does vassar have supplemental essays

How to Write the Vassar College Supplemental Essay: Examples + Guide 2024/2025

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What are the vassar college supplemental essay prompts.

• Optional uploads

Vassar College is a coeducational liberal arts college located two hours north of NYC. Founded as a progessive women’s college in 1861, Vassar turned down an invitation to merge with Yale in the 1960s, keeping its autonomy as it began admitting its first male students. Known for taking a bold approach to academic inquiry, Vassar offered hands-on courses and interdisciplinary majors way before all the cool schools were doing it. Independent thought is one of Vassar’s core values, so be sure to keep this in mind as you approach the prompt.

You’ll gain a deeper understanding of Vassar’s values and priorities by reading its mission statement . You’ll also find an extensive, by-the-numbers look at its offerings, from enrollment and tuition statistics to student life and financial aid information, on its Common Data Set . 

Vassar College Supplemental Essay Prompt #1

Please select and respond to one of the following prompts in 300 words or less.

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.

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.

And Vassar offers two optional uploads:

• If you wish to provide details of circumstances not reflected in the application, please upload a file here. Similarly, if you wish to upload your resume, include it here.
• 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, and 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! Your Space is entirely optional.

How to Write each Supplemental Essay Prompt for Vassar College

By offering these two similar prompts for you to choose from, Vassar is highlighting that community is a significant value of the institution. In either case, you have the opportunity to reflect on what you as a unique individual bring to the Vassar community and how you would impact it in a positive way.

What’s the difference between the two prompts? 

Hone in one the key words to get an idea: 

In the first, you find inclusivity, collaboration, social transformation, well-being and strength in difference. In other words, Vassar believes that a healthy and productive learning environment depends on a diverse assemblage of participants. Thus, it’s largely a diversity essay , in which you get to describe how your singular self will bring a special sparkle to the Vassar constellation. 

The second prompt names diverse community as enabling positive change, addressing society’s challenges, problem solving and caring for one another. Thus, it’s more of a community essay , in which you share how the community(ies) you come from have shaped you and how you will engage at Vassar to affect for the better the community there and beyond. You’ll find more detail about how to approach either prompt in the links above, but here’s the quick version:

how to write Vassar Supplemental Essay Prompt Option #1

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. (Limit 300 words)

For this diversity essay, take some time to list out several different ways in which you identify. For example, "I'm a ... reader, jazz lover, queer, Colombian, singer, feminist, etc." Name as many identities you claim as you can. While diversity can refer to ethnicity, class, religion or sexuality, think broadly about the elements of your unique context that have influenced your character, which may also include geography, perspectives, ways of living and more. 

Consider unusual experiences that have shaped you. For example, have your values conflicted with your family’s in complex ways? Have you been raised in a way that’s atypical? Demonstrate how these “differences” will contribute to the Vassar community. Here’s a guide that may help you tease out content and ideas.

Because this is a new prompt, we don’t have an example written specifically for it yet, but here’s a sample essay written for a different school that would work nicely with a few tweaks/additions.

As a light-skinned, soft-spoken, empathetic, and analytical Black woman, a lot of times I have felt that I am not a part of my own community. Many of my family members ask me why I relate so much to the East Asian community and culture. This, of course, has led me to question whether or not community is only skin-deep. I became engrossed in the East Asian community at a young age. My dad, an international pilot, often brought movies home from China. One day he brought home Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki. He described it as something similar to Alice in Wonderland. I could truly see myself in the Miyazaki’s heroines: from how they transcended their roles in life to how they met obstacles with resilience and bravery, these heroines helped me feel less alone. I evolved from watching Miyazaki movies to joining anime clubs, to reading East Asian philosophy, and eventually studying the works of Japanese author Haruki Murakami. This culminated in a trip to Japan last summer as a People to People: Student Ambassador. Immersed in the culture, I visited a Japanese high school, hiked Mt. Fuji, soaked in an onsen, and experienced a deep connection with my homestay family, the Mishimas.   Through being a part of the East Asian community, I have explored answers to metaphysical questions, prayed at a Shinto shrine, and realized that community is a state of mind, much more than skin deep. — — —

Tips + Analysis

Find your facets. What are the different sides of you that make you … you? This student starts with adjectives that define her ethnicity, temperament, and personal qualities, then moves into a deeper reflection about her unexpected connection with East Asian culture and community. In this way, she shows her understanding of herself as someone who walks in a world other than the one she was born into, a unique and compelling aspect of herself. In describing her experiences, she also reveals some of the values that are important to her, such as curiosity, bravery, resilience, overcoming obstacles, and transcending one’s role in life.

Use rich detail. Here, we get a sense of how the student engaged with East Asian culture through the film Spirited Away and the works of author Haruki Murakami. She went to Japan, hiked Mt. Fiji, soaked in a natural hot spring, and stayed with a family whom she calls by name. Brainstorm a detail or example for each aspect of your identity using one of your five senses. What does each one look/smell/taste/sound/feel like? Bring the reader into your world—the more specific the better. 

Say how you’ll contribute. The prompt specifically asks what you hope to add to Vassar’s community. In what ways will you contribute to the diversity on campus? Do you have a particular viewpoint or approach to life based on your combined experiences? Are there groups or organizations you’ll join? Is there an org you’d want to start? Show your reader that you’ve thought about how you want to engage with the school community. This student was answering a different prompt, so she didn’t specify how she’d use her unique qualities to make an impact on her college campus, but we can easily see her naming some East Asian clubs and activities at Vassar that she’d want to join—or better yet, finding other clubs and resources she’d enrich with her East Asian-influenced contributions.

Here’s another example we love, offered as a bonus.

The process of transitioning from male to female challenged me unlike any other obstacle. Tested on both a mental and a physical basis, I learned the importance of recognizing and understanding my hidden emotions. For many years, I tried to shut out the feeling that my assigned gender did not align with my emotional self. I would often feel uncomfortable looking in a mirror and would regularly daydream about living as a woman. Rather than attempting to understand this incongruence, I ignored my emotions on the basis that they were “irrational.” I believed it impossible that these emotions could indicate anything about me that I didn’t already know, so I rejected them. During this past year, I recognized that the only way I could resolve this struggle was to start accepting my emotions and experience them entirely. By recognizing and analyzing my emotions, I finally realized that I was a transgender woman. I could no longer deny that fact or allow anyone else to tell me otherwise. Since that realization, I have grown emotionally and taken control of my life. I have started taking feminizing hormones for my physical transition, and have begun my social transition through name and pronoun changes. Had I not challenged myself to address my gender dysphoria, I would not be the emotionally whole and confident transgender woman I am today. — — —

how to write Vassar Supplemental Essay Prompt Option #2

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. (Limit 300 words)

For this community prompt, first identify the communities you’re a part of, which can be defined by place, identities, interests, circumstances and more. Where do you come from, where have you participated, and how have those experiences shaped who you are? Then notice that the prompt implicitly asks about your readiness to make positive change, collaborate to solve society’s problems and care for the community. 

