Obviously one has the ivy pedigree, but there’s something very special about Vassar. Both schools are pretty similar in terms of their curriculum and purpose, but differ in location and size as well.
Does anyone have any advice on this topic? Reasons you chose Vassar/reasons you think that one should choose (or not choose) Vassar?
Thank you!!
Go where you feel at home. Go where they are strong in what your interests are (there are some significant variations for some subjects).
Hi! I have a friend who contemplated both schools, as well as a med. school program at BU. She favored Vassar over Brown but is likely sticking with BU. She’s a very structured and self-organised person who liked the feel of Vassar’s campus and student body. From what I remember (she and I visited together) they were very passionate students but they had a more professional and I want to say almost preppy vibe, while Brown in my experience is far more chill and laid back. Both are great options, but from what I can tell from your short question, you would be best at Vassar. You said there’s something “very special about Vassar” and it sounds to me that you’ve already kind of made a decision. Your choice should stem from a love of the school, and not the pedigree. Obviously I could be mistaken, but if you love Vassar you should just go for it. Honestly you can’t make a bad decision, but the best decision would be where you feel the most love and excitement. Good luck with everything and hope I could help!
@jamison7 - I just saw this, so perhaps too late to respond, but I will anyway – my daughter chose Vassar even though Brown was in her top 4. I can see why you are comparing the two. In my opinion, Brown most closely compares to Vassar than it does to any of the Ivy League schools. @collegemom3717 gives good advice here, so I will echo what she said. With all their similarities, they are definitely different. Vassar is a much smaller campus, and that is both a pro and a con depending on your view. The areas of Providence adjacent to the Brown campus aren’t the best in the world, so there’ s that. Mostly though, it’s about fit – both academically and personally. Once my daughter visited Vassar, it was over for her, but everyone is different, and not everyone is enamored with Vassar. Good luck!
Brown is located in the College Hill neighborhood, which is the most affluent area of Providence. Moreover, the East Side of Providence, where Brown is located, is a very good area.