm system (Vassar calls them “houses”) really facilitated making friends his freshman year, and that while you can definitely get involved in social causes if you want to, most of the time students spend their time just being students (when they’re not fencing and playing in a band).
I mean are you tollerent of Gender-Benders/ Non Binary people. Im not saying you have to be one, but if you are an open minded person, I think you will be good.
In my D’s main friend group are all of the types you can imagine: very Republican and very gender identity conscious; very ‘whatever’ and very driven; lotsamoney, some money and absolutely no money.Etc. Some work super hard, others just work hard. This particular gang don’t get caught up in the occasional waves of political angst (there is one going on now) or the super-partiers (yes, there are some), but they are happy to live and let live. If you are happy enough to do that you will be fine.
And for pre-med, Vassar is super: very supportive, not cut-throat all- but very rigorous so that you are well and truly ready to make a strong application to med school, and thrive when you get there.
There are all kinds of people at Vassar. Lots of straight, not uber-leftists from CA. You will find a niche. Agree about the premed and it’s pretty simple to get research right away. Just ask a professors to get into a lab. A little outreach like that should land you something.