Reflect on how you have already done that in one or more of your communities, and envision how you’ll apply the skills and lessons you learned at Vassar or beyond. Use this guide , with exercises and examples, to help you brainstorm some topics.

Here’s a sample essay written for a different school that would fit the focus of option 2, and could be tweaked to do so even further.

Every season, my high school volleyball coaches pick an inspiring quote to label on the back of our practice shirts. My favorite? “Be a voice, not an echo.”  After wearing braces for several years to correct a persistent jaw pain, I was elated when they were removed. However, after just a few months, my orthodontist noticed my teeth shifting to their previous position and recommended tongue therapy.   Though reluctant at first, I gained a newfound confidence through tongue therapy. In the classroom, no longer the last to speak. On the volleyball court, effectively communicating plays and rotations. Tongue therapy allowed me to freely speak my mind.  As my confidence soared, so did my desire to help others. Through Lion’s Heart, I once provided baby supplies to needy families in Santa Ana and noticed a long line forming for the provisions. Realizing many immigrant families were struggling with filling out the forms, I offered to translate for them. Through Chinese and Spanish translation, I not only reduced wait times, but became the voice for those who could not speak, literally. As a selected participant for Girls Who Code, I found even more voices. Introduced to coding for the first time, I now know more languages, including HTML and JavaScript. I now plan to help others discover their voice. Using technology-based solutions, I will develop innovations for society’s problems. Perhaps, a device that can both translate multiple languages and teach correct pronunciations.  After all, I am a voice, not an echo. — — —

Describe your communities and how they’ve shaped you. This author walks in the worlds of volleyball, classrooms, tongue therapy, community service, Chinese and Spanish speakers, and Girls Who Code. Through her interactions in each of these communities, she gained confidence, developed leadership, and learned to speak her mind. What worlds do you inhabit? Who are the people and places with whom you connect and relate? How and with whom have you spent your time? Use the exercise in the guide linked above to brainstorm a list of the communities you’re a part of. Then consider how each of these has influenced you, your daily life, your perspective, your plans and dreams. What values and qualities have you developed as a result of these interactions?

Map out your participation. What role do you play in the communities you’re involved in? Whose lives do you touch and with what result? This student enhanced communication among her teammates and used her translation skills so people could access needed food. Describe the specific actions you’ve taken and the impact you’ve had. Consider the positive change you’ve made and the problems you’ve solved (personal, local, or global) by your contributions to your community(ies).

Share your vision. This student’s growth led her to use her newfound skills to serve the community and find within herself a desire to help further. After learning to code with other motivated young women, she now shares her vision for how she wants to use technology to help amplify others’ voices. How do you intend to build on what you’ve started? What will that look like at Vassar and in the world? 

Go further. This can be a great place to bring in some “Why us?” elements—showing that you’ve done your research and you know why you and Vassar are a great fit. What organizations, activities, or opportunities on campus are you excited about that tie in with your community involvement?

This next essay takes a similar approach while describing a different type of community. It too suggests the unique ways in which this student will contribute to the communities he joins going forward.

I’m a farmhand at Gaining Ground. Every summer I dig up potatoes with my bare hands, meticulously sort, pack, and load them onto trucks for homeless shelters, Head Start programs and soup kitchens. Much of my life is digital, but mud doesn’t mix well with smartphones. On the farm, I leave my phone under rows of drying garlic and find a certain peace in trading it for a pair of work gloves. I’m also the ‘guy who loads the truck’. The only way everything fits is if the crates are stacked just right: there’s an art to that. My first day, I unloaded the entire truck and reloaded it in a more sensible configuration--heavy crates on the bottom, lettuce baskets on top--in the rain. Each time, I get the delicate produce to the shelters in better shape. When each volunteer strives to do their part just a bit better, the impact on the community, and on the lives of those we help, can be extraordinary. When asked why I go back after finishing my community service hours, I usually say “I just like to help people,” but that’s only part of it. I do it for the look on the farmer’s face when I come when they’re shorthanded, for the juicy discussions as my hands sift through the earth for carrots, for the soup kitchen’s gratitude when they pick up their vegetables. I keep coming back to work with a community that helps people in ways no individual could alone. — — —

How to approach Vassar’s optional uploads

With these additional uploads, Vassar is giving you the chance to answer the question, “What else would you like us to know?” They’re optional, so don’t feel like you have to add something. However, they can help distinguish you from other candidates and make your application stand out. Or they can be your opportunity to explain a circumstance or challenge that might affect your candidacy.

In deciding whether and what to submit, consider offerings that show another side of yourself that doesn’t appear elsewhere in your application. Step back and take a look at the information you’ve already included. Is there something missing? Something you need or want Vassar to know? Something necessary to give the reader a fuller understanding of you? Be mindful not to repeat information that you’ve already included somewhere else.

Additional upload #1 might include information about:

Health or economic issues, traumatic events or other circumstances that impacted your educational performance or participation in extracurricular activities

Physical or learning differences

Unusual grading systems or classes that might not be clear from your transcript or might show something particularly interesting about you

A stellar academic or extracurricular activity that you weren’t able to describe fully

A project or obligation that occupied a great deal of your time and is not reflected elsewhere in your application

A special honor or award that requires further illumination

A “red flag” on your application, e.g., a bad grade you received in science, why you dropped two sports last year, or the fact that you want to major in math but didn’t take a class in the subject last year

Our guide to the Common App Additional Information Section has examples and more advice about these types of submissions.

Additional upload #2 is fairly self-explanatory. Vassar prides itself on the diversity and creativity of its student body. Have you produced something wonderful? Share it! Like some other essay prompts, this option is a great one for sharing an essay you wrote (and are particularly proud of) for another school, especially if it shows a side of you Vassar hasn’t seen yet. Learn more about saving time with “super” essays here .

Special thanks to Shira for writing this blog post.

Shira Harris is an alternative educator, amateur ambassador, former civil rights attorney and queer activist, who received her BA from UC Berkeley and law degree from New York University. Currently, she studies Arabic, Hebrew, migration and mediation in the Mediterranean; upon completion of the masters program, she intends to work for peace in Israel Palestine. Shira loves hiking, camping, traveling, learning, cooking with friends, the CEG community and fourth-grader jokes.

