<p>I know one of the main differences is cost but wanted to know if Vassar provides a higher quality of education for the price. My son is interested in the sciences, especially physics. I know both are very good schools. He would fit in at both socially( he is fairly liberal and very open minded). He likes the campus feel of LAC's which is why he did not apply to techincal schools(except RPI). Any Thoughts would be appreciated.</p>
<p>I applied to both schools, and liked them both - both have small classes, driven students, and excellent academics (in my opinion!). The main difference I saw was in the scope/diversity of the student body - Geneseo draws overwhelmingly from New York State while Vassar sees more national/int’l applicants. Additionally, Vassar is much closer to New York City while retaining a suburban location - Geneseo is more isolated. This may not matter to your son, but proximity to a city usually indicates a higher volume of internship opportunities. That said, these are both great schools. Are you planning to revisit either/both before your son makes a decision?</p>
<p>Plan on visting Vassar, we visited Geneseo last summer. He liked Geneseo and was his top choice until he was accepted at Vassar. He was invited to apply for the Edgar Fellows( I believe this is what it is called) at Geneseo so he is waiting to hear on that. Vassar seems to be more well known however. So it will be a difficult choice. Also waiting on FA package from Vassar.</p>
<p>I would say that the main difference is that Vassar is better known and considered much more “prestigious”.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t base my decision on that though. Visit both campuses and be the judge yourself. I have visited both campuses and personally I liked Vassar’s campus over Geneseo’s.</p>
<p>I am also trying to decide between Geneseo and Vassar.</p>
<p>DEFINITELY visit Vassar! It is a very unique place, and visiting is definitely necessary to decide if it is the right fit for you.</p>
<p>My son had Geneseo on his list, but got in ED at Vassar. Really no comparison. Geneseo is good for a state school, and getting better all of the time, but I am always amazed at the life my son has at Vassar.</p>
<p>You know what blew me away?? Each dorm has a library with a Steinway piano. And the room is open 24/7. I went to Albany State, and the kids there would destroy the elevators every weekend. They would have thrown the piano out of the towers for fun. The Vassar students are not like that at all. A different breed.</p>
<p>Visiting this Sunday, so my son will get a first hand look. He seems to already have decided on Vassar, this visit may confirm his choice.</p>
<p>I though all along he would go to Geneseo but we visted Vassar this weekend and he liked it. There seems to be a real sense of community there, the college really seems to take care of the kids. One example is that each freshman is assigned to a dorm and all the freshman on that hall in the dorm eat and go to EC’s the first couple of weeks. This creates an instant group of friends and makes it easier for a freshman to adjust. They also have professors living in the dorms as well. Vassar is alot colser to our home, with financial aid is about the same price, and I assume is somewhat stronger academically. It also has a “name”, though am not sure how much value to place on that. Geneseo was a strong 2nd choice and I know is a fine school, Vassar just seems to be a better fit for him, and you can’t beat the price with financial aid.</p>