Would Vassar be a good fit for me?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Vassar College
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<p>I'm late in the game learning about Vassar so I don't have time to do that much extensive research on whether it's the school for me. I would appreciate the help of CC in determining the answer to this. I posted a similar thread on Oberlin's page because I'm also looking there (and possibly Davidson but I'm concerned about grade deflation so I may not apply there altogether), so if anyone has any insight on those schools, you can add that below as well.</p>

<p>First, I would like to know if it's an academic match for me. I have a 2140 SAT (650/700/790). I'm retaking and hoping to bring up my reading score and possibly my math score as well. I also have a 4.0 UW and 4.4 W, class doesn't rank, IB Diploma candidate with 4 HLs. Average-ish ECs (except for like 2 that are slightly impressive/unique) but a lot of leadership. My passion for writing is clearly shown but I'm trying to direct it towards a passion in the humanities because that relates more to my intended major of political science. No major awards but I have 3 pretty good regional awards and 2 school awards (1 of the school awards is pretty impressive imo though). I don't mean to make this a chance me thread, but would Vassar be a match (probably high-ish match) for me? If it's too much of a reach I think I may apply elsewhere because I already have so many reaches. I understand that just like anyone else, I have a chance of rejection, but is there at least a decent chance that I could be accepted? </p>

<p>Ok, now on to my questions about whether it's a good social fit. </p>

<p>I know it has one of the most liberal student bodies, but do you think it's "too" liberal. Any republicans on campus want to provide their insight? I'm a democrat but I have a few conservative views that I know people disagree with and I'm wondering if I will end up being afraid to share these views because I'm afraid people will attack (verbally) me for them. This is a huge concern of mine because of my intended major.</p>

<p>The rating for the surrounding town is actually really bad. Is this a problem? Do people have a lot of interaction with town members that would cause trouble?</p>

<p>I've been looking through the Princeton Review rankings (basically the only research I've done on the college) and apparently it's #1 for least religious students. What does this mean? Are there a lot of atheists or people who are associated to a religion but just don't practice it? I'm not very religious myself but I do follow a religion and wonder if others would think of me as naive for doing so. </p>

<p>I love love love the residential college system, but do not understand how it works at Vassar. Could someone compare it to Rice's system, which I am very familiar with, so I can understand it better? Is it that you're paired with one residential college your freshmen year and stick with if through senior year? Are these colleges selective? </p>

<p>What does the social scene consist of? If there aren't a lot a parties, what is this replaced by? Do people hang out in dorms, do they participate in activities around campus, or off campus, or do they use learning/class as a way of socializing? I don't really go to parties as a high schooler because strict parents, so I would like to experience that away from college but not go to a school where the party scene is so prominent that I couldn't get away from it (in case I end up loathing parties). But I don't want exclusive social spots, like people hanging out in one person's dorm. I'd like there to be places where I can get to know people and if all the socializes takes place with invitation-only events, I think it'd be really hard for me to meet new people. </p>

<p>Sorry if these questions have already been asked, but I looked around a little and didn't see much on these topics. I would appreciate any answers. </p>

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<p>Hey there, I just visited Vassar a month ago and I know it doesn’t make me an expert but I think what I observed may be of some help. </p>

<p>My party experience is the same as yours, but in no way did I feel Vassar was exclusive. My guide mentioned a Seven Deadly Sins party hosted by Jewett every year, all are welcome. The vibe I got was that there is a little something for every sort of student- a multicultural house, art exhibit, multiple theatres, a great newspaper (The Misc!), not to mention lectures and “midnight stargazing trips”. </p>

<p>As far as housing goes, I believe there are 9 main houses and Vassar has LOADS of info on their website about each one. You do not get to choose which house you live in your first year (unless you opt for the all-female dorm, Strong) and <em>generally</em> people end up loving their house and staying there. You of course have the option of moving houses your second year, which I’m sure is acceptable. All houses are mixed class-wise, which I find both appealing and intriguing because you can gain so much from juniors or seniors. </p>