Top Values: Integrity/ Curiosity / Love

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How to Complete the 2023/2024 Vassar College Supplemental Essays

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Vassar College is a private liberal arts college located in Poughkeepsie, New York with a history, unlike many other colleges. Founded in 1861, Vassar was originally an all-women’s college that became co-ed in 1969. Vassar’s mission is to provide a thorough liberal arts education to all their students. Vassar wants to see applicants that demonstrate strong academic potential and an interest in being involved in the Vassar community. One great way to show your potential is through your Vassar College supplemental essays!

Before you apply to Vassar College

Vassar is proud of its history . Their mission today is still largely inspired by their original mission from when they first opened their doors in 1861. They strive to create a college that supports diversity, creativity, and intellectual exploration. Knowing what they support and what you want from a school should be a crucial step in your college search. So, before you start, spend some time on their website, and social media accounts and, if possible, take a tour!

How to apply to Vassar College

When applying to Vassar, first-year applicants may apply through the Common Application , Coalition Application or QuestBridge . Applications are then viewed by a need-blind review board. This means applicants are not admitted or declined based on their financial standing. There is a $65 non-refundable application fee. A request to waive the fee can be made. You can check out the most recent years class profile here!

The Vassar College supplemental essay prompt

Vassar’s application only has one prompt for you to answer, though you’ll have two prompts to choose from. You should respond to either prompt in 300 words or less. Carefully read through each prompt to decide which one is right for you. If you have time, it may benefit you to respond to both prompts and choose the response that you like more. Let’s go!

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. (300 words)

Before we get too far into the prompt, let’s discuss the term “engaged pluralism”. While the prompt does define it, take some time to put the definition into your own words. Having a deep understanding of the term will help you understand the question more and choose what part of your identity you’d like to talk about.

Now comes the more thoughtful part of the essay, picking a part of your identity to talk about. There are many parts to each of us, so take some time to write down more than one. You may even take some time to write more than one version of this essay. 

Vassar really wants to get to know you and how you will fit in on their campus. So, be sure to give them just that! 

Questions to ask yourself

• When was a time you felt you really connected with someone who you did not expect to?
• What parts of yourself do you think people might be surprised by?
• What interactions with fellow students, someone from your community, or other individuals have permanently shaped how you think about something?

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 about the community (or communities) you come from and how it has shaped your lived experiences and identity. (300 words)

The second prompt is not all that different from the first one. They still want to hear about a lot of the same themes. They want to know how you currently collaborate with the communities around you and how you’ve personally experienced growth or change through those collaborations. The difference is what they are asking to hear about. Instead of talking about just a specific part of your identity, they want to hear about a specific community that has shaped a part of your identity. 

So, let’s start by examining your communities. Think through all the communities you are a part of, this can include everything from sports teams, to religious affiliations, communities related to your family heritage, clubs about certain topics you enjoy studying or anything else in between those examples. 

As far as choosing a community goes, you should pick the community that has shaped you the most. It might take some thinking and list making to figure out which community that is, but it will be worth it. Read your essay back over when you are done and ask yourself if you’ve answered what the prompt is asking. If you haven’t, that’s okay. Take some time to go back through and edit your answer where needed.

Questions to consider

• What communities have you been a part of the longest?
• What communities have you joined on your own and what communities have you joined because your parents, or others have pushed you into them?
• Which community pushes you the most either academically, emotionally, mentally, or physically, and how has that helped you grow as a person?

Key Takeaways

• Do your research about Vassar before you start writing your essay
• Give yourself plenty of time to read through each prompt and respond to them
• Remember to be open and transparent with the admissions committee so that they can really get to know who you are

Additional Resources

As you work on your college applications, there are a lot of decisions to make. That includes how many colleges to apply to , which safety, reach, and match schools to choose, and when to apply for college . You can also check out our insider’s guide of what happens inside an admissions office , how to decide whether to apply Early Decision and/or Early Action , schedule college visits , and finally, choose a college !

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Mastering the Vassar College Supplemental Essays: A Complete Guide

Applying to Vassar College is an exciting journey that allows you to showcase not just your academic achievements, but also your unique identity and experiences. For the class of 2024, Vassar has introduced new essay prompts designed to get to know applicants on a deeper, more personal level. In this guide, we will break down these prompts and offer tips on how to approach them effectively. Remember, each essay has a word limit of 300 words.

The Essay Prompts

Here are the 2024 Vassar College supplemental essay prompts:

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.

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 about the community (or communities) you come from and how it has shaped your lived experiences and identity.

Approaching the Prompts

Let's delve into how you can craft compelling responses to each of these prompts.

Prompt 1: Engaged Pluralism

This prompt invites you to reflect on an important element of your identity. To effectively respond, consider the following steps:

Self-Reflection: Think deeply about aspects of your identity that are most crucial to who you are. This could be anything from your cultural background to your personal interests or values.

Impact on Life and Interactions: Illustrate how this part of your identity has influenced your interactions with others. Discuss specific experiences where embracing your unique identity has led to meaningful connections or personal growth.

Contribution to Vassar: Show how this aspect of yourself will positively impact Vassar's community of engaged pluralism. Make a direct link between your experiences and how you can contribute to the campus culture.

Need some inspiration or feedback? Consider using Sups AI . Sups AI is an AI college counseling platform that helps students brainstorm and get feedback on essays. They even offer one-on-one chats with current students and have helped over 10k students gain admission to top schools, including Vassar.

Prompt 2: Community Influence

This prompt is all about the communities that have shaped you. To craft a strong response, consider these steps:

Identify Key Communities: Reflect on the various communities you have been part of. These could be geographic, cultural, social, or interest-based communities.

Describe the Influence: Explain how these communities have influenced your identity and your worldview. Share specific anecdotes that highlight the impact.

Link to Vassar: Discuss how the values and lessons learned from these communities will help you contribute to and thrive in the diverse environment at Vassar. Tie your experiences back to the college's mission and culture.

Struggling to find the right words or angle? Sups AI can assist! With Sups, you can brainstorm essay ideas, get valuable feedback, and even chat with current Vassar students to ensure your essay stands out.

Final Thoughts

The Vassar College supplemental essays are your opportunity to highlight the unique aspects of your character and experiences. Remember, the key is to be authentic and reflective. If you need additional support, don't hesitate to use resources like Sups AI to fine-tune your essays and ensure they capture the essence of who you are and what you will bring to Vassar.

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2 Vassar College Essay Examples by Accepted Students

Vassar College is a pretty selective school, so it’s important to write strong essays to help your application stand out. In this post, we’ll share essays real students have submitted to Vassar College. (Names and identifying information have been changed, but all other details are preserved).

