This college guide uses the most recent data available provided by the U.S. Department of Education. This information was last updated on April 25th, 2023.
Vassar College Admission Requirements Guide
Whether you’re just starting to consider Vassar College as an option or are well into the application process, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the Vassar College undergraduate admission requirements. After reading this guide, you will understand what needs to be done to maximize your chances of being admitted to this institution’s undergraduate program.
Vassar College Acceptance Rate
The Vassar College acceptance rate for the most recent class was 20.15%. With such a low admission rate, it may be difficult to separate yourself from other applicants. After all, this is one of the most competitive undergraduate programs in the nation. However, the achievement of being accepted into this university is nearly unmatched. This guide will provide you the necessary checklist to enhance your college application and give you the best chance of being admitted.
Vassar College GPA Requirements
Every high school has its own method of constructing students’ grade point averages (GPA). Some secondary schools use a weighted GPA system, where they take into account the rigor of honors courses and weigh them more heavily, and others use an unweighted GPA system, in which letter grades all carry the same weight regardless of the course’s difficulty.
To level the playing field, schools often compare applicants through their unweighted GPA and consider the number of honors and advanced courses separately. This is how Vassar College typically conducts its college application review process.
Vassar College Average GPA
When looking at undergraduate students who were most recently admitted, the Vassar College average GPA is 3.8. Although there are no GPA requirements for admission, it is strongly recommended that prospective students aim for at least a 3.8 to give themselves an adequate chance of being accepted into Vassar College.
Vassar College SAT Score Requirements
The SAT is a standardized test that measures college readiness and educational foundation. The SAT has been used for nearly 100 years to test prospective students in mathematics, reading, writing, and language. Here are the SAT metrics to take into account when applying to Vassar College.
Vassar College Average SAT Scores
When looking at the undergraduate students who were in the most recently admitted class, the average Vassar College SAT Score was 1480.
Here is the range of Vassar College SAT scores segmented by the three sections of the test: Critical Reading, Math, and Writing.
SAT Scores of Undergraduate Students Recently Admitted to Vassar College: | |||
| 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | |
| Critical Reading | 710 | 735 | 760 |
| Math | 710 | 745 | 780 |
| Writing | 660 | 705 | 750 |
Vassar College's SAT Score Choice Policy
Vassar College does accept the SAT ‘Superscore’ policy. This means that applicants who have taken the SAT several times may submit their best scores for each section, rather than submitting every full report. For example, if you received a higher score on your Reading section during your first test, but received a higher score on the Mathematics section on your second test, you may combine these scores for a comprehensive ‘Superscore’.
Vassar College ACT Score Requirements
The ACT was founded in 1969 and serves as another college readiness measurement tool. The four subject areas are: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Here are the details regarding Vassar College’s ACT Requirements.
Vassar College Average ACT Scores
When examining the most recently accepted undergraduate class, the median ACT Score for Vassar College is 33.
Vassar College's ACT Score Choice Policy
Vassar College allows individuals to submit their ACT ‘Superscore’. This means that they are able to select and combine their best subject scores across multiple tests.
Vassar College Application Requirements
Vassar College is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and receives countless applications each year. However, getting accepted into Vassar College is not an easy feat and requires meeting certain application requirements with zero margin for error.
Does Vassar College Use the Common App?
Like most major U.S. schools, Vassar College does use the Common Application for their admissions process. The Common App is a unified application that prospective students use to apply to undergraduate colleges and universities. It allows applicants to use a single application that can be sent to as many colleges as they apply to, instead of repeatedly inputting the same demographic and academic information per school. Vassar College may request additional materials, such as supplemental essays and questions, but the primary application structure remains the same.
Does Vassar College Require Letters of Recommendation?
Vassar College requires 1 letter of recommendation from a teacher. This letter of rec, or ‘teacher evaluation’, is used to assess what type of student you are and your strengths in the classroom. We recommend approaching a teacher that you have a strong relationship with to write this letter of recommendation, as they can attest to your academic and interpersonal skills. If you can’t think of anyone to ask, then try considering who your biggest mentor has been throughout your academic experience in high school. Try to find a teacher who is familiar with your character, rather than just your academic profile.
A recommendation letter from a school counselor or guidance counselor is required to apply to Vassar College. High school counselors are constantly writing letters of recommendation for students, so asking them to create one for you is a fairly straightforward process. Ensure that they are at least somewhat familiar with your character and goals, as the purpose of this letter is to show Vassar College that you are a comprehensively complete applicant.
Vassar College Application Checklist
See our application checklist for Vassar College below to ensure you complete and submit the proper materials.
Required Application Materials:
- Completed Common App
- Standardized Test Scores, such as the SAT or ACT
- 1 Letter of Recommendation from a Teacher
- 1 Letter of Recommendation from a School Counselor
- Personal Statement (College Essay)
- Vassar College Application Fee or Fee Waiver
- Academic Transcripts (at the time of submission and when senior year first semester grades are released)
Optional Application Materials:
- Additional Recommendation Letters (Teacher Evaluations)
Does Vassar College Accept AP Credit?
Vassar College accepts Advanced Placement (AP) credits, but not all scores will be accepted for college credits. Your AP score typically must be at least a “5” to be considered for college credit. Depending on the subject area, the scores may count towards as many as 12 course credits. For some subjects, Vassar College will not convert the scores to any college credit. This is something to keep in mind when enrolling for AP courses during high school. It’s also important to note that colleges change their AP credit policies on a near annual basis.
Vassar College Facts & Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vassar College Public or Private?
Vassar College is a private, non-profit university. Private universities’ primary sources of funding are through tuition, donations, and endowments. Although tuition may be higher at these nonprofit institutions, generous financial aid packages are more common than public schools. Tuition rates do not differ between in-state and out-of-state students.
How Many Students Does Vassar College Have?
Vassar College is known for having a smaller student body. Our latest data indicates there are 2500 undergraduate degree-seeking students enrolled. With a fewer students in each classroom, individuals are able to engage more with their classmates and professors. Office hours are accessible, and opportunities for networking and relationship-building are vast at Vassar College.
How do I apply to Vassar College?
Make sure you have all of the required application materials we covered on hand. You can learn more about the application process for this particular institution at Vassar College’s Website.
Where is Vassar College?
Vassar College is located in Poughkeepsie, NY. To visualize where Vassar College’s campus is based in relation to Poughkeepsie’s downtown area and landmarks, take a look at the interactive map below.
Vassar College Campus Map
Final Thoughts on Applying to Vassar College
Hopefully this guide helped you to learn more about the admissions requirements for Vassar College. When applying to colleges, remember to keep in mind that not every school will be a good fit. Take the time to evaluate what’s most important to you, such as the school’s academic opportunities, financial aid benefits, and location. All of the application components we covered are important – take your time to put your best foot forward. The College Grid team wishes you the best of luck on your college applications!
Sydney Janssen
As a valedictorian in high school, I developed a strong passion for learning and pushing myself to achieve academic success. Now, as a first-generation college graduate, I'm excited to share my experiences and insights with others who may be navigating similar paths through College Grid.