My son wants to go into a biology/genetics field (but not medical).
He has narrowed his choices down to Vassar College or Rutgers University, where he was also selected to be in the honors college. They are very different schools and are aware of the differences in campus life and atmosphere.
Which would better assist him in getting into that field, especially when he will probably need to get advanced degrees?
We can see pros and cons for each, but I was curious about other’s thoughts.
Thanks!
I grew up a few years in Poughkeepsie so know Vassar pretty well and have been at Rutgers a couple times. I"m surprised the differences in the style and culture of the two campuses hasn’t revealed a choice, assuming you can afford both. I’d go with Vassar.
Oh we can definitely notice a difference in atmosphere and campus culture! But this question was more about the colleges making it easier for him to get into a grad school or a job in the field.
And the price for each after scholarships ended up being very similar.
If the price is similar I’d opt for Vassar (assuming your S feels he would be happy at a LAC).
My D attended a different LAC and had wonderful opportunities to do research, develop close relationships with professors etc. all of which helped her get into an excellent grad school.
Hi there - as a Vassar graduate, who also had the option of attending a state university honors program, I would very much recommend a school like Vassar. I was exposed to far more inside and outside the classroom at Vassar than my high school classmates who studied in state. My professors were outstanding, I was well prepared to attend a world-renowned graduate school and the alum network is exceptional. The sciences are very strong at Vassar, several alums have been recognized as MacArthur ‘Genius’ fellows in their fields.
Vassar–it is a great school, well respected, offers personal mentorship.
I second all the previous posters. For those who are familiar with Vassar, they know its just as coveted as the big ivys and that it provides a top top notch undergrad education. The only drawbacks I could think of compared to Rutgers is that its small and some people don’t like the smallness of it all. That said, even in my 4 years, I didn’t run out of people to meet or resources to make use of.
Tbh, your son can get everything he needs to get into a great grad program from either school- so much of the college outcome is down to what the student does with their time in college, and the actual academics at both schools are strong.
But most people do best when they are happy, and imo Vassar is very much a fit school: if it’s a good fit for you, it’s great but if it doesn’t fit it really doesn’t fit. Rutgers, both by size and type of school is an easier fit for more kinds of students.
IF your son felt “at home” at Vassar, then go for it. Collegekid2* knew on the first visit that she felt at home there- but I have known quite a few students who went for a visit and knew just as quickly that it was not for them! Trust your son’s gut. There is no wrong answer to this question!
*now gradschoolkid in a top-10 STEM program
Poster would have made a decision already and has not been back to CC since April. Closing thread.