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our Vassar College essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

Essay Example 1 – Why Vassar, Reading

Prompt: Why are you applying to Vassar? (300 words).

I grew up in the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, learning to find aisles with my eyes closed and befriending librarians. Growing up with the scent of old books and comforting silence made it easy to forget about the world outside, but even as a child, my thirst for answers pushed me into the unknown. At the age of four, I often asked my mother to reread a book about punctuation that I couldn’t understand in an attempt to puzzle out its meaning. As I moved on from Magic Tree House to Harry Potter , my inquisitive nature and determination to understand the literature around me only continued to grow. Obstacles sparked my ambition as I tackled the intimidating Les Misérables sophomore year, Crime and Punishment junior year, and Jane Eyre senior year. I could spend days in the Frederick Ferris Thompson Memorial Library poring over Macbeth or diving deeper into the wounds of American misconceptions of Asian culture through literature such as The Good Earth with Professor Hua Hsu, but I’ve learned that life beyond the library also teems with complex characters and lessons of its own–especially at Vassar. After hearing Tyrone Simpson speak at Vassar’s Summer Institute for the Liberal Arts, I realized the rooted dedication Vassar has to grapple with difficult questions. I would be able to challenge my boundaries as a reader, writer, and human being by initiating eye-opening conversations on a diverse campus through the Asian Students Alliance, follow the footsteps of Elizabeth Bishop and Edna St. Vincent Millay by curating pieces for Vassar Review or Toni Morrison in courses like New York Stories, and host an Open Mic Night with the help of friends. I might miss the library that raised who I am today, but I know I have daunting, thrilling questions awaiting me at Vassar.

What the Essay Did Well

This “Why School?” essay does a really nice job of showing the student’s interest in reading and literature. The language they used to describe their library as “comforting”, and being “raised” by the library creates a clear picture for the reader that this student loves to read. Not only do we learn about this student’s passion, but we learn through them showing us. The essay shows us how the student felt in the library and takes us on a journey as they tackle more and more advanced books, as opposed to telling us they are passionate about reading.

The use of book titles was another positive aspect of this essay. Citing actual books and explaining how they affected the student helps display to the admissions officers reading the essay that literature has impacted this student in a multitude of ways. We see the student grow from being young and curious to tackling challenging concepts, embracing new cultures, and engaging in self-reflection all through reading. 

Another positive of this essay is how it takes time to establish who this student is before directly answering why they want to study at Vassar. We learn about this student’s lifelong passion for the library and reading before we hear how they plan to continue pursuing their passion at Vassar. Even before they mention specific resources they want to take advantage of on campus, the admissions officers reading the essay get a good idea about where this student will fit into the campus community and what unique perspectives they will bring. Never forget that essays are where the admissions officers learn about who you are as a person, so even when answering prompts related to the school, you should always include personal reflection as this student did.

What Could Be Improved

The main part of this essay that could use improving was in the last few sentences that discussed how Vassar will allow this student to continue exploring their passion. Although the student did provide some explanation as to how these resources at Vassar will help them grow their interest in reading and writing, the elaboration was pretty weak. Considering the prompt asks why this student wants to attend Vassar, this section of the essay should be improved.

The student mentions they want to grow as “reader, writer, and human being”  by engaging in diverse conversations, writing for a literary magazine, and hosting open mic nights. These are all great, but nothing mentioned here is specific to Vassar. This student could participate in any of these activities at any college they go to, so they either need to pick something more unique  or provide detailed elaboration on how participating in these activities, specifically at Vassar, will help them in the long run.

Essay Example 2 – Why Vassar, Law

Never. Become. A. Lawyer.

My brother, a corporate lawyer and workaholic, drilled these words into my mind. So naturally, I gravitated towards the field even more. However, what I also came to realize was that he meant that I should never become a lawyer like him–one who solely hoped to accumulate a vast fortune, betraying his morality to litigate for massive corporate entities. By contrast, I plan to pursue a career as an environmental lawyer, prioritizing progress and positive change.

In this respect, Vassar resonates with my motivations and presents ideal opportunities to develop my interests. Courses like “Infamy on Trial: Famous Trials in Early Modern Europe” and “Europe 1945-Rethinking History” would provide a means to develop my innate interest in European history and an understanding of law. My passion for advanced discourse and political activism which I developed in high school through Speech and Debate and several social justice organizations would flourish outside of the classroom through the Grassroots Alliance for Alternative Politics and the Vassar Debate Society. Meanwhile, Students for Equitable Environmental Decisions would allow me to further my commitment to environmentalism.

Ultimately though, the beauty of Vassar lies in how it enables one to pursue diverse interests and activities while being surrounded by independently motivated students with similar ideals. Thus, the Outing Club and Vassar ski team both encompass pastimes I have enjoyed throughout my life and plan to pursue into the future. Moreover, through the Vassar Wesleyan Program in Madrid, I could immerse myself further in a culture I have grown to feel a strong connection to through my study of Spanish.

Vassar would enable me to develop my interest in a vast number of topics, activities, and ideas, therefore representing a critical first step toward seeking a fulfilling life.

This essay, which takes quite a different approach to the same “Why School?” prompt , does a good job of establishing the student’s interest in a topic and sharing how Vassar will help them pursue that topic in the short and long run. We learn that this student’s passion for political activism and environmental justice began in high school in the Speech and Debate club and that they were influenced by their brother’s experience in law. The first two paragraphs provide detailed context to understand why this student has chosen to pursue this field in college and beyond, as well as what motivates them.

After establishing the student’s interest, the essay does a good job of explaining why this student wants to pursue these goals at Vassar because they cite specific resources and explain how they will directly benefit from them. Mentioning both specific classes and clubs that are unique to Vassar is already a positive, but the student doesn’t just name-drop them for the sake of it. They provide the elaboration necessary for a successful “ Why This College ” essay by explaining how each resource mentioned aligns with the student’s interests and goals.

Another positive aspect of this essay is that it mentioned both academic and extracurricular opportunities at Vassar that excite this student. Admissions officers aren’t just looking to admit perfect students—they want well-rounded individuals who will contribute to their broader campus community. By mentioning social activities this student wants to take part in like the Outing Club and ski team, the essay shows that this student has a variety of interests and will be an active member of the community. 

