FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Vassar accept the Common Application?
Yes. Vassar accepts only the Common Application.
Which departments are the best?
Each department has an impressive array of course offerings and many offer research opportunities. Many departments like biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, drama, film, and music have their own magnificently equipped buildings.
What are Vassar’s 5 most popular majors?
Political science, psychology, English, economics, and the biological sciences.
Does Vassar have a core curriculum?
No. Our curriculum is rigorous but not rigid.
Does Vassar have required courses?
No, however, we do have some requirements to insure that students develop the skills they need to be successful at Vassar.
• The Freshman Seminar, a one-semester course offered in many disciplines, focuses on written and oral work.
• The quantitative requirement, a semester course in mathematics, natural sciences, psychology, statistics, or certain economics courses.
• The foreign language proficiency requirement: one year at the introductory level or one semester at the intermediate level. Students may test out of the requirement.
How are the sciences at Vassar?
Vassar has exceptional course offering in the sciences. Students have access to the most modern and sophisticated lab equipment. Many students work directly with professors on funded scientific research.
Are there research opportunities?
URSI (Undergraduate Research Summer Institute) offers students valuable experience in planning and executing original research in the sciences with faculty sponsors. The Ford Scholars Program involves students in collaborative research in the humanities and social sciences.
Does Vassar have a pre-med program?
Our curriculum offers excellent preparation for medical, dental, and veterinary school. Vassar's small classes and opportunities for personal interactions in class and during laboratories allow our professors to write significant and convincing letters of recommendation. Our admission rate is well above the national average. Vassar does not pre-screen or restrict those who want to apply to medical school.
Are internships available?
Academic departments offer credit-bearing internships through our Field Work program. More than a quarter of our students elect internships annually in a broad range of areas such as health, medical, social service, governmental, political, and environmental and planning agencies. They also work in the arts and in business, educational, publishing, advertising, and scientific fields. Internships are typically elected during the school year but may be elected in the summer.
Is the campus safe?
Vassar has an excellent safety record. Residence buildings are accessible by student ID card. The campus is well lit and uniformed security officers are on duty around the clock. The College maintains a blue light emergency phone network, a shuttle bus service, an on-call campus escort service, and a student patrol network.
What is there to do in the Poughkeepsie area?
The greater Poughkeepsie area has shopping malls, movie theaters, museums, galleries, and extensive cultural programming in addition to volunteer and recreational activities. There are many restaurants, delis, bookstores, and shops in the area right around the campus. The Hudson Valley is rich in historical sites, hiking and biking trails, and riverside recreation opportunities. New York City is easily accessible by commuter railroad.