Vassar College Top Questions

If you come to Vassar, be prepared to read. No, seriously - I mean it. Vassar is well-known for emphasizing the use of primary sources in both teaching and research - a facet of the experience which I am intimately familiar with, being a Medieval Studies major. Your biggest class, with the exception of maybe Intro to Art History, will be around thirty students. And yes, you will be on a first-name basis with a good percentage of your professors. People teach at Vassar because they enjoy teaching, so be prepared to learn. Don't come in with any delusions of grandeur; they will be smashed upon the rocks of higher education ever so quickly. Your professors will ask you to back up what you say with evidence; if you can't you're up a certain creek without a paddle.

The best thing about going to a small school (2400ppl) is that you tend to have pretty small classes which means that your professors will know you by name and you will usually develop a pretty good relationship with them. It's also really easy to get involved in something that you're interested in. For example, I'm a bio major and so through the bio department, I got a job working in a lab. My boss is super cool, is now a reference for job apps and has written me really good letters of recommendation. I took a class with a professor, liked the class and the professor, and am going to be doing research with her in her lab next year. She is also a reference and has written many letters. One of the things that attracted me to Vassar was that there are very few course requirements. You have to take some sort of quantitative course (math, science, psych, etc), an english course (there are some very cool ones), and show some proficiency in a language (intermediate courses). Compared to a lot of other schools, that's pretty easy.

Academics at Vassar can be tough. However, I've found professors always to be incredibly available to talk to, and they know the real deal. There isn't really any busy work. Classes are small, professors really get to know you and there is a mutual level of respect that is unusual to find. Most classes are based on discussion, but I think this changes for the more science/math-y classes. Students are always helping each other out and working in groups, so the atmosphere isn't competitive.

-classes are small and intimate. conducive to speaking up. -everyone here is intelligent in their own way. -competitiveness is not an issue at all -DO NOT COME HERE IF YOU WANT TO LEARN A TRADE. you learn how to learn at vassar. -professors are across the board. i've run into a few at parties.

Competitiveness is the last thing I'd associate with my classes at Vassar; it's a very cooperative environment. My friends and I bring up issues from our classes in casual conversation all the time. Though we're studying in very different areas, I think the perspective we all seem to share is that our major and our classes should be in the areas that help us relate to the world and see it most clearly--whether that is through cognitive science, philosophy, economics, political theory, or education. Making sense of the world and our places in it isn't just personal or just academic; when you're involved in something meaningful that boundary is erased. I think that's the kind of education Vassar encourages and the students who are willing to engage in that kind of learning are the ones who belong here.

People don't care too much about academics.

Amazing, amazing professors! My classes are a complete dream not only because they are taught by those who really know their stuff but also because of the inquisitive student body and an emphasis on small classes and discussion.

Vassar's academics are the best. Classes are small and professors are there for you. They'll lovingly edit your papers and give you advice and practically beg you to come into their office hours. If you take advantage of a good professor-student relationship, you can get killer recs.

Academics at Vassar are great. I feel like my mind has really been exploded here. I've been exposed to whole new worlds through a plethora of really amazing classes. Professors are, on the whole, extremely accessible and personal. I feel more than supported in all my endeavors. Most Vassar professors really care about their classes and their students. The other wonderful thing about Vassar academics is that, on the whole, students are not competitive with one another at all. I've had some of the best discussions of my life in these classes and made some of the best of friends. Learning for its own sake is almost revered at Vassar and I appreciate that incredibly. Vassar is all about interdisciplinary subjects and they really strive to creatively expand their Academic repertoire. For example, as of next year, students will now be able to get a minor in Native American Studies.

Students study a lot, but that's combined with a lot procrastination. Class participation is common, and there is an expectation that you know the reading. Classes are relatively small and professors do know your name and face, so skipping class is not really an option. Students are competitive but do not make it a rivalry. Many students spend time with professors outside of class and some even have dinner. The requirements are not too great, and is intended that way so students can take a diverse course load while still fulfilling their major. The professors are OK. I've had a few good ones as well as some bad ones. The professors teach the courses, but that doesn't mean they are good at teaching.