One area of the essay that could have used more elaboration was when the student discussed the study abroad program in Madrid. Although including this detail shows the student has done research on Vassar and is interested in studying other languages and cultures, it felt out of place in the paragraph discussing their extracurricular interests. This detail could have been removed to free up words for the student to go into further elaboration on their other academic interests. If the student felt strongly about keeping the study abroad program, they should have moved it to the paragraph focused on their academic pursuits and found a way to connect their academic goals to studying in Madrid. As is, this detail feels out of place and underdeveloped.

Where to Get Your Vassar College Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your Vassar College  essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

How to Get Into Vassar College Guide

How to get into vassar – general information.

Vassar College is a private university located in Poughkeepsie, New York, 75 miles north of New York City. It was founded in 1861 as a women’s college and has been coeducational since 1969. The school has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,435 . 

In this “How to get into Vassar” guide, we’ll cover:

• Average Vassar GPA and median Vassar SAT score
• Vassar acceptance rates (including Vassar Early Decision acceptance rate)
• Vassar admission requirements 
• Interpreting Vassar rankings
• Tips for the Vassar supplemental essays
• The Vassar application deadline, and much more!

As you make your “how to get into Vassar” plan, know that the Vassar acceptance rate and Vassar Early Decision acceptance rate are low. Therefore, ensure you’re on course to meet the average Vassar GPA and average Vassar SAT scores, and prepare to master the Vassar supplemental essays well before the Vassar application deadline. 

In this “How to get into Vassar” guide, we’ll give you the essential information you need to succeed in the Vassar admission process. 

Figuring out how to get into Vassar takes strategy. We can help. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes graduates from some of the country’s top schools. Want to maximize your Vassar admissions odds? Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

How can I get into Vassar?

As you plan how to get into Vassar, bear in mind the Vassar admission team judges students on their academic and personal achievements, as well as their potential to contribute to the student community. 

The key to any good “how to get into Vassar” strategy lies in creating a balanced Vassar application. Your academic record – Vassar GPA, Vassar SAT or ACT scores, and course choices – are all critical. But, the Vassar supplemental essays and teacher recommendations are very important too. Vassar admission will use each of these to assess your personal strengths, motivation, and potential. 

Want to know how to get into Vassar? Follow our advice about each section of the Vassar application in this “How to get into Vassar” guide, and you’ll stand a good chance in the Vassar admission process. 

Is it hard to get into Vassar?

Those considering how to get into Vassar will wonder how hard it is to impress Vassar admission and gain a place at the school. The school is certainly competitive – the Vassar ranking is high, and the Vassar acceptance rate and Vassar Early Decision acceptance rate are both low. However, a place at Vassar is well within reach for those who are prepared to work for it. 

In terms of the Vassar ranking, U.S. News places Vassar at #22 in the National Liberal Arts Colleges ranking, while Niche places it at #27 . 

In addition to the Vassar ranking compared to other schools, you should consider the caliber of admitted students when thinking about how to get into Vassar. The average Vassar GPA is 3.9 , while the average Vassar SAT score is 1467 and the average ACT composite is 33. In addition, the Vassar acceptance rate is 20% while the Vassar Early Decision acceptance rate is 39% .

These figures demonstrate the importance of taking the Vassar application seriously. In spite of the competitive acceptance rate and high Vassar ranking, Vassar admission is possible for those who apply themselves to their schoolwork and execute an effective “how to get into Vassar” strategy. 

What is the average GPA needed for Vassar?

For those looking for Vassar GPA requirements as part of their “how to get into Vassar” research, look no further. The answer to whether a certain average Vassar GPA is needed is “no”.  

However, you should still strive to exceed the average Vassar GPA. Especially in light of the low Vassar acceptance rate and Vassar Early Decision acceptance rate, you should cut no corners when thinking about how to get into Vassar.

As we mentioned, the average Vassar GPA for the admitted class of 2025 was 3.9 on a 4.0 unweighted scale. Additionally, the average Vassar SAT score was 1467 and average ACT composite was 33. 

CollegeAdvisor strongly advises you to meet or exceed the average Vassar SAT score and Vassar GPA if you’re planning to complete the Vassar application. Although there’s no required Vassar GPA, the Vassar admission team repeatedly states the importance of academics when they’re trying to make a decision about your Vassar application. 

For plenty of tips about boosting your Vassar GPA, check out this article . Finally, for tips on boosting your Vassar SAT and ACT scores, take a look here . 

What does the Vassar application look like?

Given the strong Vassar ranking and high average Vassar GPA, any good “how to get into Vassar” strategy will involve crafting a well-rounded application. So, what does the Vassar application look like?

Vassar admission requires the following for any Vassar application:

• A Common Application or Coalition Application (this includes the Vassar supplemental essays)
• An Early Decision Agreement (ED applicants only)
• School Report and High School Transcript, completed by your guidance counselor
• Teacher Evaluations
• Mid-year Grade Report 
• TOEFL/IELTS/DET (guidance around when English proficiency tests are required can be found here ) 

Additionally, you can submit the following optional materials in your Vassar application:

• Vassar SAT or ACT scores
• Art, Music, and Dance Portfolios 
• Alumni or Student Interview

Again, we recommend you submit your Vassar SAT or ACT scores if they compare well to the average Vassar SAT. They are an optional part of the Vassar application, but given the low Vassar acceptance rate and Vassar Early Decision acceptance rate, you want to do everything you can to maximize your chances of acceptance.  

Finally, ensure that you’ve submitted the above materials by your chosen Vassar application deadline: November 15th (Early Decision I), January 14th (Early Decision II) or January 4th (Regular Decision). As the Vassar Early Decision acceptance rate (39%) is higher than the overall Vassar acceptance rate (20%), think carefully about whether Early Decision might be right for you. 

What extracurriculars does Vassar look for?

As you put together your “how to get into Vassar” strategy, you may wonder what extracurriculars the Vassar admission team looks for. 

Firstly, it’s important to note that Vassar values diversity , and the student body is engaged in a rich variety of activities. From spirituality to civic engagement to athletics , wherever your interests lie, you’re likely to find a place to pursue them at Vassar. 

That said, the Vassar supplemental essays will ask you to show demonstrated interest in the school. So as you think about how to get into Vassar, it would be wise to make sure that your extracurriculars align with what the school offers. Research their academic , artistic , and extracurricular opportunities and ensure that your own goals and interests would be met if you were to attend. 

What is the acceptance rate at Vassar?

If you’ve researched how to get into Vassar thoroughly, you’ll know that the Vassar ranking and average Vassar GPA are high. Vassar is a tough school to get into. Additionally, the Vassar acceptance rate and Vassar Early Decision acceptance rate make it a “most selective” school, according to U.S News. 

So, what is the Vassar acceptance rate? The Vassar acceptance rate for overall Vassar applications is 20%. Meanwhile, the Vassar Early Decision acceptance rate is much higher, at 39% .

