Vassar College

Admission at Vassar College

Vassar College admits about 19% of applicants, which makes it highly selective. Admission is holistic: four years of transcript and course rigor first, then essays and activities, then recommendations and test scores. A strong transcript with rigor in your intended field and specific, personal essays put a well-prepared applicant in range.

GCC applicants: international curricula (IB, American Diploma with APs, A-levels) are read in their own terms. English proficiency tests are usually waived for English-medium schools; check the university's waiver rule. Saudi students on a Ministry scholarship should confirm the programme is on the approved list before applying Early Decision.

Vassar College supplemental essays, 2026-27

1. Identity or community essay (choose one)300 words

   Please select and respond to one of the following prompts in 300 words or less. Option A: At Vassar, we aim to foster an inclusive community through our philosophy of engaged pluralism. Engaged pluralism is rooted in 'the conviction that collaborating across differences is necessary for social transformation and critical for the well-being of any community and its members.' In short, we believe it's our differences that make us stronger. Tell us a little bit about an important part of your identity and how it has shaped your life and/or interactions with others. Option B: Vassar is a diverse community that inspires positive change through open inquiry, deep dives into society's most difficult challenges, and collaborative problem solving. We care deeply about one another, the communities that have forged us, and the community we build together on campus. Tell us more about the community (or communities) you come from and how it has shaped your lived experiences and identity.

2. Your Space upload (optional)

   Your Space is your opportunity to allow the Committee on Admission to learn something about you that you have not addressed in another section of the application. For example, in the past, applicants have shared poetry, short stories, cartoons, digital images of art projects, photography, collages, and/or links to videos, and short films. It is your space, so if you choose to complete it, send something that is a reflection of you!

Every US applicant also writes the Common App personal statement: 650 words, seven prompts. Admitify's coach reads drafts line by line and never writes for the student.

Strong for

Liberal Arts · Arts & Design · Media / Comms