<p>Don’t rely on rankings alone, but I presume Vassar was ranked least religious because “people who are associated to a religion but just don’t practice it”. Vassar students seem to be more spiritual and more open minded, while there are probably some practing Christians or Jews- they do not come to Vassar solely for that. Search the interwebs, Vassar may have campus religious clubs or groups. They do have a beautiful Chapel on campus. </p>

<p>"I’m a democrat but I have a few conservative views that I know people disagree with and I’m wondering if I will end up being afraid to share these views because I’m afraid people will attack (verbally) me for them. " I have the same political view, and I seriously doubt anyone at Vassar would attack you for any view, be it political or otherwise. You may want to search threads on the political scene, but of course there will be disagreements in political science classrooms. <a href=“Vassar Israel Academic Boycott | Open Hillel | SJP | BDS”>http://■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/2014/03/anti-israel-academic-boycott-turns-ugly-at-vassar/&lt;/a&gt; an interesting article. </p>

<p>Lastly, I do think Vassar seems to be a match for you stats wise, but I would focus more on why you seem attracted to Vassar. Is it solely because it’s a top liberal arts school? Because if so, there are many others to choose from and research. Have a look at their website, and the Misc’s website to get a feel for the campus vibe. Also, I stayed in Poughkeepsie for about two days and though it was not particularly interesting (I hail from San Diego, a stark contrast) it was full of character and I would not loathe my time there in any way. </p>

<p>Best of luck with your search!</p>

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<p>@marianna221b Thanks for all the information! I guess it does look like I’m just interested in Vassar because of the rankings, since I basically admitted to only looking at the rankings beforehand, but I promise it’s more than just that. I became initially interested because of their generous financial aid and decent proximity from my house, but stayed interested because its political science department has an interesting, different approach to politics from what I’ve seen at other schools. The school sees politics as a broader thing than just government; they even have classes on stuff like family and neighborhood politics. </p>

<p>Are you a rising senior applying to Vassar?</p>

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<p>It might help if you spelled out what your conservative views are. For example, if you oppose homosexual relationships or even just gay marriage, you might find yourself on the awkward side of a lot of discussions.</p>

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<p>No problem! Also I agree with what WasatchWriter said.
Yes, I’m a rising senior and I’ll be applying to Vassar ED I :slight_smile: Their political science department is awesome, as you described. I saw a few of the classrooms in the PolySci building and they were socratic-seminar type, perfect for discussion-based classes. </p>

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<p>@wasatchwriter my conservative views are more towards economic things. One example is that I don’t support substantial minimum wage increases. For the most part, my social views are liberal. From what I’m hearing, this would probably align with Vassar’s attitude, right?</p>

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<p>Vassar is socially liberal, that’s for sure. :slight_smile: </p>

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<p>I’m not a student so I can’t comment directly on the political/religious scene, but I do know how Princeton Review constructs their rankings. The “Most Liberal” (of which Vassar is #16) and “Most Conservative” rankings are based on a single self-reporting question: “Politically, are you: left-wing, Democrat, middle, Republican, right-wing?” (which, I think, is valid way to construct that ranking).</p>

<p>On the other hand, the “Most/Least Religious” rankings are both based on the question: “How religious are students at your school?” This might give you a sense of the general atmosphere of the school, but is problematic in that they’re asking students how they think other students feel, and as marianna221b alludes to, the word “religious” can have many connotations. For instance, one of my kids goes to a college that also ranks high on the Least Religious rankings. She says there are several very active Bible-study groups on campus, and never gets hassled about being Christian. At the same time, she doesn’t think there are a lot of kids who regularly attend a local church. </p>

<p>The “Most Politically Active” (Vassar #4) ranking is based on the question: “How popular are political/activist groups on your campus?” Don’t even get me started on the validity of that one…</p>

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<p>The students’ attitudes between Smith and Vassar re religion, politics, etc, very are similar. Not many years ago, the president of the Smith Republican Club was also elected the president of her Quad house. I found it refreshing that a significant percentage of liberal women saw past politics and voted to elect a Republican woman.</p>