Because the Vassar Early Decision acceptance rate is higher, do consider making an Early Decision Vassar application. Bear in mind that, if you make it through the Vassar Early Decision acceptance rate and are accepted, you must withdraw your applications to other colleges and universities. You will be required to attend Vassar if you’re granted Early admissions. So, think carefully before putting Early Decision in your “how to get into Vassar” plan. 

Read CollegeAdvisors’ resources for more tips on determining the college that’s right for you , and your dream school . 

Finally, although the Vassar acceptance rate is competitive, it should not be daunting if you’re serious about your Vassar application. If your Vassar GPA, Vassar SAT and ACT score, and teacher evaluations all look promising, be optimistic about your chances in the face of the Vassar acceptance rate. 

For more guidance about interpreting the Vassar acceptance rate and Vassar Early Decision acceptance rate, check out this article . 

How does Vassar College rank?

Anyone making a “how to get into Vassar” plan will be curious about the Vassar ranking. 

The Vassar ranking is very strong. As we mentioned above, U.S. News places Vassar #22 in their list of the best Liberal Arts Colleges in the country. Meanwhile, Niche gives a Vassar ranking of #27 in the same category. 

The Vassar ranking is also high in Best Colleges for Veterans, where it comes in at #3 . Vassar is a part of the Yellow Ribbon program , which offers financial support to veterans. 

Lastly, the Vassar ranking is #30 in the Best Value Schools list. Vassar meets 100% of the demonstrated need of all admitted students, so if you are concerned about how to get into Vassar with financial support, do not hesitate to apply.

Overall, the Vassar ranking tells you that it is a desirable school – a target or reach for most students. However, try not to get too distracted by the Vassar ranking. Instead, focus your “how to get into Vassar” strategy on the things you can control, such as your Vassar GPA and Vassar SAT or ACT scores. This is how to get into Vassar successfully!

How to write a Vassar College essay

The Vassar supplemental essays are a required part of your Vassar application. So, make sure you’ve thought about how to answer the Vassar supplemental essays as part of your “how to get into Vassar” strategy. 

Only one of the Vassar supplemental essays is compulsory, and it simply asks:

Why are you applying to Vassar? (300 words)

Of all the Vassar supplemental essays, this one is a typical “Why School” essay. It asks you to reflect on why you have chosen Vassar in particular, as opposed to another university. To impress the Vassar admission team with your essay, it is very important you show you have done thorough research.

Go beyond superficial things like the Vassar ranking and average Vassar GPA. Instead, take stock of your own goals and interests. Then, research the academic courses and extracurriculars that would help you achieve them. As you answer the Vassar supplemental essays, explain why these specific things will help you achieve your goals and pursue your passions during your time as an undergrad. 

Find more guidance on tailoring your extracurriculars to your Vassar supplemental essays here . 

How does Vassar College review applications?

As you perfect your “how to get into Vassar” plan, you may wonder what happens to your Vassar application after the Vassar admission deadline has passed. 

Given the low Vassar acceptance rate and Vassar Early Decision acceptance rate, the school clearly has a rigorous process for filtering applicants. While the Vassar admission team does not publish its review process in full, we can tell a lot about the process from the Vassar admission requirements. 

The school states that their typical candidate “has taken a very challenging curriculum at their high school, taking full advantage of all that their school has to offer”. This suggests that Vassar will seriously consider the difficulty of your courses, alongside your unweighted Vassar GPA. The depth and breadth of subjects in your junior and senior years are especially important.  

Vassar recommends you take four years of the five main academic core subjects: English, Math, Foreign Language, Natural Science, and History/Social Science. Furthermore, their typical applicant has an A- average and is within the top 10-20% of their class. 

In addition, they consider “personal strengths, motivation, and potential”. Most applicants have been “actively involved in extracurricular activities and have shown leadership and other accomplishments”. Therefore, engage in extracurriculars that challenge you and demonstrate good character. This will give your Vassar application a strong chance in spite of the low Vassar acceptance rate. 

Will Vassar College review my social media accounts?

While thinking about how to get into Vassar, you may worry about how your social media presence affects your odds. Given the low Vassar acceptance rate and Vassar Early Decision acceptance rate, you don’t want to take any chances. 

Rest assured, the Vassar admission team is unlikely to look at your social media profiles. For the class of 2025 alone, they received 10,884 applications. They use their time to focus on the primary parts of your Vassar application – your Vassar GPA, Vassar SAT or ACT and Vassar supplemental essays. It would take them far too long to check through everyone’s social media too. 

However, you should still be responsible . While social media might not directly impact your Vassar application, employers and internship directors might look at your accounts. Plus, there’s always a chance that someone from the Vassar admission team takes a quick look. In that case, you wouldn’t want them to find something that reflects badly on you.  

Therefore, our recommendation is to enjoy social media but play it safe. Follow these tips on how to use platforms responsibly. 

Is Vassar a good school for me?

It can be easy to get distracted by the Vassar ranking and Vassar acceptance rate, and forget to see whether the school is a true cultural and academic fit. As you work on your “how to get into Vassar” strategy, remember to ask yourself whether Vassar is the right school for you! 

Vassar has a small and diverse student body. In the class of 2025, 38% of students identify as people of color and students came from 22 different countries and 41 different states. The student body is more female than male, so if you are looking for an even split, Vassar may not be the school for you. 

Vassar has an incredibly broad curriculum and increasingly emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach. Before you apply, make sure you explore their course selection to ensure you could pursue your academic passions as an undergraduate there.

Additionally, Vassar has a thriving student life. Their residential living arrangements and bustling campus dining room allow you to fully immerse yourself in the community. Students interested in sports, sustainability, religious practice , civic engagement, and leadership will probably find themselves quite at home. Note that Vassar does not have a Greek system, so if you’re looking for a fraternity or sorority, it might not be a good fit. 

Overall, Vassar has a lot to offer students. If you are academically talented, interested in others, and engaged in the world, you’re likely to thrive at Vassar. Don’t hesitate to submit a Vassar application before the Vassar admission deadline!

Additional tips to get into Vassar College

As we come to the end of this “How to get into Vassar” guide, and you begin to work on your Vassar application, keep the following tips in mind: 

Be authentic

The Vassar admission team wants students who will genuinely contribute to the community. So don’t take up hobbies you won’t enjoy, just so you have something to write about in your Vassar supplemental essays. Early in high school, well before the Vassar application deadline, pursue the things that really interest you. 

