I’m applying to more schools than Vassar, of course, but since it’s my number one choice I wanted opinions on my chances. I’m applying ED November 15th.
Class Rank: 16/490
GPA (UW/W): 3.99/4.35
ACT: 32 (36 English, 34 Reading, 31 Science, 26 Math, 28 Writing)
SAT: 1710 (I know this is horribly low for Vassar.)
AP Classes: Biology (3), English Language and Comp (3), English Literature, Statistics, Macroeconomics, and European History.
Honors: Honor Roll (9-12 grade), Member of National Spanish Honor Society (10-12 grade), “Honor” award on National Spanish Exam (10-11 grade), and chosen nominee for Presidential Scholar Program at my school (12 grade).
Activities:
BETA Club
Yearbook
Spanish Club (9-11 grade, not this year)
Film Projects (I develop and organize film projects (ex. short films) then cast actors, direct, film, and edit the projects. I intend to major in film production.)
I co-founded a literary magazine, Wardrobe, with my two best friends in 11th grade. We solicit literary works and edit each piece. I designed the 32-page publication in InDesign by myself. Then we had it printed by a local newspaper company and we distributed it. We originally planned to do a newspaper, but administration forbid it, so we did a literary magazine instead. I feel like this is a good point for me?
I wrote my Common App essay on the death of my father (lost him unexpectedly to suicide in 10th grade) and how it changed me. I spent most of the essay talking about the attributes I gained. Writing is my strong point, so I can assure you all that it is very well-written even though the topic is considered cliche.
I’m submitting a short story for my “Your Space” supplement. Should I do something else instead, or does that sound like a good idea?
Thank you.
If there is anyone who has been accepted to Vassar that is willing to converse with me through phone/skype/email, please let me know. I would love a second opinion on my application.
Thank you all again. This is my dream college, and I will be so devastated if I don’t make the cut. My SAT score worries me!
I think you’ll get in. Your ACT score is really good and I think they’ll overlook your SAT score (Don’t submit if it’s not necessary). Your grades are excellent and your essay seems like it will be amazing also, make sure it reflects on you and isn’t just a sob story. You should submit the short story if it reflects your writing ability. I really think you have a good shot to get in. Good luck!
I was really scared to write the essay because I didn’t want it to seem like I was trying to evoke pity from the admissions board, but now that I’ve written it, I realize that it really shows how much I’ve matured as a person since then. I just hope Vassar admissions will see it that way too.
I sent Vassar my SAT score last week because I figured it would be better to show that I did something unusual and took a test we typically don’t take in the South (I’m from Tennessee) rather than simply not including it. Now I feel like that was a mistake haha. Hopefully my GPA and ACT will make up for it.
Thank you so much for the kind words. This is my first post on College Confidential, and I was really scared because I had no idea how critical people would be in response to my post. Reading your post makes me feel so much better. Thank you. (:
I’m female. I wish I hadn’t either. Their website says “for candidates taking both the SAT and the ACT, Vassar will use whichever composite scores are higher,” but knowing they will still see my SAT is discouraging. There’s nothing I can do about it now.
Some folks do a lot better on one test than another, and adcoms know that. I’m guessing they’ll see that your grades are commensurate with your ACT scores. Vassar is a reach for any female so chancing is a bit futile, but you are certainly within their profile. My kid isn’t a film major but has had a blast being involved in a bunch of film projects. Good luck!