Vassar College Top Questions

You can get an outstanding education at Vassar because classes are small, professors accessible and well-qualified. the work is tough, but there is no cut-throat competition between students. we dont talk about grades much at all, and definately not GPAs. when you get an A, you know you deserved it, not like at Harvard from what i hear. However, Though we arent limited by a core curriculum, the college is still an institution that has rules and regulations, and is saturated with institutional racism, sexism, clasism and ablism, like most institutions. for example, supposedly there are not enough resources or student demand for an ethnic studies program, but there is a Victorian Studies program and Classics department that have less than 5 majors a year consistently.

For the most part, Vassar academics are great. The professors are approachable, classes are small, and there is a wealth of interesting topics to take classes in. I'm a science major, but I have a strong interest in education, philosophy, social justice, health and health care, English literature, and history. I have had an excellent education in a number of these topics. The science departments are great, but my specific focus (biology) is mixed--I much prefer the chemistry department. You need to be selective and self-motivated to get a truly strong background in biology.

Everyone is a high achiever, but definitely not in a competitive way- professors are always available and go out of their way to help you, and really value your opinions. You are expected to participate in class, to share your ideas, and to be open to those of others. You are expected to push yourself, to take your thoughts as far as possible. There are no requirements and it is amazing! You can take classes in so many different departments, and the interdepartmental classes are great as well.

Classes at Vassar are pretty small, which is great because the professors always know your name and are willing to help you. There are no TAs or grad students, so all classes are taught by real professors. Several of the professors live in the dorms with their children and pets, and a lot of students are actually friends with their profs. Most people don't discuss grades with other students, because we're usually afraid we'll embarrass ourselves by admitting that we got the highest grade in the class, and/or ruined the grading curve for everyone else. So people are mostly competitive with themselves. At Vassar we learn because learning is fun! Although it is entirely possible to avoid all practical and job-related classes, many people also do learn practical skills. The Career Development Office also offers workshops for seniors on things like how to write a resume, how to negotiate salary, what all of those benefits actually mean etc.

After going abroad this semester, I've really come to appreciate the academics at Vassar. While there are certain professors who are not the best, there are also the professors who go out of their way to make sure that their students succeed. Classes and tests here are not meant to confuse or scare students, but meant to help us learn the material better. The requirements to graduate are minimal and really allows students to take classes that we want to take. The school tries to promote an all around education, but does not force students to take classes that they might not want to take.

Academics here are incredible. Classes are small, usually around 15 kids, unless you take an intro course and they can get up to 30. The smallest class i've ever had was 5. Professors are really intelligent and know their subjects- and as difficult as the class may be, professors are always looking to help you out. I can't choose just one favorite class but ill list some of the titles of a few i really enjoyed: English- Because Dave Chapelle Said So, Composition, African American Literature, Travel Writing, Literary Non-Fiction Pysch- Sex on the Brain CogSci- Science Fiction of the Mind Women's Studies- Fashion and the Feminine I think Vassar, and it's professors, do a good job of choosing topics that are both contemporary and academic. Students really like the options and the creativity that go into these classes. Class participation is very common since the classes are so small. Usually it is not just a professor lecturing but a class discussing. The intellectual interest that these classes spark definitely follows students outside the classroom. People who go to Vassar are people who like to learn, like school, and don't let academic discussion fall just because they are not in class. That said, we do know how to have fun: lots! Students definitely get to know there professors out of class. It really depends on the professor; some of them are really young so they play pickup sports with the students or get involved in campus activities. Vassar's academic requirements are very fair. It is a very prestigious academic school and it is definitely challenging but they really try to stay away from the boring and ordinary in order to have you learn the same things but in a more interactive or interesting way.

Professors all know my name, the classes are usually very small. Vassar is very encouraging to students to experiment in different fields. Any given student is an expert in more than one area.

I'm a science guy, and the intro classes seem to be somewhat hit or miss. My experience with upper level classes is limited, though has been good, and I've heard good things about them from friends who are in them.

Vassar has tiny, tiny classes. This is great for the most part, as the professors are very accessible, and if you want to have real class discussion it's a constant aspect of class life. It cuts both ways, though; if you're quiet and shy, it may be held against you, and if you have a professor you don't like you'll have to deal with them face to face every day you have class. People here are smart. That was my first impression and it's held true for 3 years. They'll challenge you, and expect to be challenged in return, though they'll still almost always want to be right. Academics aren't competitive in a who-made-the-dean's-list sort of way; I'm pretty sure we don't actually have a dean's list. Instead, it's often more the competition of who has more work to do and can complain the loudest about it.

Academics are amazing here. The classes are small and students are expected to participate. Every school has a variety of professors, but for the most part, Vassar's are articulate, clear, fair, and willing to get to know and work with students. The work is hard but doable.