Master your timelines

Remember, the Vassar admission deadline is January 4th. Make sure every part of your Vassar application – your Vassar GPA, Vassar SAT, Vassar supplemental essays, etc. – is ready to go well before this date. For more top tips on perfecting your Vassar application timeline, check out this article. 

You’re now ready to execute your “how to get into Vassar” plan and craft a Vassar application that has a good chance of acceptance. Best of luck!

This guide was written by Bethany Nelson. If you want to know how to get into Vassar, we’ve got you covered. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes graduates from the country’s top schools. Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, vassar supplemental essay.

Hey y'all! I'm working on my college applications and I've been struggling with the Vassar supplemental essay. Can anyone give me some guidance on what the admissions committee is looking for and how I should approach this essay? Thanks!

Hello! The Vassar supplemental essay is an opportunity for you to showcase your genuine interest in the school and its unique community. To approach this essay successfully, you'll want to do thorough research on Vassar to better understand its values and opportunities. Look into the academic programs, clubs or extracurricular activities, and any resources or initiatives that resonate with your interests and goals.

The admissions committee wants to see that you've thought carefully about why Vassar is a good fit for you and how you can contribute to its community. Highlight specific programs, classes, or faculty members that you find appealing and tie them into your essay to demonstrate your excitement about learning and growing at Vassar. Make sure that your essay is personal and unique to you by relating your interests and experiences to what Vassar has to offer.

Moreover, since Vassar is known for its liberal arts education, you can emphasize your desire for interdisciplinary learning, inclusivity, and intellectual curiosity. Talk about how you plan to take advantage of Vassar's open curriculum, collaborative environment, or any other core values that align with your personal and academic growth.

Avoid using generic descriptions of the campus or school size that could apply to many other colleges. Instead, be specific about what attracts you to Vassar and what sets it apart from other schools in your mind. Lastly, it's essential to maintain a clear, concise, and engaging writing style. Be honest about your motivations and illustrate your passions through concrete examples and anecdotes.

Good luck with your Vassar supplemental essay, and remember to make it clear how you will both fit in with, and contribute to, the community!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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• Applying to Vassar

Information for First-Year Applicants

Everything you need to know to apply.

• Early Decision I November 15
• Early Decision II January 1
• Regular Decision January 1

First-Year Application Requirements

Application checklist.

• Common Application or Coalition Application
• $65 application fee or a fee waiver
• Early Decision Agreement (Early Decision Applicants ONLY)
• School Report with the Counselor Recommendation and High School Transcript: To be completed and sent by your school counselor. Available for online completion or download through Common Application .
• A Teacher Evaluation
• Mid-year Report: Your school counselor or another school official must submit your mid-year grades to us. Early Decision applicants must submit a fall progress report and will be asked to provide their first-term grades as soon as they become available.
• TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo : If English is neither your first language nor the primary language of instruction in secondary schools you have attended for the last three years.

Optional Application Materials

Standardized tests.

Vassar does not require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. Applicants can declare whether or not they wish to include testing with their application by logging in to the applicant status portal and completing the test optional form; the deadlines to do so are:

• Early Decision I: November 22
• Spring Transfer: November 22
• Regular Decision and Early Decision II: January 8
• Fall Transfer: April 1

Enrolling students who choose to self-report testing will be required to provide official score reports in the spring. Vassar reserves the right to revoke an offer of admission if an applicant’s self-reported scores do not align with those in their official score report.

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, and 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! Your Space is entirely optional.

Informational Interviews

After applying, you may request an informational interview with an alumnus to learn more about the Vassar experience. These interviews are not evaluative and are not a required part of the application process.

Music, Art, and Dance Portfolios

If you have a well-developed talent or significant accomplishment in music, art, or dance, you may submit a portfolio to be evaluated by our faculty.

Related Topics

How to Apply

Requirements, deadlines, financial aid... everything you need to know about how to apply to Vassar.

International Applicants

Vassar is a vibrant community of global citizens. Learn more about the application process for international students.

Transfer Applicants

See the checklist of requirements to transfer to Vassar.

How To Write the Vassar Supplement

The Vassar College supplement, on first glance, seems relatively easy to tackle and somewhat straight-forward. What we’ve learned from years of advising students on this supplement is that a) it’s a bit more complex than it seems but also b) it’s more work than you think. There are three optional components. We implore you to explore at least two of those three, and not just because many students will overlook them (though that fact will help you). The first two responses are limited to 350 words. We assure you, 350 words is longer than you think. Keep that in mind when brainstorming. Additionally, we encourage students to keep Vassar’s culture and community in mind while they write this. Vassar is a free-spirited, very liberal place with a diverse community. This should be in the back of your mind while you’re writing. Let’s get going.

• Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences in the space below. Limit 350 words. Like we said above, 350 words is longer than you think. It’s more space to explore, and it’s certainly enough space within which to tell a story (after all, you can tell a story in one sentence). This prompt requires you to bring the admissions reader inside your actions and participation within an extracurricular or work setting through a story. We like to tell our students that it doesn’t necessarily matter which extracurricular activity they choose to tell the story about, because the story is more about the interest or quality that they want to shed light on the most. You choose the topic for this question based on something that you are proud of or an action that you are deeply connected to. So much so that might argue it typifies who you are as a person. We had a student who wanted to write about her work helping underprivileged children. While on the surface, this seems like a run-of-the-mill activity, she dug deep. She wrote about a breakthrough moment that she had with one of her students, but not before she engaged in an honest discussion about her challenges with this particular student. It was a very genuine story about how one small event, in the context of the situation, can be a marker for long-term change. This student will be attending Vassar in the fall. In the vein of authenticity, we remind you to recall that Vassar has a lot of student activism on campus. Students are passionate and often liberal, albeit privileged. It is necessary to interrogate your instincts with this essay and steer clear from writing about a service trip or a volunteer gig in a soup kitchen. This will highlight your privilege and you won’t be in the room to defend yourself. That’s no good.  
• How did you learn about Vassar and what aspect of our college do you find appealing? Limit 350 words This is an interesting question. We like it for some reasons: the language, and the fact that it’s a “Why X College?” question with a twist. We don’t love it for others—namely, the first part. Let’s talk about that. It’s a hard ask when 95% of students don’t recall how they first actually heard of Vassar. Vassar is just a college that people have been talking about for a long time, because one of the top 15 schools in the nation. That is most likely how you heard about it. If we’re being honest, that part of the question mostly has to do with marketing. 50% of money spent on marketing is wasted, but it’s hard to know which category it’s wasted in, and this question can shed some light on that mystery for the college. We wouldn’t worry too much about this aspect of the question, unless you have a truly interesting story (your parents met at Vassar a year after the school went co-ed and you’ve been coming back for reunions since you were born). Don’t spend too much time on it, because the story here is Vassar’s appeal. Now onto the good news—we love that Vassar asked about what “appeals” to you. It’s a wonderful choice of words, and you can do a lot with it. With research. Do your research for a “ Why X School ?” question—find classes that fascinate you, specify a professor whose brain you want to pick, and some extra-curriculars that sound right up your alley. Talk about what major interests you and some potential minors you might want to explore. Be sure that everything is Vassar-specific. They want to know why you want to study Comparative Literature at Vassar over every other school out there. That said, very rarely do students know exactly what their major is going to be ahead of time, though they might think they do. If this is the case, don’t worry—choose a subject that interests you. Remember: there’s no right or wrong answer for this question. Vassar is interested, more than anything, in how you think, not what you want to study. Go with your gut on this one.

