Is Vassar Ivy league? No it's not.
The answer isn't exactly clear-cut. Vassar does have a strong academic reputation and is very selective in its admissions, but it's not technically an Ivy League school. However, it is often lumped in with the Seven Sisters colleges as being on par with the Ivies academically.
It's a renowned liberal arts institution that offers students the opportunity to pursue over 50 majors. Some of the college's academic programs that have received high national rankings from Niche include anthropology and sociology, public policy, and the performing arts. In addition to academics, students at Vassar can participate in community-engaged learning, sports, and a wide alumni network. So, is Vassar a good school?
Why People Think Vassar is an Ivy League School?
Many people seem to think that Vassar is an Ivy League school, when in fact, it's not. So what gives?
Well, part of it has to do with its reputation. Vassar College is thought as being part of the Little Ivies, and it's frequently lauded as being amongst America's top liberal arts colleges. It's also got a pretty impressive pedigree - it was founded in 1861 by Matthew Vassar, who also helped found Yale University.
But I think the biggest reason why people confuse Vassar with an Ivy League school is because of its campus. Vassar College is home to a beautiful Gothic-style library with more than one million volumes. The main building on campus was designed by famed architect Henry Hobson Richardson. When you see pictures of the campus, it's easy to understand why people might think it's an Ivy League school.
Rankings
Forbes 2021 ranks the school 19th on their top liberal arts university lists and school in the Northeast.
Vassar Admissions, Acceptance Rate
Vassar College is highly selective, only admitting 25% of applicants. Students who are admitted tend to have strong grades and standardized test scores.
On the SAT, students accepted to Vassar typically score between 1360 and 1520. On the ACT, they tend to score between 32 and 34. The regular admissions deadline for Vassar is January 1st, but students can also apply early decision by November 15th.
So, what does it take to get into Vassar? First and foremost, good grades and strong test scores are essential. But that's not all - Vassar also looks for students who will contribute to their campus community in meaningful ways. So be sure to highlight your extracurricular activities and leadership experiences on your application.
Vassar College Scholarships
Fortunately, Vassar offers a number of scholarships and financial aid programs to help students afford the cost of attendance. One of the biggest scholarship programs at Vassar is the Pell Grant program.
Pell Grants are need-based grants that are awarded by the federal government. Unlike loans, grants do not have to be repaid and can help cover the cost of up to $6,345 per year in educational expenses.
In addition to Pell Grants, Vassar also offers FSEOG Grants. Students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and also receive Pell Grants are given priority for these types of grants. The maximum award amount for an FSEOG Grant is $5,665.
Finally, New York State residents may be eligible for the TAP Grant program. This program provides grants of up to $5,665 per year to eligible students.
So if you're looking for ways to finance your education at Vassar College, be sure to research all of the scholarships and financial aid programs that are available to you.
How to Get Into Vassar College
In order to get into Vassar, you'll need to have strong grades and test scores. However, the admissions process at Vassar is holistic, meaning that they consider more than just your academic record. Letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and your personal essay will all play a role in the admissions decision.
If you're interested in applying to Vassar, here are some tips to help you get started:
- Start by researching the school. Make sure that Vassar is the right fit for you before you start the application process. Consider things like location, size, academics, and student life when making your decision.
- Get your grades and test scores up. As mentioned above, academics are important to the admissions committee at Vassar. So make sure that you're getting good grades in all of your classes and doing well on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT.
- Prepare your materials. In addition to transcripts and test scores, you'll need to submit letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and a resume of extracurricular activities. Give yourself plenty of time to put together these materials so that you can put your best foot forward.
- Apply early if possible. Vassar offers both Early Decision and Regular Decision options for applicants. If you're confident that Vassar is your top choice, applying Early Decision may increase your chances of being admitted since it demonstrates a commitment to the school.
- Check out QuestBridge. QuestBridge is a program that helps high-achieving low-income students apply to colleges like Vassar. If you qualify for QuestBridge, be sure to take advantage of this opportunity!
- Keep an open mind about what you want to study. Many students think they need to know exactly what they want to major in before they apply to college – but that's not necessarily true! At Vassar, you'll have lots of time explore different areas of interest before deciding on a major . So don't stress too much about picking the perfect major ahead of time; instead focus on choosing a college where you'll be happy and successful .
More Facts
The student body size at Vassar is small and the student-teacher ratio is low. In addition to the 100-plus student activities and NCAA Division III sports available, Vassar students can further enhance their collegiate experience. The starting median salary for Vassar alumni is $56,300. Vassar alumni earn a mid-career median salary of $107,700.
The academic calendar at Vassar is semester-based with four terms: fall, winter, spring, and summer. Students must take four courses each term to complete 32 credits per year. First-year students must live on campus.
Vassar graduates go on to have successful careers in a variety of fields. Some notable alumni include Meryl Streep, Martha Stewart, Mike Nichols, Lena Dunham, Annie Leibovitz, and Bret Easton Ellis.
Vassar Summer Programs
The Powerhouse Theater Summer Program at Vassar College is a great opportunity for students to explore their passion for the performing arts. The Engaged Pluralism Initiative at Vassar College developed the program with a focus on historical underrepresented groups. This makes it a great choice for students who want to get a leg up in their careers in the performing arts.
The program offers classwork and practical experience, so students can learn from both theory and practice. This is an amazing opportunity for those who want to pursue a career in the performing arts, as it will give them the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. If you're looking for a summer program that will challenge you and help you grow as an artist, then this is the perfect choice for you!
Conclusion
Vassar College is an excellent choice for students seeking a liberal arts education from a highly selective institution. With strong academics, ample opportunities for extracurricular involvement, and a beautiful campus, Vassar offers students everything they could want in a college experience. So what are you waiting for? Start your application today!