  If you wish to provide details of circumstances not reflected in the application, please upload a file here. Similarly, if you wish to upload your resume, include it here. Let us be clear when we say that this portion is not optional. This is the space to elaborate on any significant events that happened in high school that may have affected your ability to execute at your peak academic or social potential. If you experienced a death or illness in your family, or went through an event that resulted in a grade drop or an inconsistency on your record, by all means tackle that here. If not, though, do not leave this space blank. Every one of our students has a resume when they are applying to college. If they don’t have one going into the application process, then we help them format and create a resume. It’s important to have a working document that lists all of your academic, extracurricular, and work experiences in an organized format. You can upload that document here for Vassar to see—it will only help you tremendously for them to see all of your accomplishments concisely typed out in a visually appealing format on a page. 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. Your Space is entirely optional. If you choose to include a Your Space submission, be sure it is labeled with your name, high school, and date of birth. Due to the volume of submissions, we will be unable to return your work. Please do not send anything that is irreplaceable. Again, while this might read as optional, we advise that you use Your Space and fill it with something that shows Vassar a different part of yourself. Perhaps you have a piece of creative writing that you are particularly proud of that you’d like to share. If not, be creative in some other way—this is literally your space to do with what you’d like. You could write a letter to them introducing yourself. You could write a poem about your new dorm room. Don’t overlook this opportunity just because it’s a bit more work. You can make it interesting and even have a bit of fun with it. Consider this your introduction to Vassar. You are welcome to submit a photograph of yourself to personalize your application.

This isn’t something you see that often with college applications. So we’ll reiterate what we’ve said to our students in the past:

• Don’t send a selfie.
• If you do send a photo, make sure it looks polished.
• It should look professional but don’t get a headshot professionally taken. That’s too extra.
• Don’t send a photo if it makes you feel weird.

Let us know if you have any questions at all. We know this supplement can be a bit challenging. We’re here to help.

Supplemental Essay Guide 2024-25

What do the 2024-25 supplemental essay prompts really mean, and how should you approach them? CEA's experts are here to break them all down.

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How to Approach Supplemental Essays

When our students dig into the college application process, they are often surprised to encounter not only the main Common Application’s personal statement , but also a host of supplemental essay questions. These assignments are often school-specific writing prompts for which a student must also craft thoughtful, well-written replies.

Supplemental essays are often more focused than the Common App assignment, though they vary in length and scope. Their prompts tackle subjects that range from deeper explorations of a student’s background to their collegiate and academic interests.

We often encourage our students to nail down their personal statement topic first, then ask them to approach their supplemental essays in priority order, according to submission deadlines. Many schools will offer prompts that are similar in theme and content to one another (for example, many institutions now ask about a student’s most important activity ), so it is helpful for students to gather and review all supplemental questions before beginning the brainstorm process to see where they might naturally overlap.

Elite institutions often have extensive supplemental sections, as do some honors programs, so students should keep this in mind as they hunt for their essay questions and map out their plan of attack.

All supplemental essays should be given the same time and care as the main Common Application essay. These supplements not only are an excellent opportunity to show a school both your competence and level of devotion to their institution, but also offer opportunities to paint some personality into your application. So embrace supplements, use your unique voice, and show these schools what you’re made of!

Agnes Scott College 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Alvernia University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide  

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2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, new york university (nyu) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, frequently asked questions.

It really depends. Typically, the more competitive the university, the more arduous the supplemental essay requirements. Most top universities ask for at least three supplemental essays, but some only require one short essay.

The most common supplemental essay topics are:

• The Why Essay , which asks applicants to discuss their interest in their intended major and/or the school in question.
• The Activity Essay , which asks applicants to describe their involvement in an activity that is meaningful to them.
• The Community Essay , which asks about a community the applicant belongs to and the role that community plays in their life (and vice versa!).
• The Diversity Essay , which often asks applicants to explore how they champion diversity and inclusion in their communities and/or how they engage with people from different backgrounds or who hold opposing views. 
• The Short Answer , which asks applicants to answer prompts in very few words (or characters) to add context to their application and a splash of personality.
• The Oddball Essay , which asks applicants to tap into their creativity to connect curveball questions to their lives and interests.

Just like with the Common App personal statement, you’re going to want to write authentically about yourself while addressing all parts of each supplemental essay prompt. Many schools want to better understand how you see yourself contributing to their campus community and/or diversity and inclusion efforts along with how you hope to use your education to achieve your goals. So, be honest and forward-thinking, and don’t forget to customize each supplemental essay so it’s specific to each school you’re submitting to. That means doing research and weaving information into your essays that demonstrates the amount of time and thought you’ve put into your application. 

We have a few successful supplemental essay examples in our Free Resources section.

Each admissions department has their own process for reviewing applications, and some admissions committees put more weight on supplemental essays than others, but all admissions departments that offer applicants the opportunity to pen additional essays are doing so for a reason: to better understand the applicant and compare similarly qualified candidates. It’s in the applicant’s best interest to not only provide admissions with as much information regarding their candidacy as possible, but also go the extra mile. At highly competitive institutions, admissions officers are looking for reasons to remove students from the applicant pool—don’t let poorly written or (*gulp*) incomplete supplemental essays work against you!

Absolutely not. Please do not reuse content from your Common App essay in your supplements. Although it’s possible for you to expand upon an idea, activity, or community that you mention in your Common App essay in your supplements, you should never recycle content or any phrasing word for word.

Start by reading through all the prompts. Next, jot down ideas that come to your mind (no matter how silly they may seem!). Everyone has a story to tell, and we’re willing to bet you’re more interesting than you think. Give yourself plenty of time to consider different topics and revise, revise, revise! Also, our handy dandy Supplemental Essay Guides are sure to help you on your writing journey.

North Carolina State 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

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